Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award-2401

Published on by Material Scientist

Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology. Her work focuses on green and sustainable chemistry, specifically the use of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids to convert biomass-derived glucose into valuable biochemicals. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has professional experience as a Research Scientist Intern and Sales Technology Chemist. With a strong background in coordination chemistry and applied research, she brings a passion for innovation, community impact, and scientific advancement.

Ms Vuyolwethu Tokoyi, Durban University of Technology, South Africa

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 🎓 Education

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi has an extensive academic background in Chemistry. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology, where her research focuses on the application of ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for the conversion of glucose extracted from sugarcane bagasse to value-added biochemicals. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her master’s research centered on the synthesis and evaluation of Co(II) and Mn(II) dithiocarbamate complexes and their morpholine adducts, with applications in antibacterial and anticancer studies. she completed her Honours degree in Chemistry with distinction (Cum Laude) at the University of Fort Hare, focusing her research on bipyridine adducts of transition metal dithiocarbamate complexes. She also earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Geology from the University of Fort Hare. Prior to that, she obtained her matric exemption from Templeton High School .

Contribution

Ms. Vuyolwethu Tokoyi has made meaningful contributions to the field of chemistry through her academic research and applied scientific work. Her Ph.D. research is advancing sustainable chemical processes by converting agricultural waste into high-value biochemicals using innovative materials like ZIF-8 and ionic liquids—supporting green chemistry and waste valorization efforts. She has also contributed to the understanding of metal-ligand complexes with potential antibacterial and anticancer properties, enriching the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Beyond the lab, she has supported research development at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology and contributed to technology-driven solutions during her time at Buckman Laboratories and the Technology Innovation Agency. Through her academic achievements, technical skills, and public-sector engagement, she is helping to bridge research, industry, and societal impact.

🏆Awards

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Ms. Tokoyi has been recognized for her excellence and dedication. She is a recipient of the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Scholarship for both her Honours and Master’s studies. In 2017, she was awarded the James Moir Medal by the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) for outstanding academic performance in Chemistry. She has completed numerous professional development programs, earning certificates in business writing and communications, Microsoft digital literacy, ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems, ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety, Mushroom Cultivation, and the design of bioactive molecules such as Pleuran and Cordycepin. She also holds certifications in Quality Control and Quality Assurance Techniques.

👩‍🔬 Experience

Ms. Tokoyi brings over three years of professional experience, primarily within research and applied chemistry roles. she has been serving as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) at Durban University of Technology. Her earlier roles include working as a Sales Technology Chemist at Buckman Laboratories under the Yes Graduate Program, where she honed her skills in technical sales and client support. Additionally, she served as a Research Scientist Intern at the Technology Innovation Agency, gaining practical experience in scientific research, laboratory operations, and applied innovation in the chemical sciences.

🔬 Research Focus

Ms. Tokoyi’s research is rooted in applied and sustainable chemistry. Her current Ph.D. work investigates the use of advanced materials such as ZIF-8 and ionic liquids for the green conversion of biomass-derived glucose into biochemicals, contributing to circular economy and renewable resource utilization. Her prior research involved transition metal complexes with potential biological applications, highlighting her interests in bioinorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, and materials chemistry. Her academic trajectory illustrates a commitment to leveraging chemistry for innovation in both health-related and environmental applications.

📚 Publications

Ferrocene-Based Bimetallic MOF Beads as Bifunctional Dye Scavenging and Degrading Materials
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering Transactions, July 2024

Potential Application of IL@ZIFMOF Composites for Lignocellulosic Biomass Valorization: Recent Update
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques

Should “Ionic Liquids” also be used for solid ionic compounds: Synthesis and characterization of p-anisidinium-based ionic compounds
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Chemical Engineering and Process Techniques

Synthesis and antibacterial studies of p-anisidinium-based ionic liquids: Experimental, DFT calculations and molecular docking
👥 Vuyolwethu Tokoyi
📰 Journal of Molecular Liquids

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zhongnan Wang | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Material Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zhongnan Wang | Soft Materials | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang is a leading researcher in biotribology and nanomaterials, currently based at Beijing Jiaotong University 🇨🇳. He holds dual Ph.D. degrees from the University of Warwick and Harbin Institute of Technology 🎓. His interdisciplinary research focuses on hydrogel nanocomposites, MEMS, superlubricity, and biomedical coatings 🧫🩻. With 3 patents, 50+ SCI publications 📚, and editorial roles in top journals, Dr. Wang is driving innovation in medical devices, sensor tech, and wear-resistant systems 🤖💡. His work bridges advanced mechanics and biomedical applications, making him a pioneer in sustainable and intelligent material design 🌱🔍.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zhongnan Wang, Beijing Jiaotong University, China

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🎓 Education 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang holds dual Ph.D. degrees in Engineering from the University of Warwick 🇬🇧 (2017) and in Mechatronic Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology 🇨🇳 (2016), demonstrating a strong international academic foundation. He earned his Master’s degree in Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology in 2009 and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Northeast Agricultural University in 2006. His interdisciplinary education bridges mechanical systems, automation, and materials science 🧪⚙️🧠, equipping him with robust theoretical knowledge and practical skills to lead innovation in advanced tribology, sensors, and hydrogel materials.

