Rolando Pedicini | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rolando Pedicini | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at CNR-ITAE, Italy

Profiles:

🎓Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Rolando Pedicini was born on May 25, 1971, in Messina, Italy. He pursued his higher education with a focus on inorganic chemistry and chemical physics. From June 1998 to March 2000, he was involved in research activities at the University of Messina under the supervision of Prof. G. Alibrandi. During this period, he gained substantial experience in reaction inorganic kinetics, characterizing the final products through UV, FT-IR, and NMR spectroscopy, as well as potentiometric titrations.

🏢Professional Endeavors

Dr. Pedicini’s professional journey began at the National Research Council’s Institute for Advanced Energy Technologies “Nicola Giordano” (CNR-ITAE) in Messina, where he worked on various projects related to Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs). His initial role was as a researcher on collaboration activities from February 2001 to May 2001. This experience laid the foundation for his subsequent roles at CNR-ITAE, where he continued to develop his expertise in polymeric membranes for fuel cells.

From June 2001 to May 2003, Dr. Pedicini held a fellowship at Pirelli Labs, focusing on developing polyethylene grafted-styrene membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells applications at low temperatures. His contributions during this period were crucial in advancing the understanding and development of materials for fuel cells.

Between June 2003 and October 2008, Dr. Pedicini worked on developing and characterizing proton conduction membranes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells at CNR-ITAE. His efforts were supported through scholarships and research grants, highlighting his commitment and the recognition of his work in this field.

In October 2008, Dr. Pedicini secured a temporary position as a researcher at the National Research Council (CNR) in Rome. He worked on developing and characterizing membranes containing blends of s-PSF/Polyurethane and sPSF/PSF until December 2009. His expertise and contributions led to a permanent position at CNR from December 2009, where he has since focused on synthesizing polymeric materials for hydrogen storage applications.

🔬Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Pedicini’s research has primarily focused on the development and characterization of materials for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) and hydrogen storage. His work has involved synthesizing novel polymeric materials, developing protonic exchange membranes, and exploring innovative strategies for material characterization. One notable publication includes the study titled “New sulfonated polysulfone co-polymer membrane for low temperature fuel cell,” published in the Journal of New Material for Electrochemical Systems in 2003. This work, co-authored with A.C. Tavares, Y.A. Dubitsky, A. Zaopo, I. Gatto, and E. Passalacqua, contributed significantly to the understanding of low-temperature fuel cells.

Another significant publication is “Structural and electrochemical investigation on re-cast Nafion membranes for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFCs) application,” published in the Journal of Membrane Science in 2006. This study, co-authored with A. Saccà, A. Carbone, G. Portale, L. D’Ilario, A. Longo, A. Martorana, and E. Passalacqua, provided insights into the structural and electrochemical properties of re-cast Nafion membranes, furthering the development of PEFCs.

🏆Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Pedicini’s contributions to the field of fuel cell research have been recognized through various accolades and scholarships. He received a fully funded scholarship from the University of Calabria, where he pursued his Ph.D. in Physics from November 2016 to September 2020. His thesis, titled “Sviluppo di Materiali Innovativi per Adsorbimento H2 e Realizzazione di una Unità Dimostrativa di Bombola,” focused on developing innovative materials for hydrogen adsorption and creating a demonstrative unit for hydrogen storage.

🌍Impact and Influence

Throughout his career, Dr. Pedicini has significantly impacted the field of fuel cell research. His work has contributed to the development of new materials and technologies, enhancing the efficiency and performance of fuel cells and hydrogen storage systems. His research has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of polymeric membranes and their applications in energy technologies.

