Mr. Abdellatif Rafik | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Abdellatif Rafik, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Catalysis and Environment Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, B.P. 133, 14000 Kénitra, Morocco, Morocco

Dr. Rafik Abdellatif is a Moroccan researcher with a Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry from Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra. His expertise lies in the synthesis, characterization, and computational modeling of advanced functional materials, especially phosphate-based hybrids. With a deep commitment to applied research, Dr. Abdellatif focuses on nanoscience, renewable energy, and material innovation. He has a strong publication record, contributing to over ten international peer-reviewed journals and collaborating with renowned scientists. Beyond his academic pursuits, he has recently applied his scientific knowledge in industry as a Site Manager for lithium-based cathode material production, showing versatility between research and industrial application. Known for his proficiency in spectroscopic techniques, DFT modeling, and Hirshfeld surface analysis, Dr. Abdellatif stands out as a promising early-career scientist in the field of materials chemistry.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

1. Prolific Scientific Output

   • Authored 10+ peer-reviewed international publications in respected journals.

   • Consistent contributions in the field of hybrid organic-inorganic phosphates, showcasing depth and continuity.

2. Advanced Methodological Expertise

   • Strong command of Density Functional Theory (DFT), Hirshfeld surface analysis, and spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, UV-Vis).

   • Solid integration of experimental synthesis and theoretical modeling, a hallmark of modern scientific excellence.

3. Applied Industrial Experience

   • Practical role as Site Manager for the production of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cathode materials in energy storage.

   • Hands-on experience in technology transfer, process optimization, and industrial safety, demonstrating real-world impact.

4. Interdisciplinary Focus

   • Merges materials chemistry, renewable energy, and computational chemistry.

   • Involvement in drug docking (ADME/T) and optical property modeling expands his scientific reach.

5. Collaborative Research

   • Engaged with international co-authors from different institutions, reflecting global scientific networking.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Wider Research Application

   • Research is currently highly focused on phosphate materials. Exploring adjacent material systems (e.g., perovskites, MOFs, biomaterials) could broaden relevance.

2. Visibility & Leadership

   • While publication record is solid, increased participation in international conferences, editorial roles, or patent filings would enhance recognition.

3. Global Engagement

   • Postdoctoral or collaborative research in leading international labs could boost global exposure and elevate impact further.

4. Funding & Grant Acquisition

   • There is no information on securing competitive research funding, which is often a key metric in award decisions.

Education:

Dr. Abdellatif completed his Ph.D. in 2023 in Fundamental Chemistry at Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco. His doctoral thesis focused on the “Physicochemical Synthesis and Characterization of New Advanced Phosphate-Based Materials,” combining experimental and theoretical techniques. He previously earned a Specialized Master’s in Materials Engineering and Cement & Ceramic Technologies in 2016 from the same university. This advanced training provided him with robust interdisciplinary knowledge spanning inorganic chemistry, solid-state physics, and materials processing. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry in 2013 from Chouaib Doukkali University in El Jadida, laying the foundation for his research in solid-state chemistry and materials science. This structured academic path has equipped Dr. Abdellatif with a rich understanding of both fundamental and applied aspects of chemical materials, with particular strength in hybrid organic–inorganic systems and nanostructured functional compounds.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Abdellatif most recently served as Site Manager at Oubaba Sarl, a subcontractor at the Monoammonium Phosphate Laboratory in Jorf Lasfar (April–July 2025). In this role, he led operations related to the synthesis of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) for battery cathodes, demonstrating applied industrial competence. His responsibilities included process optimization, technical monitoring of calcination furnaces, and ensuring industrial safety. He also handled logistics and on-site coordination. This professional role complements his academic expertise in materials synthesis and showcases his ability to translate lab-scale research into scalable industrial processes. Additionally, his strong background in characterization methods (e.g., FTIR, UV-Vis, DFT) and computational modeling makes him highly valuable in research and development environments. His dual experience in academia and industry aligns well with innovation-driven roles and highlights his adaptability in both sectors.

Research Focus:

Dr. Abdellatif’s research centers on the design, synthesis, and quantum chemical analysis of hybrid organic–inorganic phosphate materials. His work extensively utilizes Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Hirshfeld surface analysis to understand molecular interactions, hydrogen bonding, and material stability. He focuses on developing materials with applications in renewable energy, optoelectronics, and energy storage. Many of his studies explore the relationship between crystal structure and functional properties, using techniques like FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy to validate computational findings. He is especially interested in phosphate frameworks due to their stability and tunability. His interdisciplinary approach merges synthetic solid-state chemistry with advanced theoretical modeling, positioning him at the frontier of computational materials science. Through collaborations with international researchers, Dr. Abdellatif has broadened the impact of his findings in energy materials and advanced ceramics. His research contributes directly to the sustainable design of new materials with functional applications.

Publications Top Notes:

1. 📘 Hirshfeld surface analysis, FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopic and DFT investigations of p-Carboxyphenylammonium dihydrogenmonophosphate monohydrate

2. 🔬 Hirshfeld surface analysis & quantum chemical study on molecular structure of phosphate

3. 🧪 Analysis of H-bonding interactions with Hirshfeld surfaces and geometry-optimized structure of the DL-valinium dihydrogen phosphate

4. ⚛️ One-dimensional hydrogen-bonded N-H…O in the Hybrid Phosphate: Hirshfeld Surface Analysis and DFT quantum chemical calculations

5. 🔍 Hirshfeld Surfaces Analysis and Computational Approach of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Phosphate

6. ⚙️ One step comparative study by Hirshfeld surface analysis, energy frameworks and DFT of hybrid organic-inorganic phosphate

7. 💠 Investigation of hybrid organic-inorganic dihydrogen phosphate by Hirshfeld surface analysis and quantum chemical study

8. 🧬 Crystal growth, morphological, mechanical, spectroscopic studies, optical properties, molecular docking, ADME/T, Hirshfeld surfaces analysis and theoretical calculations of hybrid organic-inorganic phosphate compound

9. 🧿 Comprehensive Structural Characterization and Quantum Mechanical Exploration of O-Phenylenediamine Dihydrogenphosphate

Conclusion:

Dr. Rafik Abdellatif is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially among early- to mid-career researchers in materials science and applied chemistry. His balanced profile—blending academic rigor, computational strength, and industrial relevance—demonstrates a mature and impactful research trajectory. With further international exposure and broader application of his methods, his work is poised to make significant global contributions.