Maofu Pang | Plastics Upcycling | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr. Maofu Pang | Plastics Upcycling | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer at Ludong University, China.

Dr. Maofu Pang is a dedicated chemist whose research bridges organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable material science. His pioneering work in cobalt- and iron-catalyzed transformations, coupled with recent advances in plastic recycling and upcycling, has significantly contributed to the advancement of green chemistry and the circular economy. Through high-impact publications and innovative projects, he has emerged as a promising researcher committed to environmental sustainability and the development of efficient catalytic systems.

Proffesional Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. Pang’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in chemistry and chemical engineering. He began with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology, where he developed an interest in catalysis and reaction mechanisms. He further advanced his expertise with a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, focusing on cobalt-catalyzed hydroboration of imines and alkenes, emphasizing metal-ligand cooperation for B–H bond cleavage. His doctoral studies in Organometallic Chemistry deepened his research into cobalt-catalyzed partial transfer hydrogenation of N-heterocycles and the synthesis of heteronuclear complexes. Mentored by distinguished professors, he developed advanced skills in designing catalytic systems for selective organic transformations, laying the groundwork for his subsequent career in sustainable chemistry.

Experience

Currently serving as a faculty member at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ludong University, Dr. Pang’s research spans catalysis, plastic upcycling, and sustainable chemistry. His expertise lies in the design and mechanistic understanding of transition-metal complexes, particularly cobalt, iron, and manganese catalysts, applied to hydrogenation, hydroboration, and polymer degradation processes. His recent work has expanded into catalytic upcycling of polyesters and polycarbonates, transforming plastic waste into value-added chemicals through environmentally friendly methodologies. This innovative approach integrates catalysis with sustainability, directly addressing global environmental challenges.

Research Focus

Dr. Maofu Pang’s research centers on the design, development, and mechanistic study of transition-metal catalysts for sustainable chemical transformations. His work spans cobalt-, iron-, and manganese-based systems with applications in hydrogenation, hydroboration, and polymer degradation. By combining fundamental organometallic chemistry with applied catalysis, he has advanced methods for the selective transformation of N-heterocycles and olefins, while more recently pioneering catalytic strategies for the upcycling of polyesters and polycarbonates into value-added chemicals. This integrated approach addresses both academic challenges in catalytic mechanism design and practical global issues of plastic waste valorization, positioning his research at the intersection of catalysis, green chemistry, and the circular economy.

Publication Top Note

Title: Efficient Catalytic Upcycling of Polyester and Polycarbonate Plastics Using an NNN-Based Iron Catalyst
Authors: Xiaoxiao Chu, Guoren Zhou, Chongyan Ren, Xiaoshi Zhang, Maofu Pang*, Nuoyan Zhao, Hongwu Zhang
Summary: This work presents an NNN-based iron catalyst that efficiently converts polyester and polycarbonate plastics into valuable chemicals under mild, sustainable conditions. The study highlights iron as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative for scalable plastic upcycling in the circular economy.

Conclusion

Dr. Maofu Pang exemplifies the integration of fundamental catalysis with sustainable applications. His academic background, innovative research in transition-metal catalysis, and impactful contributions to plastic recycling position him as a leading researcher in green chemistry. With his dedication to advancing circular economy principles and addressing environmental challenges, he stands as a highly deserving candidate for recognition through an award nomination.

Gulam Husain Patel | Life Cycle Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Mr. Gulam Husain Patel | Life Cycle Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Junior researcher at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Finland

Gulam Husain Patel is a passionate environmental and energy engineer based in Lappeenranta, Finland 🌍. With a strong academic foundation in mechanical, environmental, and power plant engineering, he is currently pursuing his Doctor of Science degree in Energy Systems at LUT University 🎓. Gulam’s work centers around sustainable hydrogen production and life cycle assessment (LCA), aiming to combat climate change through innovative energy solutions 🌱⚡. He has held roles in research, teaching, and industry, reflecting his well-rounded capabilities. Gulam brings international exposure from India, Russia, and Finland and is committed to integrating engineering expertise with sustainability science for real-world impact. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Urdu 🗣️, he also engages in public science education. With a growing publication record and keen interest in Power-to-X technologies, he represents the new wave of environmentally conscious engineers building a cleaner future 🌐🔬.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus 

ORCID 

🎓 Education 

Gulam Husain Patel holds a diverse academic portfolio focused on sustainability and energy systems 📚. He is currently a Doctoral Researcher (D.Sc.) in Energy Systems at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), Finland (2022–Present), with research centered on sustainable hydrogen production and Power-to-X technologies ⚙️🌿. He earned an M.Sc. in Sustainable Science and Solutions from LUT (2021–2022), where he deepened his understanding of environmental engineering practices and systems thinking. Prior to that, he completed an M.Sc. in Power Plant Engineering at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Russia (2020–2021), gaining in-depth technical expertise in large-scale energy systems 🏭. His academic journey began at Mumbai University, India, where he obtained a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (2012–2014), building the core engineering competencies that underpin his sustainability work. His educational background showcases a solid blend of theoretical knowledge and global perspective 🌍🎓.

