Professor at NPC Tubular Goods Research Institute (TGRI), China
Prof. Yuxin Zhao is a leading expert in smart sensors and nanotechnology, known for his significant contributions to the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and advanced gas sensing technologies. Currently a Professor and Principal Investigator at the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), he is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge materials science with practical sensing solutions for industrial applications. With over 15 years of experience spanning academic and industrial research, Prof. Zhao has become a prominent figure in the areas of environmental monitoring, petrochemical safety, and smart energy systems. His research outputs, leadership roles, and editorial work underscore his reputation as a high-impact scientist dedicated to advancing innovation in nanomaterials and sensor technologies.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Prof. Zhao’s academic journey began at the China University of Petroleum (East), where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Material Chemistry in 2009. Demonstrating exceptional promise early in his career, he continued at the same university to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, which he completed in 2014. His doctoral studies were instrumental in shaping his interdisciplinary expertise, combining chemistry, materials science, and engineering principles—skills that now form the foundation of his research in nanoscale systems and gas sensors. His education was further enriched by international exposure during his time as a visiting scholar at Griffith University, Australia, where he explored micro-manufacturing technologies.
Professional Experience
Prof. Zhao’s career path reflects a strong integration of research excellence and industrial impact. From 2012 to 2014, he served as a visiting scholar at Griffith University, focusing on micro-manufacturing technologies critical for miniaturized sensor design. He then transitioned to a senior engineering role at Sinopec RISE, where from 2015 to 2019 he led research in smart gas sensors, significantly influencing early warning and detection technologies in petrochemical applications. In 2019, Prof. Zhao joined Xi’an Jiaotong University as a Professor in Nanoscience, where he mentored students and led numerous research initiatives in nanomaterials synthesis and sensor integration. Since 2023, he has been a leading researcher at CNPC’s Tubular Goods Research Institute, driving innovation in MEMS-based sensor arrays for hazardous gas detection in the oil and gas industry.
Research Interests
Prof. Zhao’s multidisciplinary research spans smart gas sensors, in-situ probe scanning technology, light-thermal management, and the synthesis and directed self-assembly of nanomaterials. He focuses on overcoming challenges in miniaturized sensor performance, targeting issues like signal inconsistency, cross-sensitivity, and environmental instability. His recent work involves developing multiplexed ceramic MEMS sensors with pulse-temperature modulation and high sensitivity, which are vital for real-time gas detection in harsh environments. He is also involved in emerging fields like hydrogen safety sensors and plasmon-enhanced solar energy harvesting. His integration of theoretical modeling with experimental nanofabrication continues to set new benchmarks in sensor performance.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Zhao’s excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. He received the Young Scientist Award from the China Instrument and Control Society in 2023 and two major invention patent awards in 2022: the China Invention Patent Award and the Second Prize of the Shandong Provincial Invention Patent Award. His foresight in sensor innovation earned him the SINOPEC Prospective Research Award in 2019. He was also honored with the Young Talent Scholarship at Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2018, the Science and Technology Progress Award in 2016, and the Provincial Excellent Doctoral Dissertation Award the same year. His early academic promise was acknowledged with a Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarship in 2012.
Selected Publications
Prof. Zhao has published over 50 peer-reviewed papers, with a total citation count exceeding 2,200 and an h-index of 26. Some of his recent impactful works include:
“Probing electron transport mechanisms in single-molecule transistors,” Device, 2025.
“High-performance multiplexed ceramic MEMS gas sensor arrays,” FlexMat, 2025.
“CCUS: A Panacea or a Placebo in the fight against climate change?” Green Energy & Environment, 2025.
“The bottleneck of MEMS-based gas sensors in the petrochemical industry,” Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024.
“Pre-sodiation strategies for sodium-ion batteries,” Advanced Functional Materials, 2024.
“Stable palladium-based MEMS gas sensors for hydrogen security,” SmartMat, 2024.
“Hot-electron dynamics in medical diagnostics,” Chemical Reviews, 2023.
These publications span multiple high-impact journals and have been widely cited, reflecting the broad relevance of his research in both academic and industrial domains.
Conclusion
Prof. Yuxin Zhao is a visionary researcher whose work sits at the confluence of advanced materials science, sensor technology, and industrial application. His pioneering research has not only advanced the scientific understanding of gas sensing and nanomaterials but also led to practical solutions for energy security and environmental protection. Through his publications, patents, mentorship, and editorial leadership, he has become a key contributor to the global research community. As a nominee for this award, Prof. Zhao exemplifies the values of innovation, impact, and excellence in engineering and science.