Dr. Veselina Chakarova | Electrochemistry and Corrosion | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Physical Chemistry – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Bulgaria

Ms. Veselina Petrova Chakarova is an accomplished researcher and chemist at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), with over 14 years of scientific experience in the field of electrochemistry and corrosion. Her research primarily focuses on the development, optimization, and characterization of functional nickel-based coatings, particularly Ni–P and Ni–Co–P systems, applied to various substrates for enhanced corrosion resistance, catalytic efficiency, and surface functionality. A graduate of the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ms. Chakarova specialized in Electrochemistry and Corrosion, laying the foundation for her strong experimental and theoretical background. Since joining the Institute of Physical Chemistry, she has significantly contributed to advancing materials science through the design of innovative chemical solutions for the electroless deposition of Ni–P coatings on both flexible and rigid polymer substrates and, more recently, on steel surfaces. These coatings have demonstrated superior properties suited for multiple industrial and technological applications. Her research achievements are evidenced by 14 publications in high-impact refereed journals, including a notable article in Catalysis Today, where she reported the synthesis and catalytic behavior of Ni–Co–P coatings. Additionally, her doctoral dissertation, titled “Obtaining and Characterizing Ni–P Coatings on Different Types of Substrates,” has become a reference point for future researchers in the field of functional coatings. Ms. Chakarova’s research portfolio includes 12 completed and ongoing scientific projects, several of which have been funded by the Bulgarian National Science Fund and the Ministry of Education and Science. Between 2017 and 2019, she led a project under the Young Scientists and Postdoctoral Researchers Program (“Young Scientists” module), and from 2020 to 2024, she has been a key beneficiary of the Young Scientists Program, promoting innovation in electrochemical surface modification. Her leadership in these projects has fostered the growth of early-career researchers and strengthened Bulgaria’s scientific capabilities in materials chemistry. Her scientific influence extends to her citation index of 71 in Scopus and other international databases, underscoring the recognition and relevance of her research within the global scientific community. Moreover, she has one published patent and another under process, reflecting her commitment to translating research outcomes into tangible innovations with practical impact. Ms. Chakarova’s current focus includes collaborative initiatives, particularly with TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), aiming to develop advanced coatings with superior corrosion protection and catalytic performance. Her dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, precision experimentation, and sustainable technological advancement highlights her as a promising leader in materials science and electrochemistry. Through her continuous research, mentorship, and innovation-driven mindset, Ms. Veselina Petrova Chakarova exemplifies the values of scientific excellence and impact. Her contributions to electrochemical coating technologies and corrosion science not only enhance Bulgaria’s research reputation but also align with the global goals of sustainable industrial advancement and technological innovation.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Chakarova, V. (2025). Evaluating the bifunctional properties towards HER and OER of NiCo electrodeposited coatings: Combined influence of support, Ni/Co ratio, and phosphorus doping. Catalysis Today, 438, Article 115495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2025.115495

Chakarova, V. (2023). Electrocatalytic properties of electroless Ni–P coatings towards hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline solution: Ni–P coatings deposited on steel substrate at different concentrations of sodium hypophosphite. Electrocatalysis, 14(2), 276–287. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12678-022-00791-x

Chakarova, V. (2021). Corrosion behavior of the ζ-CrZn₁₃ phase obtained by annealing an electrodeposited Zn-Cr coating. Electrochemistry Communications, 123, 106904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2020.106904

Chakarova, V. (2020). Pre-treatment of dielectrics and technological process for deposition of chemical copper layers from copper solution with improved ecological impact. Transactions of the Institute of Metal Finishing, 98(2), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/00202967.2020.1718941

Chakarova, V. (2019a). Hydrogen evolution reaction on electroless Ni–P coatings deposited at different pH values. Bulgarian Chemical Communications, 51(3), 312–318.

Chakarova, V. (2019b). Influence of annealing temperature on ζ-CrZn₁₃ formation in electrodeposited Zn–Cr coatings. Surface Engineering, 36(5), 419–427. https://doi.org/10.1080/02670844.2019.1598023

Chakarova, V. (2019c). Study on the degreasing and etching operations in the pre-treatment of ABS dielectric aimed at obtaining quality chemically deposited nickel-phosphorus coatings. Transactions of the Institute of Metal Finishing, 97(4), 171–179. https://doi.org/10.1080/00202967.2019.1630183