Megha Unni | Energy Storage Applications | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Megha Unni | Energy Storage Applications | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at VIT-AP UNIVERSITY, India

Ms. Megha Unni is a doctoral researcher at VIT-AP, specializing in material science with a focus on high-entropy alloy coatings for energy storage and corrosion resistance applications. She holds a Master’s in Physics from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and a Bachelor’s in Physics from Calicut University. Her research interests span electrochemistry, corrosion science, and ferroelectric materials. She has published peer-reviewed journal articles and holds multiple patents. Megha is a recipient of the Research Award from VIT-AP and has participated in international conferences and workshops related to advanced materials.

Publication Profile

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Google Scholar

Educational Details

Ph.D., Physics – VIT-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India (2021 – Present)

  • Research Focus: High-Entropy Alloy Coatings for Energy Storage Materials
  • Supervisor: Dr. Sudagar Jothi

Master of Science (M.Sc.), Physics – Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala (2020)

  • CGPA: 8.06

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Physics – NSS College Ottapalam, Calicut University, Kerala (2018)

  • Percentage: 76.6%
  • Subsidiary Subjects: Mathematics, Computer Science

Professional Experience

Doctoral Researcher, VIT-AP University, Andhra Pradesh (Aug 2021 – Present)

  • Focused on developing high-entropy alloy coatings for energy storage and electrochemical applications.
  • Research on corrosion resistance, electrochemical properties, and ferroelectric behavior of novel multi-component alloy systems.

Research Assistant, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore (2018 – 2020)

  • Developed photodetectors based on organic molecules, perovskites, and antimony sulfoiodide-polyaniline composites under Dr. Sudip Kumar Batabyal.
  • Investigated nitro-explosive detection using perylene derivatives at IISER Bhopal (Summer Internship 2019).

Research Interest

  • Material Science
  • High-Entropy Alloy Coatings
  • Electrochemistry
  • Corrosion Science
  • Ferroelectric Energy Storage Materials

Top Noted Publication

1. Ni-Co-W-Zr (P) Quinary-based Medium Entropy Alloy Achieved by an Electrochemical Route and Its Properties

Authors: Megha Unni, Sudagar Jothi
Journal: Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 172(1), 012502 (2025)
DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ada2bb
Summary:
This research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of a novel Ni-Co-W-Zr (P) quinary-based medium entropy alloy (MEA) using an electrochemical deposition technique. The paper highlights the structural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of the alloy, demonstrating its potential applications in corrosion resistance and energy storage systems. The alloy exhibits excellent microstructural stability and improved hardness, making it suitable for functional coatings in harsh environments.

2. Preparation of Electroless Deposition of NiTiZr (P) Quaternary Alloy and Their Properties

Authors: Megha Unni, J. Sudagar
Journal: Heliyon, 10(17), e20134 (2024)
DOI: Heliyon Article
Summary:
This paper presents the development of a quaternary alloy (NiTiZr (P)) through an electroless deposition process. The study explores the alloy’s composition, surface morphology, phase structure, and electrochemical behavior. It particularly emphasizes the corrosion resistance and mechanical robustness of the alloy, making it a promising candidate for protective coatings and energy applications.

3. Enhanced Performance of Lead-Free MASnI3 Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Numerical Approach

Authors: B E, N H Varsha, Megha Unni, Sudagar Jothi, C D S
Book Chapter: Applications of Advanced Nanomaterials, Volume 1, Page 103 (2023)
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-323-90345-0.00004-7
Summary:
This work provides a numerical simulation study on lead-free MASnI3-based perovskite solar cells. The study investigates the optoelectronic performance and stability enhancements by optimizing device architecture and material parameters. The findings propose design strategies to improve the efficiency and commercial viability of environmentally friendly perovskite solar cells.

Conclusion:

Ms. Megha Unni is a highly promising researcher with a robust foundation in material science, particularly in high-entropy alloy coatings and energy storage applications. Her contributions to electrochemical materials, corrosion science, and perovskite solar cells position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to balance experimental work, patents, and publications showcases both scientific rigor and applied innovation. While she is still in the early stages of her research career, her trajectory suggests significant potential to make impactful contributions to energy storage and material science.

