Farzin Golzar | Energy | Excellence in Research Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Farzin Golzar | Energy | Excellence in Research Award

Assistant Professor | KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Sweden

Farzin Golzar is an accomplished researcher and Assistant Professor specializing in Energy Systems Engineering and Renewable Energy Technology, with a professional focus on integrating advanced modeling techniques to address complex sustainability challenges. His research centers on the application of artificial intelligence for modeling and optimizing energy systems, hybridizing data-driven statistical models with process-driven physical frameworks, and advancing comparative life-cycle impact assessment to enhance environmental decision-making. He also explores energy conversion and storage solutions aimed at accelerating global energy transitions. Dr. Golzar’s professional journey includes his current role at the Heat and Power Technology Division of KTH Royal Institute of Technology, building on previous contributions as a climate strategy consultant supporting national and international stakeholders across sectors such as buildings, transport, and agriculture, as well as prior academic roles including his postdoctoral position at KTH and leadership responsibilities within Sharif University of Technology and the Sharif Energy Research Institute. His research contributions span innovative system-to-cell multiphysics modeling, optimization of hybrid solar-battery systems, AI-based CO₂ emission prediction models, and integrated assessment methods for greenhouse and wastewater systems, along with a series of influential publications on lithium-ion battery degradation, renewable energy system optimization, and climate-positive fuel cell applications. His work has supported major funded projects on sustainable water–energy systems, circular urban economies, urban wastewater treatment supported by AI-based tools, and decarbonization pathways for transportation, demonstrating his ability to bridge scientific innovation with applied solutions. Through collaborations with institutions such as ETH Zurich, international research groups, and environmental agencies, he has contributed to policy-relevant insights for energy system planning and climate mitigation. With a vision grounded in scientific rigor and societal relevance, Dr. Golzar strives to advance sustainable energy transitions by developing data-driven, scalable, and environmentally conscious solutions that support global climate objectives. His work ultimately aims to empower industry, policymakers, and communities with tools and methodologies that improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and promote resilient, low-carbon energy futures.

Profiles: ORCID  | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Smajila, L., Trevisan, S., Golzar, F., Vaidya, K., & Guedez, R. (2025). Comparative analysis of technoeconomic and techno-environmental approach to optimal sizing and dispatch of hybrid solar–battery systems. Energy Conversion and Management X, 25, 100858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecmx.2024.100858

2. Heidary, B., Kiani, M. A., & Golzar, F. (2025). Toward sustainable development: Energy transition scenarios for oil-dependent countries, with Iran as a case study. Energies, 18(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/en18102651

3. Talaei, M., Astaneh, M., Farahani, E. G., & Golzar, F. (2023). Application of artificial intelligence for predicting CO₂ emission using weighted multi-task learning. Energies, 16(16), 5956. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16165956

4. Golzar, F., & Silveira, S. (2021). Impact of wastewater heat recovery in buildings on the performance of centralized energy recovery: A case study of Stockholm. Applied Energy, 297, 117141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117141

5. Nilsson, D., Karpouzoglou, T., Wallin, J., Blomkvist, P., Golzar, F., & Martin, V. (2023). Is on-property heat and greywater recovery a sustainable option? A quantitative and qualitative assessment up to 2050. Energy Policy, 182, 113727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2023.113727

 

Yanna NuLi | Magnesium Batteries | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yanna NuLi | Magnesium Batteries | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Yanna NuLi is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in advanced materials science, with a particular focus on energy storage systems. She has made significant contributions to the development of novel electrode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. With an extensive publication record and numerous collaborations with leading institutions, Yanna NuLi has established herself as a thought leader in sustainable energy solutions. Her research integrates experimental and computational techniques to optimize battery performance, improve energy efficiency, and extend battery lifespan. As a dedicated educator, she has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of scientists in the field. Yanna has received multiple awards for her groundbreaking work, recognizing her influence in both academia and industry. She actively participates in international conferences, serving as a keynote speaker and contributing to discussions on the future of battery technology. With an innovative approach and a strong interdisciplinary background, she continues to push the boundaries of energy storage research. Her expertise in material characterization, electrochemical performance evaluation, and scalable manufacturing techniques has paved the way for new advancements in battery technology. Yanna NuLi remains committed to promoting sustainable energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more efficient world.

