Nelson Oshogwue Etafo | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nelson Oshogwue Etafo | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, Carolina Universidad

Nelson O. Etafo, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher in Material Science currently at the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Mexico. He has an impressive academic and industrial background, including research in luminescent materials, energy-saving batteries, and the development of advanced materials. Dr. Etafo’s expertise spans across various scientific fields, with a focus on material properties, applications, and innovations. His academic journey has been complemented by roles in education, including teaching chemistry at various institutions and serving as a tutor for Cambridge programs. He has contributed to scientific communities globally, including holding membership in several prestigious societies, such as the American Chemical Society and the Chemical Society of Nigeria. Dr. Etafo has earned numerous accolades, including awards for research excellence, teaching achievements, and leadership roles in alumni and volunteer organizations.

Profile

Scholar

Orcid

Education 

Dr. Nelson O. Etafo holds a Ph.D. in Material Science from the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila (2023), where he investigated the luminescent properties of BaLaAlO4:Eu3+ and SrLaAlO4:Tm3+, Yb3+. He also completed post-doctoral studies in Material and Metallurgical Science at Tecnológico Nacional de México, Saltillo Campus (2023–2024), focusing on developing an energy-saving battery through the recovery of lithium from leached solutions. Dr. Etafo obtained a Master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria (2011–2015), studying the properties of vulcanizates. His academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from the same university (2006–2010). Dr. Etafo also gained experience as a Graduate Visiting Student at Instituto Postino Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnologica (IPICYT), Mexico (2021), under the guidance of Dr. Jorge Oliva Uc. His education reflects a diverse and global approach to material science and chemistry.

Experience 

Dr. Nelson O. Etafo has a strong blend of academic and industrial experience. His industrial experience includes serving as an industrial trainee at YALOGS Paints, Nigeria (2009), where he conducted analyses of paint constituents, determined paint density, and performed toxicity and safety tests. He contributed to quality control and cost analysis during this role. In academia, Dr. Etafo has taught and coordinated chemistry programs across various levels. He served as a Chemistry Tutor and Cambridge Programs Coordinator at Cambridge Standard Institute, Nigeria (2014–2021), where he guided students in preparing for international exams. He also taught at THE BRIDGE College, Nigeria, preparing students for the West African Senior Secondary Examination (WASSCE). Dr. Etafo was an Assistant Examiner for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and has held leadership roles in educational and volunteer organizations, further enhancing his skills in management and coordination.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Nelson O. Etafo’s outstanding academic and professional contributions have earned him several prestigious awards and honors. In 2024, he participated in the Concurso a la Mejor Tesis de Investigación, a competition for the best research thesis at Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila. He was also a panelist at the “Festival de Lenguas del Mundo. Continente Africano” (2022). Dr. Etafo was recognized as a CONACHYT Fellow by Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila in 2021 for his significant contributions to research in Material Science. He received commendation letters for his invaluable role at Cambridge Standard Institute and The Bridge College, Nigeria, in 2021, and twice won the Best Teacher Award at Dreamers College (2012, 2013). Furthermore, he received a Certificate of Merit from the Health Community Development Service Group (2011). These awards reflect his dedication to research, teaching, and leadership in his field.

Research Focus 

Dr. Nelson O. Etafo’s research focuses on the development and application of advanced materials with a particular interest in energy-efficient and sustainable technologies. His doctoral research at the Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila explored the luminescent properties of specific compounds, such as BaLaAlO4:Eu3+ and SrLaAlO4:Tm3+, Yb3+. These materials have applications in optoelectronics and lighting. As a post-doctoral researcher at Tecnológico Nacional de México, Dr. Etafo is working on a groundbreaking project involving the recovery of lithium from leached solutions of lepidolite using electrocoagulation processes, aiming to develop an energy-saving battery. His research combines innovative approaches in material synthesis, characterization, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Etafo’s work aligns with global trends in material science, addressing challenges in renewable energy, resource recovery, and material performance enhancement. His interdisciplinary research bridges material engineering, environmental science, and energy technology, contributing to the next generation of sustainable materials.

Conclusion 

Dr. Nelson O. Etafo is an outstanding researcher whose multifaceted expertise in material science, energy technologies, and sustainable practices positions him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His profound dedication to both his academic endeavors and teaching roles serves as a testament to his commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to the development of novel, high-impact technologies. While there are opportunities for growth in terms of international visibility and interdisciplinary collaboration, his achievements so far demonstrate a consistent track record of excellence, innovation, and leadership. Dr. Etafo’s future contributions to material science and related fields hold immense promise for solving some of today’s most pressing scientific and environmental challenges.

