Zouhair Lakbaibi | Chemistry | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Best Paper Awards

Prof. Dr. Zouhair Lakbaibi | Chemistry | Editorial Board Member 

Ful Professor | Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry Materials and Environment; Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador; Mohamed First University | Morocco

Zouhair Lakbaibi is a distinguished Professor in the Chemistry Department at Mohamed First University, Multidisciplinary Faculty, Nador, Morocco, with a prolific research career focused on corrosion inhibition, green chemistry, and computational chemistry. He has contributed extensively to the understanding of the interactions between chemical compounds and metal surfaces, particularly in acidic environments, using both experimental and theoretical approaches. His work spans the study of hydrazine derivatives, perillaldehyde from essential oils, and other bioactive compounds as eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for mild and carbon steel, combining electrochemical analyses, adsorption behavior studies, and quantum chemical modeling. In addition, Lakbaibi has investigated the degradation of synthetic dyes via Fenton reactions and studied the adsorption and removal of heavy metal ions, including cadmium and copper, employing both experimental designs and computational simulations such as Monte Carlo and factorial analysis. His research demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary focus, integrating chemistry, environmental science, and materials science, and has been published in reputable journals like Heliyon, Chemical Papers, ACS Omega, and the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention. His investigations also encompass tribological behaviors of metals in corrosive media, solvent effects in chemical reactions, and theoretical studies on reaction mechanisms and selectivity, including DFT and ELF approaches. Over the years, Lakbaibi has collaborated with numerous researchers across Morocco and internationally, emphasizing sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in chemical processes. With 17 documented publications, his work highlights innovative approaches to corrosion prevention, adsorption technologies, and mechanistic studies of organic reactions, bridging theoretical and practical chemistry applications while contributing significantly to the scientific community through both experimental insights and computational modeling.

Profiles: ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Lakbaibi, Z., Damej, M., Molhi, A., Benmessaoud, M., Tighadouini, S., Jaafar, A., Benabbouha, T., Ansari, A., Driouich, A., & Tabyaoui, M. (2022). Evaluation of inhibitive corrosion potential of symmetrical hydrazine derivatives containing nitrophenyl moiety in 1M HCl for C38 steel: Experimental and theoretical studies. Heliyon, 8, e09087.

  2. Ansari, A., Lakbaibi, Z., Znini, M., & Manssouri, M. (2021). Evaluation of corrosion inhibition and adsorption behavior of 7-Isopropyl-4-methyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzoisoxazole against carbon steel corrosion in 1 M HCl: Experimental and computational investigations. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Research, 8(3), 233677.

  3. Manssouri, M., Znini, M., Lakbaibi, Z., Ansari, A., & El Ouadi, Y. (2021). Experimental and computational studies of perillaldehyde isolated from Ammodaucus leucotrichus essential oil as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1.0 M HCl. Chemical Papers, 75, 4145–4162.

  4. Jaafar, A., Ben El Ayouchia, H., Lakbaibi, Z., Regti, A., Jaafar, N., Boussaoud, A., Benallou, A., & Jodeh, S. (2021). Fenton degradation of binary synthetic dyes mixture: Experimental and DFT studies. Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment, 25, 1–12.

  5. Regti, A., Lakbaibi, Z., Ben Elayouchia, H., El Haddad, M., Laamari, M. R., Jaafar, A., Elazhary, I., & El Himri, M. (2021). Optimization and computational approach to understand the adsorption behavior of alizarine red s on the surface of fish scales. Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry, 11(6), 14918–14934.

Zouhair Lakbaibi’s research advances sustainable chemistry by developing eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors and efficient heavy-metal remediation methods, bridging theoretical modeling and experimental studies. His work supports industry, environmental protection, and global innovation by offering practical solutions for metal preservation and pollution control.

