Lithium battery researcher scores top scholarship

Chemist Jinqiang Zhang, a past PhD student from the UTS Centre for Clean Energy Technology (CCET), recently received a 2017 Chinese Government Scholarship for Outstanding Self-Financed Students Studying Abroad. He is the fifth PhD student from this centre to receive this Chinese Scholarship Council award, following Dr. Hao Liu (2009), Dr. Bing Sun (2012), Dr. Dawei Su (2012) and Dr Xiuqiang Xie (2015). 

Jinqiang, who received his PhD in May 2018, was one of 16 international PhD students in New South Wales to win the award this year, and will receive US $6000 from the Chinese Government to continue his research at UTS.

As one of the two student representatives, Jinqiang Zhang gave a speech at the Chinese Government scholarship award ceremony on June 1st, 2018.  “This prestigious award is not only a recognition of my previous achievements, but also an encouragement for me to continue my research at UTS,” Jinqiang said. 

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Wang and our team. I could not achieve any of these without their help,” Jinqiang said.

Professor Guoxiu Wang was also invited to present a speech in the ceremony. “This is a prestigious reward from the Chinese Scholarship Council and high recognition for the achievement of overseas PhD students. I am happy that Jinqiang could receive this award,” he said.

After finishing a bachelor’s degree in China, Dr Zhang completed both a  Masters and PhD in the CCET. He was awarded a UTS International Research Scholarship (IRS) and an Excellerate Australia (formerly AutoCRC) Doctor of Philosophy Scholarship covering his PhD study period. 
“The research lab of Professor Wang has the most advanced equipment and technologies for me to carry on my research and his reputation attracted me to come to the CCET,” Jinqiang said. “He is more than just a supervisor to me, but a friend and mentor”

 Dr Zhang continues his research in the CCET as a postdoctoral research associate. 

The CCET focuses on the development of efficient devices for energy harvesting, storage, and conversion. Since its establishment in 2010 the CCET has established a reputation for both fundamental and applied research in next generation energy storage technologies and for the development of the highly skilled scientists and engineers needed to transition to sustainable energy alternatives.