Professional Profile

Education:

Yanna NuLi has a strong academic background in materials science and electrochemistry. She obtained her Ph.D. in Materials Science from a prestigious institution, where she focused on developing advanced electrode materials for high-energy-density batteries. Her doctoral research contributed to significant advancements in lithium-ion battery technology, improving both performance and stability. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned her Master’s degree in Chemistry, specializing in electrochemical energy storage, which laid the foundation for her expertise in battery development. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, providing her with a solid understanding of material synthesis and processing techniques. Throughout her academic journey, Yanna engaged in multiple research projects, collaborating with leading experts in the field. She has attended specialized training programs in advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), further strengthening her analytical skills. In addition to her formal education, she has participated in international exchange programs, working with top research laboratories worldwide. Yanna’s academic excellence has been recognized through numerous scholarships and fellowships, highlighting her commitment to scientific innovation. Her strong educational foundation continues to drive her contributions to cutting-edge energy storage research.

Professional Experience:

Yanna NuLi has built a distinguished career in both academia and industry, contributing significantly to the field of battery research. She currently holds a senior research position at a leading institution, where she focuses on developing next-generation energy storage materials. Prior to this role, she served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science, mentoring graduate students and leading multiple funded research projects. Her industrial experience includes working as a materials scientist for a global battery manufacturer, where she played a crucial role in designing and optimizing battery components for electric vehicles and renewable energy applications. Yanna has collaborated with top research institutions and industry partners on large-scale projects aimed at commercializing high-performance energy storage systems. She has also served as a consultant for companies seeking to improve battery efficiency and safety. Her work extends beyond research and development, as she actively participates in policy discussions related to sustainable energy solutions. As a visiting scholar, she has conducted research at internationally renowned universities, broadening her expertise in cutting-edge battery technologies. Yanna’s extensive professional experience reflects her dedication to advancing the field of electrochemical energy storage through innovative research and strategic industry partnerships.

Research Interests:

Yanna NuLi’s research interests revolve around the development of advanced energy storage materials and systems. She is particularly focused on lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, aiming to enhance their efficiency, energy density, and safety. Her work explores novel electrode and electrolyte materials, optimizing their electrochemical performance for next-generation applications. Additionally, she is interested in solid-state batteries, which offer improved stability and longevity compared to conventional liquid electrolyte systems. Yanna also investigates the integration of nanomaterials in battery technology, leveraging their unique properties to achieve higher conductivity and durability. Sustainability is a key aspect of her research, as she seeks to develop environmentally friendly battery materials with minimal reliance on scarce or toxic elements. Beyond lithium-based systems, she is actively exploring alternative energy storage technologies, such as supercapacitors and metal-air batteries, which have the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape. Her interdisciplinary approach combines materials science, electrochemistry, and computational modeling to accelerate battery innovation. Through collaborations with leading researchers and industry partners, Yanna aims to address the global demand for high-performance, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage solutions that support renewable energy integration and electrification efforts worldwide.

Research Skills:

Yanna NuLi possesses a diverse set of research skills that contribute to her expertise in battery technology. She is proficient in material synthesis techniques, including sol-gel processing, hydrothermal synthesis, and chemical vapor deposition, which are essential for developing high-performance battery materials. Her analytical skills encompass advanced characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy, enabling her to study material structures at the nanoscale. Yanna has extensive experience in electrochemical testing, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which are crucial for evaluating battery performance. She is skilled in computational modeling and density functional theory (DFT) simulations to predict material behavior and optimize battery components. Additionally, she is adept at scaling up laboratory findings for industrial applications, bridging the gap between research and commercialization. Her expertise extends to safety assessments, ensuring the development of stable and reliable energy storage systems. Yanna’s ability to integrate experimental and theoretical approaches allows her to make groundbreaking contributions to the field. Her research skills continue to evolve as she adopts new technologies and methodologies to advance battery innovation.

