Chinese scientist Zhang Tao won the Chinese chemist award in 2025 for his groundbreaking work in single-atom catalysis. The recognition marks the first time a researcher from the Chinese mainland has received the Citation Laureates award, emphasizing the significance of the Chinese chemist award in promoting national scientific achievement.
Clarivate Analytics announced the 2025 Citation Laureates award on Thursday, honoring 22 scholars from eight countries. Zhang, from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, received the distinction in chemistry. His decades of innovative research explain why he earned the award for Chinese chemists.
Zhang and his collaborators introduced the concept of single-atom catalysis. This approach advances heterogeneous catalysis research to the atomic level, laying the foundation for precise and efficient chemical reactions. Moreover, it opens new frontiers in chemistry, highlighting the type of achievement the Chinese chemist award seeks to recognize.
His research has advanced fundamental catalysis science and impacted multiple interdisciplinary fields. Energy chemistry and materials science, in particular, have gained from his work. Experts describe Zhang’s contributions as transformative for both basic and applied chemistry, further supporting his recognition with the Chinese chemistry award.
The Citation Laureates award evaluates candidates based on citation impact, originality, breakthroughs, peer recognition, and identification of key contributors. Widely considered a predictor of the Nobel Prize, 83 past recipients later won Nobel Prizes. Zhang’s selection for the Chinese chemist award underscores both his international standing and the award’s prestige.
Experts highlight the wider significance of Zhang’s achievement. “The Chinese chemistry award showcases China’s expanding role in advanced scientific research,” said a senior chemistry researcher. Such honors can foster greater collaboration, attract funding, and raise the profile of Chinese scientific institutions.
Looking ahead, Zhang’s work will continue shaping catalysis research. His atomic-level approach could influence clean energy, chemical manufacturing, and advanced materials development. Moreover, the Chinese chemist award is likely to inspire younger scientists to pursue high-impact research in China and abroad.
By receiving the Chinese chemist award, Zhang Tao not only secures international acclaim but also strengthens China’s reputation in global scientific innovation. His contributions to single-atom catalysis represent a milestone for chemistry and a model for future interdisciplinary research.
