By David Murphy

Two former KAUST Material Science and Engineering (MSE) Program students have received notable recognitions from the scientific journal Carbon. Dr. Bo Tian received the 2023 Carbon Journal Prize for "an outstanding Ph.D. thesis in carbon materials science and technology." Dr. Junzhu Li was awarded a "Special Mention" distinction in the competition.

The journal Carbon is an international multidisciplinary forum for communicating scientific advances in carbon materials. The journal reports on relevant findings related to the formation, structure, properties, behavior and technological applications of carbons—a class of ordered or disordered solid phases containing primarily carbon atoms. 

As part of the prize, Dr. Tian, currently a visiting scientist at KAUST, will receive $1,000 to support his attendance at the scientific conference of his choice. Dr. Li, currently working as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Professor Xixiang Zhang’s research group, will receive an award certificate. 

Additionally, both researchers have been invited to join Carbon’s Extended Advisory Board for three years, subject to the journal’s usual peer review process.

A shared passion for carbon materials science

Both researchers graduated from Professor Zhang’s research group in 2022 with Ph.D. degrees in materials science and engineering.

Tian’s current research revolves around functionalized 2D Van der Waals heterostructures. As part of this work, he constructs heterostructures with various stacking modes to study some unique fundamental physics phenomena.

Li's current research interests include large-area chemical vapor deposition growth of graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, other 2D materials, material characterization and applications.

Regarding his Carbon recognition, Tian said: “Many thanks to Carbon for granting me this honor. I appreciate Professor Zhang’s guidance throughout my Ph.D. and the support I received from all my collaborators at KAUST and abroad. The invitation to join Carbon's Extended Advisory Board is a great opportunity; it provides a platform to connect with influential researchers and further contribute to advancing carbon materials science.”

“I am honored to receive the 2023 Carbon Journal Prize,” Li added. “I would like to thank my supervisor, Professor Zhang, for his guidance and strong support in my doctoral research. This recognition inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and pursue new avenues of research in my scientific career.”