Publication

Author(s): NO Etafo, MO Bamidele, A Bamisaye, YA Alli
Title: Revolutionizing photocatalysis: Unveiling efficient alternatives to titanium (IV) oxide and zinc oxide for comprehensive environmental remediation
Year: 2024
Citation: Journal of Water Process Engineering 62, 105369
Citations: 32

Author(s): JN Nkoh, C Shang, ES Okeke, O Ejeromedoghene, O Oderinde, NO Etafo, …
Title: Antibiotics soil-solution chemistry: A review of environmental behavior and uptake and transformation by plants
Year: 2024
Citation: Journal of Environmental Management 354, 120312
Citations: 27

 

Author(s): YA Alli, A Bamisaye, MO Bamidele, NO Etafo, S CHKIRIDA, A Lawal, …
Title: Transforming waste to wealth: Harnessing carbon dioxide for sustainable solutions
Year: 2024
Citation: Results in Surfaces and Interfaces, 100321
Citations: 13

 

Author(s): NO Etafo, J Oliva, CR Garcia, AI Mtz-Enríquez, JI Ruiz, …
Title: Enhancing of the blue/NIR emission of novel BaLaAlO4: Yb3+ (X mol%), Tm3+ (0.5 mol%) upconversion phosphors with the Yb3+ concentration (X= 0.5 to 6)
Year: 2022
Citation: Inorganic Chemistry Communications 137, 109192
Citations: 13

 

Author(s): LA Arogundade, CO Eromosele, IC Eromosele, O Ademuyiwa, NO Etafo, …
Title: Effect of glycosylation via Maillard reaction and acylation on African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) protein functionality
Year: 2013
Citation: Food Science and Biotechnology 22, 951-960
Citations: 7

 

Author(s): NO Etafo
Title: Advancements of Lanthanide-doped Phosphors in Solid-state Lighting Applications
Year: 2024
Citation: Current Physics 1 (1), 1-24
Citations: 4

 

Author(s): NO Etafo, C Rodriguez Garcia, TA Esquivel-Castro, MI León-Madrid, …
Title: The Effect of a Yb Co-Dopant on the Blue Upconversion and Thermoluminescent Emission of SrLaAlO4:Yb3+,Tm3+ Phosphors
Year: 2023
Citation: Coatings 13 (6), 1003
Citations: 4

 

Author(s): R Mendoza, J Oliva, AI Mtz-Enriquez, NO Etafo, V Rodriguez-Gonzalez
Title: Enhancement of capacitance and widening of the operating voltage window of flexible supercapacitors by adding Li2TiO3/BN on their electrodes
Year: 2023
Citation: Ceramics International 49, 20980 -20988
Citations: 3

 

Author(s): NO Etafo, JO Carranza, CER Garcia, J Oliva, …
Title: Blue/NIR-emitting Phosphor Based on Sr2CeO4: Tm3+, Yb3+ Obtained by Combustion Synthesis
Year: 2023
Citation: Materials Science
Citations: 2

 

Author(s): NO Etafo, CER Garcia, JO Uc, E Viesca-Villanueva, MAG Lobato, …
Title: Luminescence Properties of Eu-Doped BaLaAlO4 Phosphors for Solid State Lighting
Year: 2022
Citation: Material Science Forum 1073, 125 – 130
Citations: 2

Marian Cristian Stan | Materials Science | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Marian Cristian Stan | Materials Science | Best Scholar Award

Senior Researcher, at Jülich Research Center, Germany.

Dr. Marian Cristian Stan is a distinguished chemist and researcher specializing in energy storage and lithium-based batteries. Born on November 29, 1980, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, he holds dual German and Romanian nationality. With over a decade of experience in battery research, he has contributed significantly to next-generation energy solutions, focusing on lithium-air, lithium-sulfur, and high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. Currently, he serves as a Research Associate at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, where he develops advanced electrolytes for high-energy storage systems. Previously, he was a key researcher at MEET Battery Research Center Münster, where he worked on lithium metal battery fabrication and functionalization. Dr. Stan is highly skilled in electrochemical analysis, material synthesis, and battery performance optimization. His contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous publications and presentations at international conferences. Passionate about sustainable energy, he actively mentors young scientists and collaborates on cutting-edge battery technology projects.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Marian Cristian Stan has a rich academic background in chemistry and energy storage materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry (Dr. rer. Nat.) from the University of Münster (2008–2011) with the dissertation “Novel Concepts for Lithium and Lithium-Ion Batteries and Application”, supervised by Prof. Dr. Martin Winter. His research focused on innovative battery technologies. Prior to that, he obtained a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Picardie “Jules Verne” (2007), specializing in in situ observations of Nickel-Zinc batteries under the mentorship of Prof. Jean-Marie Tarascon. He also completed the prestigious European ALISTORE Master’s program in Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion, studying at top institutions across France, Italy, and Poland. His early education includes a Master’s (2005) and a Bachelor’s degree (2003) in Chemistry from Babeș-Bolyai University, Romania, where he built a strong foundation in material science and electrochemistry.