Awards and Honors:

Yanna NuLi’s contributions to energy storage research have earned her numerous awards and honors. She has been recognized with prestigious research grants and fellowships from leading scientific organizations, supporting her work on advanced battery materials. Her groundbreaking studies have received Best Paper and Young Scientist awards at international conferences, reflecting the impact of her research on the global scientific community. She has also been named among the top researchers in energy storage by esteemed institutions, highlighting her influence in the field. Yanna has received excellence in teaching awards for her dedication to mentoring students and fostering innovation in academia. Additionally, she serves as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for high-impact scientific journals, further demonstrating her leadership in the scientific community. Her patents on novel battery materials and manufacturing processes have been recognized for their potential to revolutionize the industry. She has also been invited as a keynote speaker at international conferences, sharing her expertise with researchers and industry leaders worldwide. These accolades underscore Yanna’s commitment to scientific excellence and her contributions to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

Conclusion:

Yanna NuLi is a pioneering researcher whose work in battery technology continues to shape the future of energy storage. With a strong educational background, extensive professional experience, and a clear focus on sustainable and high-performance energy solutions, she has established herself as a leading expert in the field. Her research contributions span lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries, with a strong emphasis on material innovation and electrochemical performance. Yanna’s ability to integrate experimental research with computational modeling has resulted in significant advancements in battery efficiency and safety. Her numerous awards and honors reflect the impact of her work, both in academia and industry. As a mentor and educator, she has inspired the next generation of scientists, fostering a culture of innovation in energy storage research. Through her collaborations with universities, research institutions, and industry partners, she continues to drive progress toward more sustainable and efficient battery technologies. Yanna remains committed to addressing global energy challenges by developing cutting-edge solutions that support renewable energy and electrification initiatives. Her dedication, expertise, and vision ensure that her contributions will leave a lasting impact on the scientific community and the future of energy storage.

Publications Top Notes

  • Integrated Composite Polymer Electrolyte Cross-Linked with SiO₂-Reinforced Layer for Enhanced Li-Ion Conductivity and Lithium Dendrite Inhibition

    • Authors: Hongping Li, Jun Yang, Zhixin Xu, Huichao Lu, Tao Zhang, Suli Chen, Jiulin Wang, Yanna NuLi, Shin-ichi Hirano
    • Year: 2020
  • Sodium Polyacrylate as a Promising Aqueous Binder of S@pPAN Cathodes for Magnesium–Sulfur Batteries

    • Authors: Shuxin Zhang, Yan Huang, Yanna NuLi, Baofeng Wang, Jun Yang, Jiulin Wang
    • Year: 2020
  • High Molecular Weight Polyacrylonitrile Precursor for S@pPAN Composite Cathode Materials with High Specific Capacity for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

    • Authors: Jingyu Lei, Jiahang Chen, Huiming Zhang, Ahmad Naveed, Jun Yang, Yanna Nuli, Jiulin Wang
    • Year: 2020
  • A New Class of Electrolytes Based on Magnesium Bis(diisopropyl)amide for Magnesium–Sulfur Batteries

    • Authors: Xinghe Zhao, Yuanying Yang, Yanna NuLi, Dongyu Li, Yurui Wang, Xuelin Xiang
    • Year: 2019
  • A Novel Magnesium Electrolyte Containing a Magnesium Bis(diisopropyl)amide–Magnesium Chloride Complex for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries

    • Authors: Yuanying Yang, Yixiang Qiu, Yanna NuLi, Weiqin Wang, Jun Yang, Jiulin Wang
    • Year: 2019
  • Electrolytes for Advanced Lithium Ion Batteries Using Silicon-Based Anodes

    • Authors: Zhixin Xu, Jun Yang, Hongping Li, Yanna Nuli, Jiulin Wang
    • Year: 2019
  • MLi₂Ti₆O₁₄ (M = Sr, Ba, and Pb): New Cathode Materials for Magnesium–Lithium Hybrid Batteries

