Ignaas Jimidar | Nanomaterials for Energy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ignaas Jimidar | Nanomaterials for Energy | Best Researcher Award

Senior Postdoctoral Fellow | Vrije Universiteit Brussel | Belgium

Dr. Ignaas Jimidar is a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium, whose research lies at the interface of chemical engineering, materials science, and analytical chemistry. His work focuses on microscale particle assembly, solvent-free fabrication, and triboelectric phenomena, advancing understanding of how particles interact, organize, and perform in engineered microenvironments. With a growing impact in the fields of soft matter, microfluidics, and energy harvesting, Dr. Ignaas Jimidar has authored over 28 research documents with 176 citations and an h-index of 9 (Scopus). His portfolio includes 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, invited contributions such as a Review in Small and a Perspective in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and editorials in Physics Today and LCGC Magazine. His innovative research on granular interfaces and solvent-free assembly has been featured as cover articles in leading journals like ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Soft Matter, and Langmuir. Dr. Ignaas Jimidar has filed two patents, including developments in microfluidic devices and triboelectrically assembled SERS substrates, demonstrating strong translational potential. His research has attracted international recognition through awards such as the 2025 IACIS Emerging Investigator Award, MSCA Seal of Excellence (2024), and Young Scientists Award (MSB 2024). He has presented his work at prestigious venues, including the American Physical Society March Meeting, µTAS, and Colloids2025, and served as a guest editor for Soft Matter’s themed collection “Soft Matter Electrified.” His academic service extends to editorial reviewing for over 30 journals, conference chairing, and scientific committee memberships. Dr. Ignaas Jimidar’s contributions bridge fundamental colloid science and applied microengineering, advancing the development of next-generation materials for energy, sensing, and analytical technologies. His interdisciplinary innovations continue to redefine how particle assemblies and microscale systems can be designed for sustainable, high-performance applications.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearchGate | Researchportal | Researcher Profile

Featured Publications

1. Sotthewes, K., Gardeniers, H. J. G. E., Desmet, G., & Jimidar, I. S. M. (2022). Triboelectric charging of particles, an ongoing matter: From the early onset of planet formation to assembling crystals. ACS Omega, 7(46), 41828–41839. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c05554

2. Jimidar, I. S. M., Kwiecinski, W., Roozendaal, G., Kooij, E. S., Gardeniers, H. J. G. E., & Desmet, G. (2023). Influence of wettability and geometry on contact electrification between nonionic insulators. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(35), 42004–42014. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c11010

3. Van Geite, W., Jimidar, I. S. M., Sotthewes, K., Gardeniers, H., & Desmet, G. (2022). Vacuum-driven assembly of electrostatically levitated microspheres on perforated surfaces. Materials & Design, 216, 110573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2022.110573

4. Jimidar, I. S. M., Sotthewes, K., Gardeniers, H., & Desmet, G. (2020). Spatial segregation of microspheres by rubbing-induced triboelectrification on patterned surfaces. Langmuir, 36(24), 6793–6800. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c00959

5. Sotthewes, K., Roozendaal, G., Šutka, A., & Jimidar, I. S. M. (2024). Toward the assembly of 2D tunable crystal patterns of spherical colloids on a wafer-scale. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 16(9), 12007–12017. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c20483

Amel Boudjemaa | Nanomaterials for Energy | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Amel Boudjemaa | Nanomaterials for Energy | Women Researcher Award

Researcher, Center for Scientific and Technical Research in Physicochemical Analysis (CRAPC), Algeria

Dr. Amel Boudjemaa is a prolific Algerian researcher at the Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Bou Ismail, Algeria. Her scientific contributions lie primarily in photocatalysis, nanomaterials, surface chemistry, and environmental remediation. With a Scopus h-index of 20, 1,467 citations, and 90 peer-reviewed publications, her work has significantly influenced the fields of materials chemistry and sustainable environmental technologies. Her recent research focuses on the design and optimization of advanced nanostructured photocatalysts for water purification, pollutant degradation, and hydrogen generation under visible light. Notably, she has investigated heterojunction and doped oxide-based photocatalysts—such as Co₂SnO₄/Co₃O₄/SnO₂, ZnO–CuO–Al₂O₃, and Bi/Fe-doped aluminophosphates—demonstrating enhanced degradation efficiencies for pharmaceuticals and dyes like diclofenac, ibuprofen, and methyl orange. These studies integrate experimental synthesis, photochemical characterization, and mechanistic modeling to predict by-product toxicity and reaction kinetics, emphasizing both efficiency and environmental safety. Beyond photocatalysis, Dr. Amel Boudjemaa has explored hybrid and functional nanomaterials with applications in sensing, adsorption, and energy storage. Her works on platinum(IV)-carbon sphere hybrids and tin-based non-enzymatic sensors have expanded the potential of nanomaterials for electrochemical detection and clean energy technologies. Methodologically, her research combines advanced materials synthesis, surface modification, spectroscopic and electrochemical analysis, and computational prediction tools. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges materials science, environmental engineering, and green chemistry, contributing to cleaner production and pollution mitigation strategies. Overall, Dr. Amel Boudjemaa’s body of work demonstrates a consistent pursuit of innovative, sustainable solutions for environmental contaminants, positioning her among the leading North African researchers in applied photocatalysis and nanomaterial-based remediation.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar | ResearcheGate | Loop | Web of Science | Linkedin