 

 

Yuanfu Deng | Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Yuanfu Deng | Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at South China University of Technology, China

Prof. Yuan-Fu Deng is a professor at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology (SCUT). With a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Xiamen University, he has held academic positions at SCUT since 2005. He has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Waterloo and was a visiting scholar at HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute. He currently serves as the Deputy Director of Guangdong Electrochemical Energy Engineering Technology Research Center and Secretary General of Guangdong Undergraduate Chemistry Teaching Guidance Committee. His expertise lies in electrochemical energy storage and catalysis, with over 130 publications, including 10 ESI highly cited papers, in top-tier journals like Advanced Energy Materials, ACS Energy Letters, and Journal of Energy Chemistry.

Publication Profile

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Educational Details

  • Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry – Xiamen University, China (2005)

Professional Experience

  • Professor (2015–Present) – School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology (SCUT)
  • Associate Professor (2009–2015) – SCUT
  • Lecturer (2005–2009) – SCUT
  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2007–2008) – Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Canada
  • Visiting Scholar (2010–2013) – HKUST Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, Hong Kong
  • Deputy Director – Guangdong Electrochemical Energy Engineering Technology Research Center
  • Secretary General – Guangdong Undergraduate Chemistry Teaching Guidance Committee

Research Interest

Prof. Deng’s research focuses on electrochemical energy storage and catalysis, emphasizing the development of novel materials, advanced nanostructures, and innovative characterization techniques. His work spans batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, contributing to fundamental and applied advancements in energy storage technologies.

Author Metrics

  • Total Publications: 130+
  • Highly Cited Papers (ESI): 10
  • Key Journals: Advanced Energy Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, ACS Energy Letters, Energy Storage Materials, Journal of Energy Chemistry, Carbon

Top Noted Publication

High-Modulus Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer with Gradient Composition Enables Long-Cycle All-Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

  • Authors: H. Duan, J. Liu, J. He, Y. Deng, G. Chen
  • Journal: Journal of Energy Chemistry, 2024
  • Citations: 5
  • Summary: This study presents a high-modulus solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with a gradient composition, significantly enhancing the cycle life and stability of all-solid-state lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries.

Nickel-Catalyzed Arylcyanation of Alkenes via Cyano Group Translocation: Access to 1,n-Dinitriles or 4-Amino Nitriles

  • Authors: X. Li, S. Wang, X. Fu, H. Jiang, L. Huang
  • Journal: Science China Chemistry, 2024
  • Citations: 2
  • Summary: This paper explores a nickel-catalyzed strategy for arylcyanation of alkenes, offering an efficient method for synthesizing 1,n-dinitriles and 4-amino nitriles via cyano group translocation.

Insight into the Effect of N-Doping Level in N-Doped Carbons Modified Separator on Improving the Electrochemical Performance of Li-S Batteries

  • Authors: S. Wang, L. Ling, Z. Zhang, Y. Tong, Y. Deng
  • Journal: Electrochimica Acta, 2024
  • Citations: 3
  • Summary: Investigates how nitrogen doping in carbon-based separators improves lithium-sulfur battery performance, enhancing conductivity and polysulfide retention.

MXene-Based Materials: Synthesis, Structure, and Their Application for Advanced Lithium-Sulfur Batteries (Review)

  • Authors: L. Liao, S. Wang, H. Duan, Y. Deng
  • Journal: Journal of Energy Storage, 2024
  • Citations: 11
  • Summary: A comprehensive review on the synthesis, structure, and functional applications of MXene-based materials for Li-S battery performance enhancement.

A 3D Framework with an In Situ Generated Li3N Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Superior Lithium Metal Batteries

  • Authors: X. Fu, H. Duan, L. Zhang, Y. Hu, Y. Deng
  • Journal: Advanced Functional Materials, 2023
  • Citations: 15
  • Summary: Introduces a three-dimensional Li3N-based solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) framework that enhances the stability and efficiency of lithium metal batteries.

Conclusion

Prof. Yuanfu Deng is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a strong publication record, leadership in energy storage research, and contributions to academia and technology. While he could enhance his global collaborations and industry impact, his current achievements in electrochemical energy storage position him as a leading scientist in the field. His work is highly relevant to sustainable energy solutions, making him a strong contender for the award.