Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanmei Zheng | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Forestry University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanmei Zheng is a faculty member at Nanjing Forestry University, specializing in solar energy conversion, photocatalysis, and advanced materials for energy and environmental applications. Her academic journey spans from a bachelor’s degree at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University to a master’s and PhD at Southeast University, China, where she developed expertise in photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production and photoelectrochemical systems. She has authored numerous high-impact publications in journals such as ACS Nano, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, contributing significantly to the understanding of carbon nitride-based photocatalysts, heterojunction design, and plasma-assisted material engineering. Her interdisciplinary research integrates experimental approaches with theoretical calculations using VASP and Materials Studio to explore defect engineering, crystal phase modulation, and charge dynamics in functional nanomaterials. With a strong commitment to sustainable energy solutions, she continues to advance innovative strategies for efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion and environmental remediation technologies.

profile:

Scopus

Education:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanmei Zheng’s educational journey reflects a strong commitment to scientific excellence in materials science and photocatalysis. She began her academic path at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, earning her bachelor’s degree  with a foundation in chemistry and materials-related studies. Building upon this base, she pursued her master’s degree at Southeast University , where she specialized in advanced functional materials for photocatalytic and environmental applications, gaining expertise in experimental techniques and photocatalyst design. Her academic curiosity led her to continue at Southeast University for a PhD , where she worked extensively on carbon nitride-based nanostructures, defect engineering, and solar energy conversion systems. During this period, she honed both theoretical and practical research skills, mastering computational simulations using VASP and Materials Studio to complement experimental findings. she joined Nanjing Forestry University as an Associate Professor, bringing her comprehensive academic training to the forefront of solar-driven catalysis and energy storage research.

Experience:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanmei Zheng has accumulated rich research and academic experience through her work in solar energy conversion, photocatalysis, and nanomaterial engineering. She currently serves at Nanjing Forestry University , where she leads projects on photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production and photoelectrochemical applications, combining experimental synthesis with computational modeling. During her doctoral studies at Southeast University, she conducted extensive investigations into carbon nitride-based nanomaterials, defect regulation, and heterojunction design, resulting in impactful publications in leading scientific journals. Her research has explored plasma-assisted material growth, crystal phase engineering, and doped carbon nitride nanostructures for energy-efficient solar-to-chemical conversion. In addition to laboratory research, she has been actively involved in collaborative projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, focusing on metal ion intercalation in vanadium phosphates and photocatalytic efficiency enhancement strategies. With a balance of experimental and computational expertise, she has developed a strong academic profile, mentoring students and contributing to advancing sustainable energy technologies.

Awards and Honors:

Throughout her academic career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanmei Zheng has achieved recognition for her outstanding research contributions in photocatalysis and solar energy materials. Her publications in prestigious journals such as ACS Nano, Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, and Chemistry – A European Journal reflect her influence in the field, earning her citations and respect from the international research community. As a participant in multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, she has contributed to advancing strategic scientific goals, highlighting her collaborative and innovative approach. She has been acknowledged for her research excellence through competitive funding allocations, demonstrating confidence in her ability to address energy and environmental challenges. Her role as project participant in major national grants worth several hundred thousand RMB is a testament to her academic merit and leadership. Her career trajectory continues to position her as an emerging scholar recognized for advancing carbon nitride photocatalysis and solar-to-chemical energy conversion technologies.

Research Focus:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanmei Zheng’s research focuses on solar energy conversion and storage, with a particular emphasis on photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production and photoelectrochemical applications. Her work integrates material synthesis, defect engineering, and computational simulations to design high-performance carbon nitride-based photocatalysts. She has pioneered studies on crystal phase modulation, heterojunction construction, and plasma-assisted material growth, enabling efficient charge separation and enhanced visible-to-near-infrared light utilization. A significant aspect of her research involves theoretical modeling using VASP and Materials Studio to complement experimental approaches, offering insights into electronic structures, defect states, and catalytic mechanisms. She has also contributed to studies on metal-ion intercalation strategies in vanadium phosphates for energy storage. By combining experimental precision with theoretical rigor, her research aims to address pressing global challenges in sustainable energy and environmental remediation. Her long-term vision is to develop innovative photocatalytic systems that achieve near-unit photon utilization efficiency for solar-driven chemical transformations and green energy technologies.

Publication:

Title: Construction of dual driving force in carbon nitride for highly efficient hydrogen evolution: Simultaneously manipulating carriers transport in intra- and interlayer
Year: 2024
Citations: 12

Title: Progress and Opportunities in Photocatalytic, Electrocatalytic, and Photoelectrocatalytic Production of Hydrogen Peroxide Coupled with Biomass Valorization (Review)
Year: 2024
Citations: 10

Title: One-pot microwave synthesize bandgap tunable g-C3N4 for highly efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production
Year: 2024
Citations: 6

Title: Hydroxyl-modified g-C3N4/Al2O3 heterojunction connected with oxygen bridge for boosting photocatalytic H2O2 production
Year: 2025
Citations: 4

Title: Sodium Chloride-Assisted Polymerization of Carbon Nitride for Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid
Year: 2025
Citations: 1

Title: Photocatalytic selective oxidation of glycerol to formic acid and formaldehyde over surface cobalt-doped titanium dioxide
Year: 2025
Citations: 6

Title: Synergistic shallow trap states and pyrophosphate loading on carbon nitride boost the proton shuttle and charge migration for effective H2O2 photosynthesis
Year: 2025

Title: Defects repaired with oxygen-refilling activate the shallow states of carbon nitride for enhanced visible near-infrared photocatalytic activity
Year: 2025

Title: Cooperation of acetate regulating and rGO modification of Bi2WO6 for enhancing the H2O2 photosynthesis coupled with selective glucose oxidation
Year: 2025

Title: Hierarchical Design of 2D Carbon Nitride and Derivatives for Next-Generation Energy Conversion and Storage Technologies (Review)
Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanmei Zheng stands as a highly capable and promising researcher whose innovative contributions to solar energy conversion and photocatalysis make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her impressive record of high-impact publications, computational and experimental expertise, and participation in competitive national projects highlight her as an emerging leader in sustainable energy science. With further international exposure, leadership in large-scale research projects, and stronger engagement with industry applications, she is poised to make even greater contributions. Dr. Zheng exemplifies the qualities of innovation, dedication, and academic excellence that this award seeks to honor, making her a deserving nominee for recognition at this stage of her career.