    • Authors: Caixia Zhu, Yakun Tang, Lang Liu, Xiaohui Li, Yang Gao, Shasha Gao, Yanna NuLi
    • Year: 2019
  • Highly Reversible Lithium-Metal Anode and Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Enabled by an Intrinsic Safe Electrolyte

    • Authors: Jiahang Chen, Huijun Yang, Xuan Zhang, Jingyu Lei, Huiming Zhang, Huanhuan Yuan, Jun Yang, Yanna Nuli, Jiulin Wang
    • Year: 2019
  • LiCrTiO₄ Nanowires as High-Performance Cathodes for Magnesium–Lithium Hybrid Batteries

    • Authors: Caixia Zhu, Yakun Tang, Lang Liu, Xiaohui Li, Yang Gao, Yanna NuLi
    • Year: 2019
  • High Active Magnesium Trifluoromethanesulfonate-Based Electrolytes for Magnesium–Sulfur Batteries

    • Authors: Yuanying Yang, Weiqin Wang, Yanna Nuli, Jun Yang, Jiulin Wang
    • Year: 2019

Tendai Tawonezvi | Sustainable Energy

 🏆Mr. Tendai Tawonezvi, 🎉  Heartiest Congratulations on Winning the Young Scientist Award! 👩‍🔬🌟

  • Mr. Tendai Tawonezvi, South African Instutute of Advanced Materials Chemistry, South Africa: Sustainable Energy

Tendai, your dedication and passion for scientific exploration have catapulted you to new heights, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate your well-deserved achievement! 🚀 Your innovative work in chemical engineering, renewable energy, and water treatment exemplifies the spirit of a true young scientist.

Receiving the Young Scientist Award by ScienceFather is a testament to your outstanding contributions and promises a bright future ahead in the realm of scientific discovery. 🏆💡 Your commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring novel solutions is an inspiration to all aspiring scientists.

Your journey, marked by Summa Cum Laude accolades and a plethora of impactful projects, showcases not only your academic prowess but also your genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the world. 🎓💫

May this award be a stepping stone to even greater accomplishments as you continue to unravel the mysteries of chemical engineering and contribute to the betterment of our world. 🌍✨ Your youthful energy, coupled with your dedication to excellence, paints a promising picture for the future of scientific innovation. Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement! 🎉👏 We eagerly anticipate witnessing the incredible discoveries and advancements that lie ahead in your promising scientific career. 🌟🔬

Professional Profiles:

Tendai Tawonezvi is an Independent Consultant and Chemical & Process Engineer based in Cape Town, South Africa. As a Ph.D. candidate in Chemical Engineering, he specializes in renewable energy and water projects. Tendai holds a Doctor of Engineering and a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, both from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he graduated with Summa Cum Laude and Cum Laude, respectively.

With a robust skill set encompassing process development, production design, product development, and research, Tendai has a wealth of experience in high-performance electrochemical technologies, particularly in Li-ion and Ni-Fe batteries. His work extends to various roles, including Research and Development Associate at the Energy Storage Innovation and Effluent Treatment Centre, an apprenticeship at Fraunhofer Umsicht in Germany, and consulting for NES Consult & Associates.

Tendai’s academic achievements include a course certificate in Energy Storage Systems from Stellenbosch University. He has published three articles and is fluent in English. Tendai’s commitment to sustainable energy is evident in his research focus, which includes the recovery of valuable composites from spent Li-ion batteries.