Ulf-Peter Apfel | Chemistry | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Best Paper Awards

Prof. Dr. Ulf-Peter Apfel | Chemistry | Editorial Board Member 

Professor | Ruhr University Bochum & Fraunhofer UMSICHT | Germany

Ulf-Peter Apfel is a leading figure in modern electrocatalysis and renewable energy chemistry, with a research career defined by major contributions to bio-inspired catalysis, hydrogen evolution, CO₂ reduction, and sustainable energy conversion. With over 8,300 citations, an h-index of 53, and more than 136 peer-reviewed publications, his work demonstrates both exceptional productivity and enduring scientific impact. His research bridges fundamental inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry with applied electrochemical energy technologies, particularly through the design of molecular and heterogeneous electrocatalysts inspired by natural metalloenzymes such as [FeFe]-hydrogenases. His highly cited studies in journals like Angewandte Chemie, Nature Communications, Chemical Society Reviews, and ACS Catalysis have shaped global understanding of hydrogen generation, oxygen reduction and evolution reactions, and carbon dioxide electroreduction. Notably, his work on enzyme-inspired iron porphyrins, pentlandite-based electrocatalysts, cobalt and manganese corrole complexes, and metal–organic framework supported catalysts has established new benchmarks for efficiency, selectivity, and sustainability in electrocatalysis. His interdisciplinary collaborations span spectroscopy, protein crystallography, materials science, and industrial chemistry, reflecting the broad translational relevance of his research. Beyond laboratory innovation, his scholarship also addresses the critical challenge of scaling fundamental discoveries toward real-world energy applications, as reflected in his influential work on bridging the “valley of death” between basic research and applied electrolysis. As a professor at Ruhr University Bochum and head of electrosynthesis at Fraunhofer UMSICHT, he plays a central role in shaping future directions in green hydrogen, artificial photosynthesis, and carbon-neutral fuel production. Overall, his career represents a powerful integration of molecular design, mechanistic insight, and technological relevance, positioning him as one of the most influential scientists in contemporary renewable energy and electrocatalysis research.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Xie, L., Zhang, X. P., Zhao, B., Li, P., Qi, J., Guo, X., Wang, B., Lei, H., & Zhang, W. (2021). Enzyme-inspired iron porphyrins for improved electrocatalytic oxygen reduction and evolution reactions. Angewandte Chemie, 133(14), 7654–7659.

  2. Kleinhaus, J. T., Wittkamp, F., Yadav, S., Siegmund, D., & Apfel, U.-P. (2021). [FeFe]-hydrogenases: Maturation and reactivity of enzymatic systems and overview of biomimetic models. Chemical Society Reviews, 50(3), 1668–1784.

  3. Liang, Z., Guo, H., Zhou, G., Guo, K., Wang, B., Lei, H., Zhang, W., & Zheng, H. (2021). Metal–organic-framework-supported molecular electrocatalysis for the oxygen reduction reaction. Angewandte Chemie, 133(15), 8553–8557.

  4. Konkena, B., Junge Puring, K., Sinev, I., Piontek, S., Khavryuchenko, O., Dürholt, J. P., Schökel, A., Schuhmann, W., Muhler, M., & Apfel, U.-P. (2016). Pentlandite rocks as sustainable and stable efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation. Nature Communications, 7(1), 12269.

  5. Gonglach, S., Paul, S., Haas, M., Pillwein, F., Sreejith, S. S., Barman, S., De, R., Müllegger, S., Apfel, U.-P., & Köller, S. (2019). Molecular cobalt corrole complex for the heterogeneous electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. Nature Communications, 10(1), 3864.

Ulf-Peter Apfel’s research advances the frontiers of bio-inspired electrocatalysis and sustainable energy conversion, delivering transformative solutions for green hydrogen production and CO₂ utilization. His work directly accelerates the global transition toward carbon-neutral energy technologies by bridging fundamental chemistry with scalable industrial applications.