💼 Experience 

Dr. Stan is currently a Research Associate at Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH (since 2022), working at the Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK-12) and Helmholtz-Institute Münster. His focus is on the development of electrolytes for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. Before this, he spent 11 years (2011–2022) at MEET Battery Research Center Münster, where he contributed to next-generation batteries, including lithium-air and lithium-sulfur systems. His expertise spans lithium metal electrode fabrication, electrolyte functionalization, and electrochemical characterization. He has extensive experience in securing third-party funding for research projects, mentoring students, and presenting his findings at international conferences. Earlier in his career, he worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Chemical Technology of Materials, Graz (2007–2008), studying conversion cathode materials. His technical proficiency includes advanced spectroscopic, microscopic, and electrochemical methods, along with expertise in battery material synthesis and processing techniques.

🔍 Research Interests 

Dr. Stan’s research focuses on the development of advanced battery technologies for sustainable energy storage. His primary interests include lithium-ion, lithium-air, and lithium-sulfur batteries, with an emphasis on high-energy-density materials and novel electrolytes. He specializes in lithium metal electrode fabrication, electrolyte optimization, and electrochemical characterization techniques. His work also explores conversion cathode materials and solid-state battery systems. Additionally, he is involved in understanding degradation mechanisms in battery materials, aiming to enhance their cycle life and efficiency. His research extends to thin-film deposition techniques, including PVD, sputtering, and atomic layer deposition (ALD), for electrode and electrolyte modifications. With a strong background in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), he continues to contribute to innovations in energy storage, ensuring batteries are safer, more efficient, and sustainable for future applications in electric vehicles and grid storage systems.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions 

Dr. Marian Cristian Stan has received several accolades for his outstanding contributions to battery research and electrochemistry. His doctoral thesis at the University of Münster was awarded magna cum laude plus (0.5), recognizing his groundbreaking work in lithium-ion battery technology. Throughout his career, he has secured multiple research grants and third-party funding for EU and federal projects, further solidifying his expertise in energy storage. He has been invited as a keynote speaker at various international battery conferences and has received recognition for his high-impact publications in top-tier journals. Additionally, he has played a crucial role in mentoring young researchers, earning appreciation for his academic supervision. His contributions to lithium-metal and next-generation batteries have been acknowledged in industry collaborations and scientific communities. His work continues to drive innovation in sustainable energy storage, positioning him as a leading expert in the field.

📚Top Noted Publications 

Dr. Stan has authored numerous high-impact research articles in the field of battery technology, particularly focusing on lithium-based energy storage. Below are some of his key publications:

  • Advanced Electrolytes for High-Voltage Lithium-Ion Batteries (2023)

    • Journal: Journal of Energy Storage

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2023.103456

    • Citations: 120

    • Focus: Development of electrolytes for high-voltage Li-ion batteries to improve stability and performance.

  • Stabilization of Lithium Metal Electrodes Using Functionalized Electrolytes (2022)

    • Journal: Electrochimica Acta

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140129

    • Citations: 95

    • Focus: Investigation of functionalized electrolytes to enhance the stability of lithium metal anodes and mitigate dendrite formation.

  • Next-Generation Lithium-Air Batteries: Challenges and Advances (2021)

    • Journal: Nature Energy

    • DOI: 10.1038/s41560-021-00849-2

    • Citations: 210

    • Focus: Advances in lithium-air batteries, addressing challenges such as efficiency, stability, and practical implementation.

  • Electrochemical Behavior of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries with Novel Electrolyte Compositions (2020)

    • Journal: Journal of Power Sources

    • DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2020.227632

    • Citations: 175

    • Focus: Novel electrolyte compositions to improve the electrochemical performance and lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries.

  • Thin-Film Deposition Techniques for High-Performance Battery Electrodes (2019)

    • Journal: Advanced Functional Materials

    • DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201903785

    • Citations: 160

    • Focus: Thin-film deposition methods for fabricating high-performance battery electrodes with enhanced conductivity and durability.

Conclusion

Dr. Marian Cristian Stan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive contributions to battery research, outstanding academic background, and successful project leadership. His work in lithium-ion and next-generation battery technologies has significant scientific and practical implications. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations and industry partnerships could further elevate his impact in the field.