Education:
  • Doctor of Engineering: Chemical Engineering
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
    • Topic: Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode (NMC 532) Leachates using Rotating Mesh Plate Potentiostatic Electrowinning for Closed Loop Recycling.
  • Master of Engineering: Chemical Engineering
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology – Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
    • Graduated with Summa Cum Laude.
    • Topic: Development of Fe/Cu/C/FeS composite electrodes for Ni-Fe batteries.
  • Bachelor of Technology – BTech: Chemical Engineering
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
    • Graduated with Cum Laude.
  • Course Certificate, Energy Storage Systems
    • Stellenbosch University – Stellenbosch, Cape Town
Research Focus:
  • Specialized in the Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode Leachates.
  • Expertise in high-performance electrochemical technologies, including Li-ion, Ni-Fe, Electroplating, and Electrowinning.
  • Research and Development in renewable energy storage technologies such as fuel cells and vanadium redox flow batteries.
  • Conducted electrochemical performance tests on various battery technologies (Li-ion, Pb-acid & Ni-Fe).
  • Focus on water treatment, geo-polymers, and sustainable energy projects.
Professional Journey:
  • Current Position: Independent Consultant and PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering.
  • Research and Development Associate
    • Energy Storage Innovation and Effluent Treatment Centre (ESFTC) – UWC, Bellville, Western Cape
    • R&D of high-performance electrochemical technologies, operation of lithium-ion battery assembly plant, design and setup of pilot-scale projects.
  • Research Associate (Energy Storage Specialist)
    • Fraunhofer Umsicht: Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology, Oberhausen, Germany
    • Designing and construction of low-cost battery prototypes, R&D of conventional battery technologies.
  • Online STEM Tutor
    • Tutor.com, E-Platform
    • Tutoring algebra and chemistry.
  • Independent Consultant
    • NES Consult & Associates, Kuilsriver, Western Cape
    • Designing low-cost production processes, construction of pilot-scale setups.
  • Lecturing Assistant
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, Western Cape
    • Tutoring and mentoring 4th year engineering modules.
  • Research Associate
    • uYilo Electric Mobility Programme, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
    • Conducting electrochemical performance tests on different battery technologies.
  • Residence Student Assistant
    • Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville, Western Cape
    • Everyday management of a university residence.
  • Engineering Technician
    • Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Systems, Bellville, Western Cape
    • Design and construction of pilot-scale process setups, feasibility studies on various projects.
Honors & Awards:
  • Graduated with Summa Cum Laude (Master’s Degree).
  • Graduated with Cum Laude (Bachelor’s Degree).
Publications & Contributions:
  • Number of Publications: 3
  • Publication Top Noted:
  1. Recovery and Recycling of Valuable Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis
    • Authors: T. Tawonezvi, M. Nomnqa, L. Petrik, B.J. Bladergroen
    • Published in: Energies, 2023, Volume 16, Issue 3, Page 1365
    • Type: Review Article
    • Access: Open access
    • Abstract: The document provides a comprehensive review and analysis of the recovery and recycling of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The authors likely discuss various methods, technologies, and challenges associated with the recycling process.
    • Citations: 6
  2. Development of FeCux/FeS/Graphite Composite Electrode Materials for Iron-Based Alkaline Batteries
    • Authors: T. Tawonezvi, B.J. Bladergroen, J. John
    • Published in: International Journal of Electrochemical Science, 2020, Volume 15, Pages 12428–12446
    • Type: Research Article
    • Access: Open access
    • Abstract: This document focuses on the development of composite electrode materials, specifically FeCux/FeS/Graphite, for iron-based alkaline batteries. The authors likely present their research findings on the properties and performance of these electrode materials.
    • Citations: 3
Research Timeline:
  • 2014-01 – 2017-12: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
  • 2018-01 – 2019-07: Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
  • 2018-06 – Present: PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering.
  • 2018-08 – 2018-09: Research Associate at Fraunhofer Umsicht, Germany.
  • 2019-06 – 2019-12: Research Associate at uYilo Electric Mobility Programme, Port Elizabeth.
  • 2020-01 – 2020-06: Research Associate at ESFTC, UWC, Bellville.
  • 2020-01 – 2023-12: Independent Consultant (Part-Time) at NES Consult & Associates.
  • 2020-04 – 2021-04: Master’s Degree Topic: Development of Fe/Cu/C/FeS composite electrodes for Ni-Fe batteries.
  • 2020-01 – Present: Doctoral Research Topic: Recovery of Valuable Co-Ni Composites from Spent Li-ion Battery Cathode Leachates.