Associate Professor at Interdisciplinary research center for membranes and water security, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia
Dr. Billel Salhi is a distinguished Research Scientist II (Associate Professor) at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security in Saudi Arabia. A French citizen with a PhD in Material Science from the University of Science and Technology of Lille, Dr. Salhi specializes in nanomaterials, solar energy, and water treatment technologies. His research addresses critical global challenges, including water security and renewable energy solutions. With extensive experience in developing membranes for desalination and innovative photovoltaic technologies, Dr. Salhi is recognized for his leadership in multidisciplinary research projects. His work has resulted in significant contributions to scientific literature, earning numerous citations and accolades. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Dr. Salhi actively engages in mentorship and collaboration, fostering the next generation of scientists in the field of material science.
Profile:
Strengths for the Award:
- Extensive Expertise: Dr. Billel Salhi possesses a robust background in material science, particularly in nanotechnology and electrochemistry. His experience encompasses a diverse range of applications, including water desalination, solar energy, and nanomaterial synthesis.
- Strong Research Record: With a substantial number of citations across multiple high-impact publications, Dr. Salhi has significantly contributed to his field. His work on membranes for water treatment and advancements in photovoltaic technology demonstrates both innovation and relevance.
- Leadership and Mentorship: As a Research Scientist II and Associate Professor, he has effectively led multidisciplinary research projects, showcasing strong managerial skills. His role in student supervision and collaboration further emphasizes his leadership qualities.
- Innovative Contributions: His research focuses on addressing critical global challenges such as water security and renewable energy. The development of membranes for oil/water separation and efficient solar cells underlines his commitment to sustainability.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Dr. Salhi’s ability to integrate concepts from different fields—material science, electrochemistry, and nanotechnology—enhances the impact of his research and positions him as a key figure in interdisciplinary collaboration.
Areas for Improvement:
- Broader Outreach: While Dr. Salhi has an impressive publication record, increasing participation in international conferences and workshops could enhance visibility and collaboration opportunities.
- Grant Acquisition: Focusing on securing more external funding could elevate his research group’s profile and expand the scope of future projects, especially in emerging areas like green technologies.
- Industry Partnerships: Establishing stronger connections with industry stakeholders may lead to practical applications of his research, fostering innovation and increasing societal impact.
- Diversifying Research Focus: Exploring additional research areas or interdisciplinary collaborations could provide new insights and broaden the impact of his work beyond current themes.
Education:
Dr. Billel Salhi completed his PhD in Material Science, focusing on semiconductor and nanotechnology, at the Interdisciplinary Research Institute, University of Science and Technology of Lille, France, from September 2003 to February 2007. Prior to his doctoral studies, he earned a Master of Science in Electrochemistry from the National Institute Polytechnic of Grenoble (INPG), France, from September 2002 to August 2003. His educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Electrochemistry, which he completed in July 2001. This strong academic foundation has equipped Dr. Salhi with extensive knowledge in materials science, electrochemistry, and nanotechnology, forming the basis for his impactful research career. His training in both theoretical and practical aspects of these fields has enabled him to innovate and contribute significantly to advancements in solar energy, water treatment, and nanomaterials.
Experience:
Dr. Billel Salhi has accumulated extensive experience in academia and research, currently serving as a Research Scientist II (Associate Professor) at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security at KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, since September 2020. His role involves leading multidisciplinary, client-funded projects focused on water desalination and treatment technologies. Prior to this position, Dr. Salhi was a Research Scientist III (Assistant Professor) at the Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy at KFUPM from 2014 to 2020, where he conducted significant research in photovoltaics and solar energy technologies. Earlier roles included positions at the Laboratory of Microelectronic Technologies in France, where he investigated nanomaterial behaviors and developed techniques for electronic devices. His expertise encompasses various aspects of material characterization and fabrication, providing a solid foundation for his research endeavors and contributions to the scientific community.
Research Focus:
Dr. Billel Salhi’s research focuses on the development and optimization of advanced materials for sustainable energy solutions and water treatment technologies. His work primarily centers on nanomaterials, with applications in solar cells, energy storage, and membrane fabrication for water desalination. Dr. Salhi investigates innovative methods for creating membranes that efficiently separate contaminants, such as oil and dyes, from water, addressing pressing environmental challenges. His research on photovoltaics explores new materials and technologies to enhance solar cell efficiency, contributing to the global transition to renewable energy. Additionally, Dr. Salhi studies the fundamental properties of nanostructured materials, such as silicon nanowires, to unlock their potential in various applications, including nanoelectronics and photonics. Through his multidisciplinary approach, he aims to advance both theoretical understanding and practical applications in materials science, ultimately leading to more sustainable and efficient technologies.
Publications Top Notes:
- Superhydrophobic surfaces with antireflection properties for solar applications: A critical review 🌞
- Review of recent developments and persistent challenges in stability of perovskite solar cells 📚
- Effects of carbon-based fillers on thermal properties of fatty acids and their eutectics as phase change materials used for thermal energy storage: a review ❄️
- Optical Confinements in Correlated Spectral Characteristics of Vertically Aligned Silicon Nanometric Wires Followed by a Facile Fabrication Thereof 🔍
- Faceted sidewalls of silicon nanowires: Au-induced structural reconstructions and electronic properties ⚛️
- Thermal energy storage and thermal conductivity properties of fatty acid/fatty acid-grafted-CNTs and fatty acid/CNTs as novel composite phase change materials ♻️
- CMOS compatible strategy based on selective atomic layer deposition of a hard mask for transferring block copolymer lithography patterns 💻
- Recent Progress in Microfiltration/Ultrafiltration Membranes for Separation of Oil and Water Emulsions 💧
- The photovoltaic cell based on CIGS: principles and technologies ⚡
- Controlled growth of silicon nanowires on silicon surfaces 🧪
- Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of silicon nanowires treated by high-pressure water vapor annealing 💡
- Nanowires: a new pathway to nanotechnology-based applications 🔗
- Surface characteristics of silicon nanowires/nanowalls subjected to octadecyltrichlorosilane deposition and n-octadecane coating 🧫
- Designing of nanotextured inorganic-organic hybrid PVDF membrane for efficient separation of the oil-in-water emulsions 🛢️
- Novel procaine-based gemini zwitterion incorporated PVDF membranes for efficient treatment of oily wastewater 💦
- Surface-related properties of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 thin films by aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition 🌍
- The collagen assisted self-assembly of silicon nanowires 🤝
- Wet-chemically etched silicon nanowire: Effect of etching parameters on the morphology and optical characterizations 🌡️
- Block copolymer technology applied to nanoelectronics 📈
- High flux polyaniline-coated ceramic membrane for effective separation of emulsified oil-in-water 🚰
Conclusion:
Dr. Billel Salhi exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher through his extensive knowledge, significant contributions to material science, and commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. His work aligns with the goals of sustainable development and innovation in water security and renewable energy. By enhancing outreach, securing funding, and fostering industry partnerships, Dr. Salhi can further amplify his impact and solidify his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. His proven track record, leadership capabilities, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge make him an outstanding candidate for this recognition.