Featured Publications

Boumaza, S., Boudjemaa, A., Bouguelia, A., Bouarab, R., & Trari, M. (2010). Visible light induced hydrogen evolution on new hetero-system ZnFe₂O₄/SrTiO₃. Applied Energy, 87(7), 2230–2236.

Boudjemaa, A., Boumaza, S., Trari, M., Bouarab, R., & Bouguelia, A. (2009). Physical and photo-electrochemical characterizations of α-Fe₂O₃: Application for hydrogen production. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 34(10), 4268–4274.

Chezeau, B., Boudriche, L., Vial, C., & Boudjemaa, A. (2020). Treatment of dairy wastewater by electrocoagulation process: Advantages of combined iron/aluminum electrodes. Separation Science and Technology, 55(14), 2510–2527.

Boumaza, S., Boudjemaa, A., Omeiri, S., Bouarab, R., Bouguelia, A., & Trari, M. (2010). Physical and photoelectrochemical characterizations of hematite α-Fe₂O₃: Application to photocatalytic oxygen evolution. Solar Energy, 84(4), 715–721.

Boudjemaa, A., Bouarab, R., Saadi, S., Bouguelia, A., & Trari, M. (2009). Photoelectrochemical H₂-generation over spinel FeCr₂O₄ in X²⁻ solutions (X²⁻ = S²⁻ and SO₃²⁻). Applied Energy, 86(7–8), 1080–1086.

 

Prof. Dr. Gael Plantard | Energy Nanomaterials Awards | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Gael Plantard | Energy Nanomaterials Awards | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Gael Plantard , Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique , France

Gaël Plantard is a University Professor in the Chemical and Process Engineering Department at the University of Perpignan-Via Domitia, where he has been a key member of the Processes, Materials, and Solar Energy Laboratory (UPR 8521) since 2006. His research focuses on developing innovative photocatalytic materials for solar applications, and he has published over 50 papers in this field. Plantard was awarded the Habilitation to Supervise Research in 2014 and was appointed University Professor in 2018. He has led numerous national and international projects and collaborations, contributing significantly to advancements in solar technologies. His work has been recognized with several awards, including the Occitanie Region “Chercheur Avenir” in 2013 and a nomination for the Frans Habraken Best Paper Award in 2022. In addition to his research, he has held various academic administrative roles, including serving as Head of the Chemical and Process Engineering Department and as an elected member of several university councils.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award: Gael Plantard

Gael Plantard is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding research contributions, innovative approach to solar energy and photochemical processes, significant mentorship role, and recognized excellence in his field. His extensive publication record, leadership in research initiatives, and notable awards collectively underscore his impact and commitment to advancing science and technology.

🎓Education:

Gaël Plantard holds a Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR), awarded in 2014. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Perpignan-Via Domitia, with the exact year not specified. Additionally, he completed both his Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering at the same institution, although the specific years are not detailed.

🏢Work Experience:

Gaël Plantard has served as a University Professor in the Chemical and Process Engineering Department at the University of Perpignan-Via Domitia since 2018. He has been a researcher at the Processes, Materials, and Solar Energy Laboratory (UPR 8521) since 2006. From 2009 to 2015, he was the Head of the Chemical and Process Engineering Department. Additionally, Plantard has been an elected member of various university councils and committees at the University of Perpignan-Via Domitia from 2020 to 2024

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Implementation of an Advanced Photooxidation Process to Intensify Pharmaceuticals Removal by a Membrane Bioreactor”

    Citations: 4

  • “Continuous Degradation of Micropollutants in Real World Treated Wastewaters by Photooxidation in Dynamic Conditions”

    Citations: 4

  • “Photo-oxidation of Three Major Pharmaceuticals in Urban Wastewater Under Artificial and Solar Irradiations”

    Citations: 5