Dr. Wei Wang | Heterogeneous Catalysis | Best Researcher Award
Lecturer at Nanyang Normal University, China
Dr. Wei Wang is a distinguished scholar in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, with a strong research portfolio focused on bimetallic catalyst design, inductive and photothermal heating systems, and sustainable chemical transformations, especially in CO₂ conversion. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Nanyang Normal University, Dr. Wang is recognized for his innovative contributions to the development of next-generation catalytic systems for clean energy and environmental applications. His research emphasizes green chemistry and process intensification techniques, including the integration of contactless heating methods into catalytic reaction design.
Profile
Education
Dr. Wang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, where he studied from 2009 to 2013 under the supervision of Prof. Bin Ding. He then earned a Master of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering at Sichuan University in 2016, working under Prof. Chengfa Jiang, where he focused on catalyst synthesis, functional materials, CO₂ methanation, and methane combustion. Driven by a growing interest in advanced catalysis and nanomaterials, he pursued a Ph.D. in Heterogeneous Catalysis at the University of Strasbourg, France, under the mentorship of Dr. Cuong Pham-Huu. His doctoral work from 2016 to 2020 concentrated on materials design and characterization, carbon-based supercapacitors, nickel-based catalysts, and the application of inductive heating in catalysis. Following this, Dr. Wang undertook a prestigious postdoctoral position at the KAUST Catalysis Center (KCC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of Prof. Jorge Gascon from 2021 to 2022. During this tenure, he worked on innovative catalyst systems for CO₂ hydrogenation to liquid fuels, further refining his expertise in process engineering and catalysis design.
Experience
In terms of research experience, Dr. Wang has played a leading role in a series of high-impact projects. His recent work includes the development of inductive and photothermal catalytic systems for CO₂ conversion, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Nanyang Normal University. At KAUST, he co-led a project on CO₂ selective hydrogenation to C5+ hydrocarbons and alcohols, supported by Aramco, showcasing his ability to bridge academic research with industrial applications. His Ph.D. research contributed to the development of a low-temperature catalytic system powered by induction heating for power-to-gas (PtG) applications, offering enhanced heat management and superior catalytic performance under dynamic conditions. Additionally, his earlier research at the University of Strasbourg and Sichuan University involved the synthesis of functional carbon materials from biomass and the investigation of unconventional catalyst preparation methods using plasma and sonication technologies.
Research Interest
Dr. Wang’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable catalysis and advanced reactor engineering. His expertise spans heterogeneous catalysis, bimetallic catalyst development, CO₂ utilization, and energy-efficient heating techniques such as inductive and photothermal methods. He is particularly interested in dynamic and contactless catalytic systems, which provide precise temperature control and improved reaction kinetics for CO₂ hydrogenation, hydrocarbon conversion, and environmental remediation. His focus on process intensification and sustainable design underscores a commitment to addressing global energy and climate challenges through innovative scientific solutions.
Award
Recognized for his scientific excellence, Dr. Wang has received several prestigious research grants and fellowships. These include funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China for young scientists, research support from Nanyang Normal University, and multiple scholarships from the China Scholarship Council (CSC) during his doctoral and early postdoctoral studies. His contributions to catalysis research have positioned him as a rising leader in the field, with multiple international collaborations and ongoing interdisciplinary partnerships.
Publication
Dr. Wang’s scholarly work has been published in top-tier journals and has garnered increasing citation attention. Selected publications include:
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W. Wang et al., “A review of CO₂ methanation process: Recent advances and future prospects,” ACS Catal., 2025, 15: 10868–10896.
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X. Kang et al., W. Wang, “Pore-Structure Engineering of Hierarchical Ni/Y Catalysts…,” ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng., 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.5c03533.
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E. Wang et al., W. Wang, “Engineering the pore structure…,” Fuel, 2025, 388: 134507.
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Y. Zou et al., W. Wang, “Influence of grain size…,” Carbon Resources Conversion, 2025, 8: 100299.
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W. Wang et al., “Activated carbon supported nickel catalyst…,” Catal. Today, 2023, 418: 114073.
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W. Wang, J. Gascon et al., “Bimetallic Fe–Co catalysts…,” Catal. Sci. Technol., 2023, 13: 1527–1540.
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W. Wang et al., “Highly Nickel‐Loaded γ‐Alumina Composites…,” ChemSusChem, 2020, 13(20): 5468–5479.
These articles have been widely cited by researchers working on catalytic CO₂ conversion, reactor design, and sustainable fuels.
Conclusion
Dr. Wei Wang’s career reflects a remarkable trajectory of academic and scientific advancement in the fields of catalysis and sustainable chemical engineering. His interdisciplinary expertise, innovative contributions, and impactful publications underscore his growing influence and commitment to addressing energy and environmental challenges through advanced catalytic systems. As an award nominee, he stands out as a dedicated and visionary researcher making meaningful contributions to global scientific progress.