Azim Khan | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award

Posted on by Phenomenological Research Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azim Khan | Materials Science | Research Excellence Award 

Associate Researcher at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azim Khan is a dedicated materials scientist whose work spans advanced metallic systems, nanomaterials, and high-temperature coating technologies. With a strong academic foundation in physics, solid-state physics, and materials science and engineering, he has built an interdisciplinary profile bridging fundamental research and applied innovation. His academic journey includes extensive research training in metal oxide dispersions, grain refinement, high-temperature oxidation, and the development of advanced aluminide coatings. As an active researcher and educator, he has served in university-level teaching roles covering solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electrodynamics, magnetism, atomic and molecular physics, and general physics, while also contributing to departmental committees related to examinations, research, laboratory safety, discipline, and academic scheduling. His professional appointments include roles as lecturer, postdoctoral researcher, assistant professor, and associate researcher across reputable institutions in China, where he has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and supervised experimental work in materials synthesis and characterization. His research interests focus on nickel-based superalloys, high-entropy alloys, oxidation- and corrosion-resistant coatings, carbon-based nanomaterials, and catalyst synthesis using methods such as electroplating, diffusion coatings, solid-solution processing, co-precipitation, and hydrothermal synthesis. He has significant expertise in utilizing CVD and PECVD systems for synthesizing carbon nanotubes, nanocoils, and hybrid nanostructures, as well as operating advanced characterization tools including SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, and electrochemical testing systems. His scientific contributions include numerous peer-reviewed publications covering oxidation kinetics, phase transformation, nanostructured coatings, composite materials, and catalysis, along with participation in multiple international conferences and collaborative projects. As principal investigator and team member in various funded research initiatives, he has contributed to advancements in coating performance, high-temperature materials behavior, and environmentally beneficial catalyst systems. Throughout his academic and professional career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azim Khan has demonstrated continuous growth, leadership, and commitment to scientific excellence. He remains focused on advancing materials science research, fostering collaborations, and contributing impactful innovations to the broader scientific community.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications:

  • Khan, A., Rauf, A., Ullah, S., Jan, H. U., Aziz, T., Zhang, S. H., & Song, G. S. (2023). ZrO₂-nanoparticle assisted phase transformation and oxidation kinetics of thermally grown alumina on nickel aluminide coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology, 470.

  • Khan, A., Ihsan Ullah, S. S. A., Shah, S. S. A., Aziz, T., Zhang, S. H., & Song, G. S. (2022). Effect of Cr nanoparticle dispersions with various contents on the oxidation and phase transformation of alumina scale formation on Ni₂Al₃ coating. Surface and Coatings Technology, 394, 125861.

  • Khan, A., Ihsan Ullah, … (2021). Thermally grown oxide formation on Ni₂Al₃ aluminide coating: the effect of nanocrystalline nickel film on oxide scale adhesion. Vacuum, 197, 110843. (as listed among his works)

  • Khan, A., … (2020). Accelerated phase transformation of thermally grown alumina on Ni₂Al₃: effect of dispersion of hcp-oxides with various content and particle size and chemistry. Surface and Coatings Technology, 394, 125861.

  • Khan, A., … (2022). The effect of grain refinement on the oxidation and phase transformation of alumina scale on Ni₂Al₃ coating. Intermetallics.

  • Khan, A., … (2019). Effect of Cr₂O₃ nanoparticle dispersions on oxidation kinetics and phase transformation of thermally grown alumina on a nickel aluminide coating. Corrosion Science, 150, 91–99.

  • Khan, A., … (2023). (Same as #1 but see variant) — ZrO₂-nanoparticle assisted phase transformation and oxidation kinetics … Surface and Coatings Technology, 470, 129852.

  • Khan, A., … (2022). Effect of Cr nanoparticle dispersions with various contents on the oxidation and phase transformation of alumina scale formation on Ni₂Al₃ coating. Surface and Coatings Technology, 394, 125861.

  • Khan, A., … (2023). ZrO₂-nanoparticle assisted phase transformation and oxidation kinetics of thermally grown alumina on nickel aluminide coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology, 470, 129852.

  • Khan, A., … (2022). The effect of grain refinement on the oxidation and phase transformation of alumina scale on Ni₂Al₃ coating. Intermetallics.

Zoha Afzal | Thermoelectric Materials | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by Phenomenological Research Awards

Ms. Zoha Afzal | Thermoelectric Materials | Women Researcher Award

Student at Institute of Space Technology Islamabad, Pakistan.

Zoha Afzal is a dedicated researcher in condensed matter physics with expertise in Density Functional Theory (DFT) and thermoelectric materials ⚛️. She holds an MSc in Physics (Cum Laude) from the Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad 🎓, where she focused on simulating thermoelectric properties of Sr-doped LaCoO₃. As a research assistant at the Condensed Matter Physics Lab, she has contributed to high-impact studies on energy harvesting and flexible thermoelectric materials 🔬. Zoha has attended renowned international conferences, including ICTP Winter College, Italy, and has multiple research publications 📚.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability for Women Researcher Award – Zoha Afzal

Zoha Afzal is an outstanding candidate for the Women Researcher Award, given her pioneering work in condensed matter physics, particularly in Density Functional Theory (DFT) and thermoelectric materials. Her research focuses on energy harvesting solutions, making impactful contributions to sustainable energy applications. As a Research Assistant at the Condensed Matter Physics Lab, she has co-authored multiple high-impact publications, participated in prestigious international conferences, and demonstrated a strong commitment to scientific outreach and leadership in STEM fields.

Education & Experience

📚 Education:

  • 🎓 MSc in Physics – Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad (2021–2023) (Cum Laude)

  • 🎓 BSc in Physics – COMSATS University, Islamabad (2017–2021)

🔬 Experience:

  • 🏛️ Research Assistant – Condensed Matter Physics Lab, IST Islamabad

    • 📑 Literature reviews & data analysis

    • 📊 Collaborating with senior researchers

    • 📡 Reporting project findings

Professional Development

Zoha Afzal actively enhances her scientific expertise through participation in prestigious international conferences and workshops 🌍. She attended the ICTP Winter College in Italy to deepen her understanding of optics and metamaterials 🔬. Her engagement in national and international seminars reflects her commitment to advancing research in thermoelectric materials and perovskite properties ⚡. Zoha also promotes scientific outreach, serving as a student ambassador for the State Bank of Pakistan and IGN 🏛️. Her role in the Asia Youth International MUN (AYIMUN) highlights her leadership and advocacy for women in STEM 🚀.

Research Focus

Zoha Afzal specializes in Condensed Matter Physics, with a strong emphasis on Density Functional Theory (DFT), thermoelectric materials, and nanotechnology ⚛️. Her research explores the development of energy-efficient materials, focusing on Sr-doped LaCoO₃ and CNT-based flexible thermoelectric materials 🌡️. She aims to improve energy harvesting solutions for sustainable applications ⚡. Zoha’s work contributes to renewable energy, electronic materials, and device optimization, making significant advancements in materials science for optoelectronics and thermoelectric applications 🔋.

Awards & Honors

🏆 Merit-Based University Scholarship – 3rd Position in MSc Physics, IST Islamabad
☀️ Merit-Based Prime Minister Scheme – Awarded a solar panel by the Government of Punjab

Publication Top Notes

📄 Density Functional Theory (DFT) perspectives of thermoelectric transportation in Sr-doped LaCoO3 – Next Materials 📅 2025 🔍 Cited by: 1