💼 Experience 

Gulam has gained dynamic work experience across academia, research, and industry 👷‍♂️🔬. He currently serves as a Junior Researcher at LUT University (2022–Present), contributing to advanced research on life cycle assessment and sustainable hydrogen production for Power-to-X systems 🔄💧. Prior to this, he worked as a Junior Research Assistant at LUT (Jan–Oct 2022), focusing on natural gas-based hydrogen LCA and GHG emission mitigation strategies 🌫️➡️🌱. He also served as a Marketing Assistant at LUMA-keskus Saimaa (2021–2022), where he promoted science education and delivered experimental teaching sessions to inspire young learners 🔍👨‍🏫. Earlier, he interned with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (2016–2017), monitoring manufacturing processes and supporting production line maintenance 🏭🛠️. Across these roles, Gulam has demonstrated an aptitude for combining technical skills with communication and education, showcasing versatility and purpose-driven engagement in every project he undertakes 📈🔍.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Gulam Husain Patel’s academic and professional journey has been complemented by several enriching certifications and prestigious programs 🏅📜. He participated in the MonGOS project by NAWA, a distinguished initiative focused on sustainability and environmental research 🌍. He also completed the Summer School in Oil and Gas and the Winter School in Wastewater Treatment at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, reflecting his commitment to expanding domain knowledge and technical exposure 💧⚡. While early in his research career, his peer-reviewed publication in Green Chemistry (2024) signifies a strong entrance into scholarly recognition 📰🧪. Gulam’s current pursuit of a Doctorate in Energy Systems at LUT University, underpinned by funded research projects, positions him well for future academic and industry accolades 🏆. His proactive engagement with cutting-edge environmental challenges and sustainable technologies makes him a rising talent in the clean energy sector 🚀🌱.

🔬 Research Focus 

Gulam’s research is rooted in sustainable energy systems, with a focus on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of hydrogen production pathways 🧪⚙️. He is particularly interested in the Power-to-X approach, which involves converting renewable electricity into synthetic fuels like hydrogen for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors 🔄⚡. His current doctoral project at LUT University assesses the environmental performance of hydrogen technologies, aiming to identify the most climate-friendly production methods 🌍🌿. Gulam’s work contributes to the EU’s and Finland’s goals for carbon neutrality by 2035 by targeting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through data-driven analysis 📉🌫️. He combines modeling tools such as GaBi and Ansys with policy-oriented insight, bridging the gap between research and sustainable implementation 🧩💼. His vision is to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions through robust environmental evaluation, international collaboration, and technological innovation 🌎🔬.

🧰 Research Skills 

Gulam Husain Patel possesses a blend of technical, analytical, and communication skills vital to environmental engineering and energy research 💻🔧. His proficiency in software like Microsoft Office, Ansys, GaBi, and Cloud services enables him to handle simulation, LCA, and data analysis tasks with precision 📊🧩. He has experience using GaBi for in-depth environmental impact modeling and Ansys for thermodynamic simulations — key tools for his work in sustainable hydrogen production and energy systems ⚙️🌱. With full professional proficiency in English, native fluency in Hindi and Urdu, and elementary Finnish, he can effectively collaborate across diverse teams and cultural settings 🌐🗣️. Beyond technical competencies, Gulam brings strong skills in public engagement, gained through his teaching and marketing assistant roles. He is adaptive, innovative, and committed to addressing global sustainability challenges through an interdisciplinary lens 🚀🌍.

Publications Top Notes📚

“Environmental performance of biomethanation based on life cycle assessment”
Journal: Energy, April 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135244
Authors: Gulam Husain Patel, Mika Horttanainen, Marika Kokko, Hulya Civelek Yörüklü, Jouni Havukainen

“Climate change performance of hydrogen production based on life cycle assessment”
Journal: Green Chemistry, 2024
DOI: 10.1039/D3GC02410E
Authors: Gulam Husain Patel, Jouni Havukainen, Mika Horttanainen, Risto Soukka, Mari Tuomaala

 

✅ Conclusion

Gulam Husain Patel exhibits strong potential and a clear trajectory toward becoming an influential academic researcher in environmental and energy systems. His current achievements, particularly in hydrogen research and LCA, are commendable. While he is an emerging researcher with impressive academic breadth, his profile would benefit from expanded research output and leadership roles.

 Verdict: Highly Promising Candidate — suitable for consideration, particularly for early-career researcher recognitions or “Emerging Researcher” categories within the Best Academic Researcher Award framework.