Principal Scientific Officer, Nanosciences and Technology Department, National Centre for Physics, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Arshad is a distinguished Staff Scientist at the Nanoscience & Technology Department (NS&TD) of the National Centre for Physics (NCP) at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan. He previously served as a Principal Scientific Officer and Associate Professor at the same institution. Dr. Arshad manages advanced spectroscopy and microscopy systems, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). He also contributes as a visiting faculty member in the Department of Physics at QAU. 🧪🔬
Publication Profile
Scopus
Strengths for the Award:
- Expertise and Technical Skills:
- Muhammad Arshad demonstrates a broad and deep technical expertise in the synthesis, characterization, and investigation of advanced materials, particularly carbon-based nanostructures. His experience with cutting-edge techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a significant asset.
- His ability to handle and operate sophisticated equipment and software for data analysis showcases his high-level technical skills and hands-on experience, crucial for impactful research.
- Research Contributions:
- Arshad has an impressive record of publications in reputable journals, highlighting his contributions to various fields, including energy storage devices, graphene-based materials, and spectroscopy. His recent papers indicate ongoing advancements and active engagement in his research areas.
- His research on energy conversion and storage devices, as well as two-dimensional materials, addresses important and contemporary scientific challenges.
- Institutional and International Experience:
- His experience working at renowned institutions like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Advanced Light Source, as well as his role in establishing and managing a surface science laboratory, demonstrates his capability to work at an international level and contribute to significant scientific projects.
- Educational Background:
- His strong educational foundation, with a Ph.D. from the University of Groningen and extensive teaching experience, further solidifies his qualifications as a leading researcher in his field.
Areas for Improvement:
- Broader Impact and Outreach:
- While his technical skills and research contributions are strong, enhancing the broader impact of his work through public outreach, collaborations with industry, or policy influence could strengthen his candidacy for the award.
- Increasing visibility through more high-profile publications or presentations at major conferences could further establish his reputation in the scientific community.
- Interdisciplinary Research:
- Exploring interdisciplinary research opportunities could expand the applications of his work and demonstrate versatility in addressing diverse scientific questions. This could also involve collaborating with researchers from different fields to tackle complex, multifaceted problems.
Education
Dr. Arshad earned his Ph.D. in 2018 from the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Netherlands, focusing on carbon-based hybrid nanostructures. He completed his M.Phil. in Physics in 2006 from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and his M.Sc. in Physics in 2003 from Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan. 🎓📚
Experience
Dr. Arshad’s expertise spans the synthesis of carbon-based hybrid nanostructured materials and the growth of thin films and carbon nanostructures. He has substantial experience with synchrotron-based XPS at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and has played a key role in establishing surface science laboratories at NCP. His technical skills include handling XPS, STM, AFM, and Raman spectroscopy systems, among others. 🌟🔧
Research Focus
Dr. Arshad’s research interests include energy conversion and storage devices, graphene-based composites, and the spectroscopy and microscopy of thin films and 2D materials. His work focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and investigation of advanced nanomaterials and their properties. 🔋📈
Awards and Honours
Dr. Arshad has been recognized for his significant contributions to nanoscience and technology, including awards for his research in nanostructured materials and spectroscopy. His work has earned him recognition within the scientific community for advancements in material science and surface analysis. 🏆🎖️
Publication Top Notes
S. Sharif, T. Ahmed, Z. Ahmad, M. A. Choudhary, M. Arshad, “Synthesis and characterization of Ag@Ni co-axial nanocables and their fluorescent and catalytic properties,” Science and Engineering of Composite Materials, 31(1), 20240010 (2024). 📄
N. Athar, G. Naz, M. Ramzan, M. S. Sadiq, M. Arshad, et al., “Enhanced sunlight-driven photocatalysis owing to synergetic effect of gold nanoparticles-incorporated ZnO/rGO ternary heterostructures,” J. K. Saud University-Science, 36(3), 103104 (2024). 🌟
E. Dogan, S. Altundag, S. Altin, M. Arshad, et al., “Production of V‐Doped P2‐type Na0.67Mn0.5Fe0.43Al0.07O2 Cathodes and Investigation of Na‐Ion Full Cells Performance,” Energy Technology, 12(1), 2300837 (2024). 🔋
S. Irfan, Y. A Haleem, M. Usman, N. Ahmad, M. Arshad, et al., “Validating superior electrochemical properties of Ti3C2 MXene for supercapacitor applications through first-principles calculations,” New J. Chem., 48, 4982 (2024). 🔬
U. Younas, M. Atif, M. Sahil, T. Ali, M. Arshad, et al., “Structural, optical, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties in BaTi1−xCrxO3 ceramics prepared by a solvothermal reflux approach,” Ceramics International, 50(3), 4469-4479 (2024). 📘
M. Arshad, L. Sorba, P. Rudolf, C. Cepek, “Synthesis and Characterization of Carbon Nanofibers Grown on Vertically Aligned InAs Nanowires Via Chemical Vapour Deposition,” Nanomaterials, 13, 3083 (2023). 📖
Conclusion:
Muhammad Arshad’s robust technical expertise, impressive publication record, and significant contributions to advanced materials research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Article Award. His work in energy storage, graphene-based materials, and advanced spectroscopy techniques demonstrates both depth and breadth in his research. While he has a solid foundation and excellent credentials, expanding his impact through broader outreach and interdisciplinary collaboration could enhance his profile even further. Overall, his qualifications and achievements align well with the criteria for this prestigious award.