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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ORCID

 🎓 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

Prof Xiang Chen | Computational Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Material Scientist

Prof Xiang Chen | Computational Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Xiang Chen is a leading expert in solid mechanics and materials science, currently serving as a Professor at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China 🏛️. He holds a Ph.D. in Solid Mechanics 🎓, specializing in smart materials, shape memory alloys, and high-entropy alloys ⚙️. His research focuses on mechanical behavior, tribology, nanoindentation, and molecular dynamics simulations 🔬. With 10+ high-impact journal publications, he has contributed significantly to material characterization and structural analysis 📚. His expertise in finite element analysis and advanced alloys makes him a key innovator in mechanical and materials engineering 🏆.

Prof Xiang Chen, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China

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SCOPUS

Education 🎓

Prof. Xiang Chen pursued his higher education at Chongqing University, specializing in engineering mechanics and solid mechanics 🏛️. He earned his Bachelor’s degree (2006-2010) in Engineering Mechanics, focusing on smart materials ⚙️ under the guidance of Prof. Xianghe Peng 👨‍🏫. He continued his studies with a Master’s degree (2010-2011) in Solid Mechanics, deepening his research in smart materials 🔬. Prof. Chen then completed his Ph.D. (2011-2015) in Solid Mechanics, further advancing his expertise in mechanical behavior and material characterization 📄. His strong academic foundation has made him a leader in smart materials and structural engineering 🏆.

Experience 🏛️

Prof. Xiang Chen has built a distinguished career at Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, contributing significantly to materials science and solid mechanics ⚙️. He began as a Lecturer (2015-2018) 📖, focusing on teaching and research. He was then promoted to Associate Professor (2018-2023), where he led cutting-edge research in smart materials and high-entropy alloys 🔬. In 2023, he became a full Professor, further expanding his influence in mechanical behavior and structural engineering 📚. His academic leadership and innovative contributions have positioned him as a trailblazer in advanced materials research 🏆✨.

Skills 🛠️

Prof. Xiang Chen is a leading expert in smart materials and solid mechanics, with specialized knowledge in shape memory alloys and high-entropy alloys ⚙️. His proficiency in nanoindentation and tribology enables him to analyze material wear and mechanical behavior precisely 🔍. He utilizes molecular dynamics simulations to explore atomic-scale interactions 🖥️ and employs finite element analysis for optimizing structural performance 📊. His groundbreaking research on microstructural behavior under mechanical and thermal conditions has advanced material characterization and engineering applications 📚. Prof. Chen’s expertise plays a vital role in developing next-generation materials for industrial and scientific use 🏆✨.

Research Focus 🔬

Prof. Xiang Chen’s research primarily focuses on solid mechanics, smart materials, and high-entropy alloys ⚙️. He explores the mechanical behavior of NiTi shape memory alloys, investigating their tribological properties, temperature effects, and indentation mechanics 🔍. His work also includes shock compression studies on monocrystalline NiTi alloys and heat treatment effects on CuZr composites 🔥. He applies molecular dynamics simulations and finite element analysis to predict material performance 🖥️. Additionally, Prof. Chen develops advanced composite materials for applications in biomedical stents and aerospace structures 🚀🏥. His groundbreaking studies enhance structural durability and material characterization 🏆✨.

Publications 📚

Effects of heat treatment parameters and grain sizes on mechanical response of amorphous/crystalline CuZr composites

    • Authors: Yin, M., Duan, M., Fu, T., Chen, X., Peng, X.
    • Journal: Mechanics of Materials 🔬📑

Structural Design of Negative Poisson’s Ratio NiTinol Stent and Its Performance in Vascular Support

    • Authors: Chen, X., Xiong, L., Fu, F., Zhao, Y., Kang, X.
    • Journal: Xiyou Jinshu Cailiao Yu Gongcheng/Rare Metal Materials and Engineering 🛠️

Temperature dependence of tribological properties in NiTi shape memory alloy: A nanoscratching study

    • Authors: Chen, X., Guo, A., Wang, J., Lu, S., Fu, T.
    • Journal: Tribology International 🔧⚙️

Orientation-dependent multi-spall performance of monocrystalline NiTi alloys under shock compression

    • Authors: Chen, X., Wu, X., Yang, X., Pei, X., Wang, F.
    • Journal: Materials Today Communications 🧪📄

A multiscale mesh generation method for textile composite

    • Authors: Ma, Y., Chen, A., Deng, C., Lu, S., Zeng, X.
    • Journal: Hangkong Xuebao/Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica ✈️🌐

Effect of Material Parameters on the Indentation Mechanical Behavior of Superelastic NiTi Shape Memory Alloy

    • Authors: Chen, X., Jiang, W., Lu, S., Fu, T., Peng, X.
    • Journal: Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance 🔬📘

Deformation behavior and yield strength prediction of [112] oriented NbMoTaW refractory high entropy alloy nanowires

    • Authors: Tian, T., Fu, T., Duan, M., Chen, X., Peng, X.
    • Journal: CrystEngComm 🧪📖