Chongqing - Cao Weiqi, Manager of the R&D Centre of Chongqing 2D Materials Institute, was recently awarded the Most Beautiful Woman Striver of Science and Technology in Industry of Liangjiang New Area in 2023.

Cao Weiqi was awarded the Most Beautiful Woman Striver of Science and Technology in Industry award in Liangjiang New Area in 2023. (Photo/Cao Weiqi)

As one of the post-90s generation, Cao was born in Hubei province and graduated from Harbin Engineering University with a master's degree. In 2017, She came to Chongqing and participated in the Liangjiang Graphene Analysis and Testing Service Platform. After dedicating herself to the new materials industry for eight years, she now serves as the manager at a young age.

The Chongqing 2D Materials Institute is a platform led by Nobel Laureate Professor Konstantin Novoselov. The institute focuses on the research, application, and industrialization of 2D materials, such as graphene, to facilitate the transformation and upgrading of Chongqing's new materials industry.

Cao Weiqi is conducting an experiment. (Photo/Cao Weiqi)

Since it was initially applied to Mate20X by Huawei in 2018, 2D materials heat dissipation has become one of the mainstream thermal management solutions that can be substituted for physical cooling.

From smartphones to new energy vehicles, 2D materials have become increasingly prevalent in modern life, finding applications in a wide range of fields. In addition, 2D semiconductors are considered an alternative to silicon-based materials, which are expected to be used in various application scenarios.

Cao Weiqi is delivering a speech in one of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competitions (Photo/Cao Weiqi)

As an example, Cao suggested that lithium-ion batteries in new energy vehicles currently have a loading capacity of only 60 kilowatts of electricity. However, with further research in 2D materials, this capacity can be increased to 120 kilowatts, enabling the vehicles to travel longer distances.

According to Cao, she conducts the roles of both service provider and technological supporter in the team. Over the past three years, she has been actively involved in researching key projects, publishing 11 SCI articles, applying for 27 national patents, participating in the compilation of standards, and receiving the Breakthrough Award of Outstanding Science and Technology Innovation at the Global Tech-matching Fair, as well as the Gold Award of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Doctorate.

Cao Weiqi usually joins in flower arrangement activities. (Photo/Cao Weiqi)

Cao appears to attach more value to the sense of achievement that comes from applying her work to production and daily life rather than to awards themselves. 

"In my eight years of experience in the new materials industry, I have been fortunate enough to witness scientific and technological breakthroughs and developments that have gradually changed our daily lives," she said.

Cao Weiqi enjoys traveling in her spare time. (Photo/Cao Weiqi)

At the workplace, she is wholeheartedly devoted to scientific research, while in life, she is sustained in investing herself in plenty of interests, such as travel, exercise, and so on.

In 2020, Cao decided to pursue a full-time engineering doctorate at Chongqing University. "Love and encouragement consistently enable me to pursue my every passion. I will always put 'myself' into my priority, and I believe immersing yourself into what you are doing is an omen to a life-bumper harvest," She said.

(This article is written by Wang Xutong, Liangjiang New Area Media Center)