🏫 Experience

Dr. Zhongnan Wang has been serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical, Electronic and Control Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University since March 2020 🏫⚙️. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the prestigious State Key Laboratory of Tribology in Advanced Equipment, Tsinghua University from August 2017 to November 2019 🔬🇨🇳. During his postdoctoral tenure, he focused on cutting-edge tribology, nanomaterials, and bio-inspired lubricating systems 🧪💧. His academic career bridges theory and real-world applications in biomechanics, MEMS, and hydrogel development, making him a strong leader in engineering research 🌟📈.

🏅 Honors 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang has been recognized for his academic excellence and editorial leadership. He currently serves as Associate Editor of the Open Access Journal of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (2025–present) and Guest Editor for Lubricants (2025–present). He is also an Editorial Board Member for International Journal of Materials Science and Applications (2024–2027) and Materials Science and Technology (2023–2026). Since 2021, he’s served as a Topic Editor for Materials. As an active reviewer for top journals including ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Langmuir, and Scientific Reports, Dr. Wang is widely respected in the global research community.

🧪 Patents

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhongnan Wang is revolutionizing soft material science through the development of smart composite hydrogels with advanced lubrication and mechanical properties. His patented inventions include a multi-functional hydrogel designed for biomedical and wearable applications (ZL202210451596.1) and a dopamine-modified nanocomposite hydrogel offering enhanced adhesion and resilience (ZL202310234681.7) ⚙️🦾. These hydrogels mimic biological tissue behavior and hold promise for artificial joints, flexible electronics, and bioinspired robotics. His work bridges materials engineering with biomedicine, paving the way for next-generation smart interfaces and soft actuators 🚀🧠🧤.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Zhongnan Wang’s research spans the cutting edge of biotribology, focusing on the mechanical and lubricating properties of hydrogels for biomedical applications 🧬💧. His work in MEMS devices involves developing advanced sensors and actuators for precise mechanical control and detection ⚙️📡. He specializes in micro/nanotribology, investigating friction and wear at the molecular scale 🔍🧲, and employs advanced material characterization techniques to analyze surface interactions and smart coatings. His interdisciplinary studies integrate nanotechnology, soft materials, and biomechanics to create next-generation solutions for artificial joints, robotics, and smart materials 🤖🩻🌟.

📚 Publications

Sensor for a solid–liquid tribological system
Authors: Ruize Zhang, Zeyang Yu, Zhikai Fan, Shanshan Wang, Yihui Xiang, Yanfei Liu*, Zhongnan Wang*
Journal: Sensors, 2025, Vol. 25, Article 437

A bilayer composite hydrogel with simultaneous high load bearing and superior lubrication by dopamine modified nano-hydroxyapatite
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Hui Guo, Ji Zhang, Yi Qian, Fanjie Meng, Yueshan Mu
Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces, 2024, Vol. 51, 104680

Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials in Hydrogels and Their Potential Bio-Applications
Authors: Zhongnan Wang, Hui Guo, Ji Zhang, Yi Qian, Yanfei Liu*
Journal: Lubricants, 2024, Vol. 12, Article 149

Electric Potential Controlled Ionic Lubrication
Authors: Zhongnan Wang, Hui Guo, Sudesh Singh, Vahid Adibnia, Hongjiang He, Fang Kang, Ye Yang, Chenxu Liu, Tianyi Han*, Chenhui Zhang
Journal: Lubricants, 2024, Vol. 12, Article 214

Preparation and Properties of Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Dopamine Modification
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Hui Guo, Yueshan Mu
Journal: Chinese Journal of Materials Research, 2024, Vol. 38(4), pp. 269–278

Low-Friction Hybrid Hydrogel with Excellent Mechanical Properties for Simulating Articular Cartilage Movement
Authors: Zhongnan Wang*, Fanjie Meng, Yue Zhang, Hui Guo
Journal: Langmuir, 2023, Vol. 39(6), pp. 2368–2379

Tribological Investigation of a Mixed Solution with Superlubricity Achieved
Authors: Fanjie Meng, Zhongnan Wang, Qiuying Chang, Zhiyuan Wang, Jianwen Zhang, Xu Geng
Journal: Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2022, Vol. 58(11), pp. 210–219