Yele Sun | Aerosol Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Best Paper Awards

Prof. Yele Sun, Aerosol Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Summary:

Prof. Yele Sun is a distinguished atmospheric scientist with significant contributions to the study of atmospheric aerosols and air quality. With a Ph.D. in Atmospheric Chemistry from Beijing Normal University and postdoctoral experience from leading universities in the US, he has held prominent academic positions and led numerous impactful research projects. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards and citations, and he continues to play an influential role in advancing the field of atmospheric sciences.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

B.A. in Chemistry (2001)

  • Institution: Beijing Normal University

Ph.D. in Atmospheric Chemistry (2006)

  • Institution: Beijing Normal University

Postdoctoral Research Scholar (2006-2009)

  • Institution: State University of New York, University at Albany

Postdoctoral Research Scholar (2009-2010)

  • Institution: University of California, Davis

Professional Experience:

Prof. Yele Sun has an extensive background in atmospheric sciences, with over a decade of experience in research and academia. He began his career as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at the State University of New York, University at Albany, and later at the University of California, Davis. In 2010, he advanced to a Research Scientist II position at Colorado State University. Since 2011, Prof. Sun has been a Professor at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He is also a Professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and has served as the Associate Director of the State Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Physics and Atmospheric Chemistry since 2016.

Research Interest:

Prof. Sun’s research focuses on understanding the composition, sources, formation mechanisms, and evolution processes of atmospheric aerosols, and evaluating their impacts on air quality and regional climate. His work also investigates the vertical structures of the atmospheric boundary layer and its interactions with complex pollution.

Professional Activities and Synergistic Roles:

  • Executive Editor of Environmental Research Communications (2023-present)
  • Editor of Advances in Atmospheric Science (2019-present)
  • Air Pollution Section Editor of Current Pollution Reports (2016-present)
  • Guest Editor of a special issue in Environmental Pollution
  • Editor of Chinese Journal of Atmospheric Sciences (2014-present)
  • Editor of Climatic and Environmental Research (2012-present)
  • Reviewer for several prestigious journals, including Science Advances, Nature Scientific Reports, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, Environmental Science & Technology, and more.

Research Projects:

Prof. Sun has led numerous significant research projects, such as:

  • NSF Project on Organic Aerosols (2024-2028)
  • NSF Project on Water-Soluble Organic Aerosol in Beijing (2020-2023)
  • NSF Project on Secondary Aerosols during Severe Haze (2018-2021)
  • MOST Project on Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Haze Pollution (2014-2018)
  • NSF Project on Urban Aerosols (2016-2019)
  • CAS Project on Regional Haze Events in Northern China (2012-2017)
  • NSF Project on Organic Aerosols (2012-2015)

Awards and Honors:

Prof. Sun has received numerous accolades for his contributions to atmospheric sciences, including:

  • TWAS-CAS Young Scientists Award for Frontier Science (2022)
  • Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics (2019-2023)
  • Jeoujang Jaw Outstanding Science Award for Young and Middle-Aged Scientists (2020)
  • Ten-Thousand Talents Program (2019)
  • Tan Kah Kee Young Scientist Award (2018)
  • Young Scientist of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2016)
  • National Natural Science Award (Second Class) (2012)
  • Thousand Young Talent Program (2012)

Top Noted Publication:

1. Rapid hydrolysis of NO₂ at High Ionic Strengths of Deliquesced Aerosol Particles

  • Authors: Gen, M., Zheng, H., Sun, Y., Matsuki, A., Song, S.
  • Journal: Environmental Science and Technology, 2024, 58(18), pp. 7904–7915

2. Morphological and Elemental Classification of Freshly-Emitted Individual Particles From Field and Laboratory Residential Biomass Burning

  • Authors: Zhang, Y., Li, W., Zhang, J., Liu, D., Sun, Y.
  • Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 2024, 129(8), e2023JD040379

3. Simulated Phase State and Viscosity of Secondary Organic Aerosols Over China

  • Authors: Zhang, Z., Li, Y., Ran, H., Sun, Y., Shiraiwa, M.
  • Journal: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 2024, 24(8), pp. 4809–4826

4. Dominant Contribution of Combustion-Related Ammonium During Haze Pollution in Beijing

  • Authors: Wu, L., Wang, P., Zhang, Q., Ying, Q., Fu, P.
  • Journal: Science Bulletin, 2024, 69(7), pp. 978–987

5. Predictions of Air Quality and Challenges for Eliminating Air Pollution During the 2022 Olympic Winter Games

  • Authors: Yang, W., Wu, Q., Li, J., Xin, J., Wang, Z.
  • Journal: Atmospheric Research, 2024, 300, 107225