Advanced Electrochemical Materials and Devices for Clean Energy and Environment

Dr. Zeba Khanam is currently working as an Assistant Researcher at College of Materials Science & Engineering, Hunan University, China. She earned her PhD in Environmental Science (minor in Chemistry) from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, India. Her research centers on the energy-environment nexus, addressing critical challenges in energy storage and water pollution for society's well-being. Her work spans the development of advanced flexible electrodes, polymer electrolytes, anticorrosive coatings, and water quality assessment. So far, Dr. Khanam has published 23 articles in peer-reviewed international journals, 8 book chapters, 5 popular articles in national science magazines, and a book as the lead editor. In addition, she has presented her work at numerous national/international events, including the most prestigious, Faraday Discussion-173 at RSC, London. She is a recipient of national/international doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships and RSC travel grants. Also, she is honored with the Junior Scientist-2020 award by the National Environmental Science Academy (NESA), India. She is serving as a reviewer for reputed journals of Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, and T&F, and holds membership of scientific societies namely, RSC-London, NESA-India, and ISCA-India. Beyond her scientific endeavors, she engages in corporate and social activities, underscoring her well-rounded professional and academic development.

Dr. Divesh Narayan Srivastava currently holds the position of Chief Scientist at CSIR-CSMCRI, India, and Professor at AcSIR. He graduated from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (India), in 1999, and subsequently spent a few years at Bar-Ilan University, Israel, and the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, India, as a postdoctoral fellow. His current research interests include electrochemical sensors and electrocatalysis. He has authored 131 research papers, 4 book chapters, edited 1 book, and holds 6 patents to his credit. Among his notable contributions are the development of technologies such as the 'Plastic Chip Electrode,' 'Tailored Potentiostat,' and 'Direct Seawater Electrolyzer.' The Plastic Chip Electrode has been adopted by a start-up for application in microfluidic devices. He is a guest editor of a special issue of Materials Today 73 (2023). He is a Fellow of the Gujarat Science Academy and an esteemed member of several other national and international scientific and administrative organizations.

Dr. M.-Sadeeq Balogun joined the College of Materials Science & Engineering at Hunan University as a Professor in 2018. He has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research in functional nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage and water splitting. His academic journey began with a BSc in Industrial Chemistry from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria, in 2008, followed by a Master’s in Materials Science & Engineering from Guilin University of Electronic Technology, China in 2012. He then earned a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Sun Yat-sen University, China, in 2016, where he later completed postdoctoral research in 2018. At Hunan university, he established the Balogun Energy Research Lab (BENRLAB), a fully equipped laboratory spanning 140 square meters, and mentored over 20 students alongside 5 overseas postdocs to date. His scholarly contributions are substantial, with a remarkable track record of over 120 papers published in renowned international journals, amassing more than 11000 citations. Notably, 25 of his papers are ESI Highly Cited, underscoring the impact and significance of his work. Beyond academics, his commitment to innovation and collaboration inspired the foundation of the Alliance of Overseas Talents (AOOT) in Hunan, China, an initiative dedicated to fostering global talent exchange and accelerating advancements in research & development.