Dr. Muhammad Zubair Nawaz, Southern University of Science and Technology, China
Dr. Muhammad Zubair Nawaz is a rising figure in the field of semiconductor optoelectronics and nanomaterials, with a passion for developing next-generation flexible, self-powered, and wearable photodetector devices. Originally from Pakistan, he has pursued his scientific ambitions across Asia and Europe, contributing substantially to materials science, electronics, and applied nanotechnology.
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📘 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Nawaz began his academic journey with a BS (Hons.) and MPhil in Physics from The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. His early work included research in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for tumor diagnostics, laying the foundation for a career spanning biophysics to advanced materials. His doctoral education at Donghua University, Shanghai, China, under a prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship, marked a major leap, focusing on flexible photodetectors and heterostructure engineering.
🏢 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Nawaz is currently affiliated as a Researcher at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, and simultaneously serving as an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, UK. His roles include both cutting-edge research and the mentorship of undergraduate and master’s students, reflecting his commitment to shaping future scientists. His previous role as a Visiting Research Fellow at SUSTech also reinforced his capabilities in cross-institutional collaborations.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Nawaz’s research is primarily focused on the design, synthesis, and application of 0D/1D/2D heterostructures for use in photodetectors, sensors, and flexible optoelectronic devices. He has pioneered work in bandgap engineering, nanostructured alloying, and self-powered device architectures, which are vital for low-energy, next-generation electronics. He specializes in MXene/CdS, SbSI nanowire, and CdSe/PbI₂-based heterojunctions—promising candidates for broadband, low-light, and wearable detection platforms.
🌐 Impact and Influence
Dr. Nawaz has authored over 20 peer-reviewed international journal articles, including publications in Advanced Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Advanced Optical Materials, and Electrochemical Energy Reviews. These works demonstrate his influence across disciplines—optoelectronics, energy storage, nanogenerators, and environmental systems. Several of his publications have been co-authored with international collaborators, showing his strong global research footprint.
📊 Academic Citations & Metrics
While citation metrics evolve over time, his papers in high-impact journals are frequently cited, especially his contributions in MXene-based and CdS/CdSe hybrid heterostructures. These citations reflect his work’s relevance, novelty, and growing influence in the field of optoelectronic devices and energy materials.
🧪 Research Skills
Dr. Nawaz demonstrates expertise in equipment operation and device fabrication, with proficiency in CVD, PE-CVD, MO-CVD, photolithography, sputtering, TEM, SEM, AFM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. His analytical toolkit includes Origin Lab, Endnote, GMS 3, VESTA, Adobe Illustrator, and others, highlighting his readiness to handle, process, and visualize advanced data effectively.
👨🏫 Teaching & Supervision Experience
Dr. Nawaz has a strong background in academic mentoring, having supervised undergraduate and master’s students at Donghua University and SUSTech. He actively contributes to curriculum support, laboratory training, and collaborative student projects, showcasing a passion for academic teaching and scientific leadership.
🏅 Awards and Honors
His work has earned him numerous accolades, including:
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🏆 Outstanding International Student Award 2023 – Donghua University
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🎓 Honorary Fellowship – University of Exeter, UK (2023–2024)
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🎓 Fully Funded PhD Scholarship – Chinese Government Scholarship Council
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💻 Prime Minister’s Laptop Award 2012, Pakistan
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🧪 Certified Training – State Key Laboratory of Chemical Fibers and Polymers
These honors signify both academic merit and national-level recognition.
🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Muhammad Zubair Nawaz’s career trajectory demonstrates a visionary approach to developing smart, sustainable, and scalable technologies for electronics, energy, and healthcare. With a multi-disciplinary mindset, international collaborations, and a commitment to both fundamental science and real-world applications, he is well-positioned to lead impactful scientific innovation in the coming decades. His focus on flexible, wearable, and low-power photodetectors also aligns with global goals in personalized healthcare and green electronics.
Top Publications
Broadband and Low Light Photodetection in a Flexible 2D Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene/1D SbSI Nanowire Heterojunction Photodetector
- Authors: Nawaz, M. Z.; Illarionov, Y.
Journal: Materials Research Bulletin
Year: 2025
Fast-Charging MXene/TiN-Confined In₂Se₃ Cathode with Dual Hydrogen-Bonding Synergy for High-Capacity Ammonium-Ion Storage
- Authors: I, Ayesha; Nawaz, M. Z.; R, Che
Journal: Advanced Materials
Year: 2025
Two-Dimensional Indium Chalcogenides: From Fundamental Properties to Next-Generation Optoelectronic Devices
- Authors: W. Ahmad†; Nawaz, M. Z†; Illarionov, Y.; Z. Wang (†Equal Contribution)
Journal: Advanced Optical Materials
Year: 2025
Flexible Self-Powered Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene Nanosheet/CdS Nanobelt Photodetector with Enhanced Responsivity and Photosensitivity
- thors: Nawaz, M. Z.; Illarionov, Y.
Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials
Year: 2025
Tuning Performance of Heterojunction Flexible Photodetectors by Energy Band Alignment Engineering
- Authors: Nawaz, M. Z.; Li, M.
Journal: ACS Applied Nano Materials
Year: 2024