Prof. Muhammad Hilal | Materials science | Best Researcher Award
Sejong University | South Korea
MUHAMMAD HILAL: PIONEER IN NANOMATERIALS AND SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES 🌟
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Muhammad Hilal was born on March 4, 1991, in Pakistan. He embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physics (16 years) from Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, achieving a GPA of 3.36/4.00. His passion for research and innovation led him to pursue a Master of Science in Applied Physics at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), where he graduated with distinction (GPA 3.54/4.00). Finally, Hilal achieved his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering from Dongguk University, South Korea, with an exceptional GPA of 4.21/4.50, supported by international scholarships.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Hilal’s career is a testament to his dedication and excellence in academia. His professional timeline includes:
- Assistant Professor (2024–Present) at Sejong University, South Korea, teaching undergraduate courses on semiconductor device processing and leading research on 2D materials for wearable technologies.
- Research Professor (2023–2024) at Korea University, focusing on gas sensing technologies.
- Postdoctoral Researcher (2020–2023) at Dongguk University, where he worked on glucose and pH sensing technologies, contributing significantly to research on nanomaterials.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON MATERIALS SCIENCE
Muhammad Hilal’s research portfolio highlights his expertise in:
- Nanomaterials Synthesis: 2D materials (MXene, Graphene, MoS₂), metal oxides, and polymers.
- Sensor Technology: Development of gas, glucose, caffeine, and pH sensors.
- Energy Applications: Organic solar cells, hybrid solar cells, and supercapacitors.
- Wearable Devices: Flexible, durable, and efficient temperature and pH monitoring sensors. His groundbreaking work is reflected in his ability to secure multiple research grants, including two major National Research Foundation (NRF) Korea grants totaling over $318,000 USD.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Hilal has consistently contributed to advancing sensor technologies and sustainable materials. His work on glucose sensors and wearable devices has revolutionized the fields of healthcare and environmental monitoring. His teaching and mentorship roles have influenced the next generation of engineers and scientists.
ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
Hilal has authored 16 first-author international journal papers, many in high-impact journals such as Nano-Micro Letters (Impact Factor: 31.6). Notable publications include:
- “Tailoring MXene Thickness and Functionalization for Enhanced Room-Temperature Trace NO₂ Sensing” (Nano-Micro Letters, 2024).
- “Synergistic MXene@NiO-ZnO Heterostructures for High-Performance Photoelectrochemical Glucose Sensing” (Ceramics International, 2025).
Additionally, he has co-authored several collaborative papers, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in nanomaterials and sensors.
HONORS & AWARDS
- Best Research Award (2017–2019) at Dongguk University.
- Distinction Awards for his MS and BS degrees.
- International Student Scholarships for PhD studies in South Korea.
FINAL NOTE
Hilal’s contributions to sensor technology and nanomaterials have left an indelible mark on the academic and industrial landscape. As an Assistant Professor and active researcher, his ongoing projects promise to bridge gaps in wearable and gas-sensing technologies, paving the way for sustainable solutions to modern challenges.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
Selective CO2 Detection at Room Temperature with Polyaniline/SnO2 Nanowire Composites
- Authors: Li, G., Hilal, M., Kim, H., Hou, J., Cai, Z.
- Journal: Coatings
- Year: 2024
Efficient Acetone Sensing Utilizing Co3O4-Embedded Porous ZnO Nanofibers
- Authors: Lee, J., Kim, H., Hilal, M., Cai, Z.
- Journal: Journal of Electroceramics
- Year: 2024
Tailoring MXene Thickness and Functionalization for Enhanced Room-Temperature Trace NO2 Sensing
- Authors: Hilal, M., Yang, W., Hwang, Y., Xie, W.
- Journal: Nano-Micro Letters
- Year: 2024
Development of High-Performance Ethanol Gas Sensors Based on La2O3 Nanoparticles-Embedded Porous SnO2 Nanofibers
- Authors: Li, G., Hou, J., Hilal, M., Kim, J.-H., Cai, Z.
- Journal: Sensors
- Year: 2024
High-Performance ZnO:CuO Composite-Based Fiber-Shaped Electrode for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensing in Biological Fluids
- Authors: Yuan, H., Hilal, M., Ali, Y., Xie, W., Han, J.I.
- Journal: Surfaces and Interfaces
- Year: 2024