🌟Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Pedicini’s legacy in fuel cell research is marked by his dedication to developing innovative materials and his contributions to advancing the field. As a permanent researcher at the National Research Council, he continues to explore new frontiers in polymeric materials for energy applications. His ongoing work in synthesizing and characterizing novel materials for hydrogen storage promises to contribute to sustainable energy solutions in the future.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Pt Effect on H2 Kinetics Sorption in Mn Oxide-Based Polymeric Material

  • Authors: Pedicini, R., Sigalas, M.
  • Journal: Hydrogen (Switzerland)
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: A Critical Review of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Systems for Automotive Applications: Components, Materials, and Comparative Assessment

  • Authors: Pedicini, R., Romagnoli, M., Santangelo, P.E.
  • Journal: Energies
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Aquivion-based anion exchange membranes: Synthesis optimization via dispersant agents and reaction time

  • Authors: Carbone, A., Zignani, S.C., Gatto, I., Cattaneo, A., Aricò, A.S.
  • Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Evaluation of Photoelectrocatalysis with Electrode Based on Ti/RuO2-TiO2 Modified with Tin and Tantalum Oxides for the Degradation of Indigo Blue Dye

  • Authors: Tomaz, A.T., Costa, C.R., de Lourdes S. Vasconcellos, M., Pedicini, R., Ribeiro, J.
  • Journal: Nanomaterials
  • Year: 2022

Paper Title: Determination of the electrochemically active surface area by CO and hydrogen of PtSnRuTa/C-based electrocatalysts and their relationship with catalytic activity against alcohol oxidation

  • Authors: Queiroz, M.A.R., Vasconcellos, M.L.S., Ribeiro, M.A., Pedicini, R., Ribeiro, J.
  • Journal: Chemical Papers
  • Year: 2022

Khurshid Malik | Fiber Reinforcement in Composites | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Khurshid Malik | Fiber Reinforcement in Composites | Best Researcher Award

Linkoping University - Sweden

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits

Khurshid Malik embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. He pursued a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Govt. Polytechnic College, Jodhpur, India, followed by a B. Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from The Institution of Engineers, India. This provided him with essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills, setting the stage for his future academic and professional endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

Malik's professional journey began with significant roles in the industry, where he gained valuable experience in maintenance engineering and project management. At Air Liquide Ltd, India, he served as a Maintenance Engineer – Mechanical, focusing on analyzing reliability problems and ensuring equipment efficiency within cost constraints. Subsequently, at Essar Steel India Ltd, he excelled as an Assistant Manager, overseeing project activities, fabrication, erection, and commissioning of various equipment, showcasing his proficiency in industrial operations and management.

Contributions and Research Focus on Fiber Reinforcement in Composites

Driven by a passion for research and innovation, Malik transitioned into academia to pursue advanced studies in mechanical engineering. He completed his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the International Islamic University Malaysia, where his research focused on experimental investigations of biomimetic surface roughness effects on swept-back tapered NACA 4412 wings. This research showcased his interdisciplinary approach, integrating experimental studies in a wind tunnel with advanced numerical simulations, contributing to a deeper understanding of aerodynamic behavior.

Subsequently, during his Ph.D. at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia, Malik's research primarily centered on nanomaterials, particularly graphene, and fiber-reinforced composites. His doctoral dissertation explored novel approaches to enhance the mechanical performance of natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composites for structural applications. He led multiple projects focusing on the development and characterization of these composites, demonstrating his expertise in materials science and mechanical testing.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic journey, Malik has received recognition for his outstanding contributions to research. He has authored numerous papers published in esteemed ISI journals, with several as the first author. His research has been acknowledged through grants and awards, including national and international research grants, highlighting the significance and impact of his work in the field of composite materials and aerodynamics.

Impact and Influence

Malik's research contributions extend beyond academic publications. He has actively mentored undergraduate students, sharing his expertise in composite materials and fostering a passion for research among the next generation of engineers. His interdisciplinary approach to research, combining experimental and numerical techniques, has advanced the understanding of complex phenomena in aerodynamics and material science, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in these fields.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Malik envisions continuing his impactful research journey, delving deeper into the realms of nanomaterials, composite materials, and aerodynamics. With a solid foundation in academia and industry, coupled with a track record of research excellence, he aims to spearhead cutting-edge initiatives aimed at enhancing the mechanical properties of materials, improving energy absorption capacities, and developing sophisticated modeling techniques. Malik's legacy lies in his commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and driving meaningful advancements that address real-world challenges in engineering and beyond.

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