(6he) Nanocomposites Synthesis, Characterization and Its Application in Energy, Environment and Healthcare

My research in the past several years has focused on Environmental Nanotechnology (biomass to chemicals, biocatalyst, nanocomposites for Energy and Environment) as broad area of research. My primary focus is on the (1) Synthesis of nanocomposite material and its application in Energy (storage device) and Environment (membrane synthesis/water treatment) (2) comprehensive study of the nanocatalyzed bioconversion processes (Green synthesis) (3) photocatalytic treatment. I wish to expand my research in application of the prepared nanocomposites in biomedicine. I have already completed the literature review and in the process of formalizing the project. I am also interested in broader areas like catalysts, composites materials, biosensors, separation technology in general. One of my objective is to convert my basic research innovation to process technology transfer and commercialization.

During my PhD I have proposed a kinetic model for biosorption (Bioresource. Technol., 98, 1781-1787, cited 131 times), continuous column sorption (Chem. Eng. J., 144, 386-390., cited 38 times). Applying the concept extended my research and proposed surface model (Colloid.Surface. A., 329, 95-99, cited 25 times) for biosorption and extended further and studied mass transfer models (Can. J. Chem. Eng., 90, 1011-1016) and review of biosorption (Can. J. Chem. Eng., 89, 889-900) process.

As Master student’s dissertation, I have previously developed optimized process condition for the photocatalytic degradation by organic oxidants (PAA, PNBA, MEKP). Our group first time reported this and in recognition one of my Master’s students won the Indian National Academy of Engineering-Innovative Student Projects Award – 2010. I considered it as one of my research accomplishment as independent researcher. I have extended this work for industrial wastewater treatment (Chem. Eng. J., 209, 1-6) also and two M. Tech and one PhD degree awarded with a total 11 Journal publications (Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 49, 3094-3098, J. Ind. Eng. Chem., 18, 249-254., Sep. Purif. Rev., 42, 263-295, Water. Air. Soil. Poll., 224, 1-9, Water Sci. Technol., 67, 440-445, Water Sci. Technol., 67, 2418-2427, Water Sci. Technol.69, 1259-1266 etc.) in this area so far.

With my two PhD student’s we have biosynthesized (using plants and microorganism resources) metal nanoparticles such as Gold, Silver, Palladium, Selenium, and Platinum (Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 55, 9557–9577, cited 32 times; Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 53, 13971–13979, cited 42 times; Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 52, 18131–18139, cited 48 times; Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 51, 12993-13328, cited 67 times; J. Nanopart. Res., 15, 1366-76, cited 55 times; Powder Technol., 244, 26-29, cited 47 times) and reported production of valuable chemicals by catalytic conversion. Much scope (little focused so far) is there to explore. So I wish to continue this work further. One PhD student awarded degree on broad area of biocatalysis with 5 Publications (Appl. Biochem. Biotech., 166, 486–520, Korean. J. Chem. Eng., 31, 1225-1232, Grasas y Aceites, 63, 202-208, Chem. Ind. Chem. Eng. Q., 20, 127-134 etc.) so far. The review paper published in Appl. Biochem. Biotech., 166, 486–520 is cited 238 times and I have received e-mail from one of my student doing PhD in Ohio University, USA stating that his supervisor given this paper to them as good study materials and for further use. I considered it as one of my research accomplishment. With my research exposure in separation over the years I understood the global challenges for safe and reliable water provision for the environmental and human well-being. This experience further reinforces my resolve to pursue for funded projects as Investigator in nanocomposite membrane separation. Two M. Tech (J. Polym. Mater., 29, 301-308., Sep. Sci. Technol., 47, 2299-2304) degree is awarded in this area. Two PhD students working in this field and few mentionable publications are Scientific Reports- Nature, 8(1) 4976, J. Ind. Eng. Chem., 63, 366-379, New Journal of Chemistry, 41,15049-15057. Further work is going on. Two of my recent PhD students are working on applications of nanocomposites in Energy storage device and Biosensors.

Teaching Interests:

My approach to teaching

My teaching philosophy is reasoned thought. I certainly want my students to learn the fundamental content of the course I teach. In the classroom my goal is to encourage thinking in rational ways, so that this can be applied in other, unfamiliar situations.

Another important element of my teaching philosophy is encouraging students to interact to develop logical arguments. A major factor of this is spending my time making suggestions, as students can only learn to present their ideas more effectively.

As I gained experience and confidence as a teacher, I came to regard teaching as my primary professional responsibility. I prefer to teach mathematical subjects where I can easily explain with more than one example. I create a positive atmosphere in the class.

I believe in

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Proposed teaching plan

Teaching courses like to handle : Related subjects in UG & PG

• Advanced Kinetic and Reaction Engineering
• Modelling Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering
• Physical Chemical Separation Processes.
• Bioseparations and Biochemical Engineering

• Microbial Engineering and Environmental Biotechnology

• Green Engineering
• New courses related to personal expertise to be taught at PhD level

• Research Methodology

• Interdisciplinary courses

• Environmental nanotechnology
• Nanobiotechnology
• Nanotechnology for water treatment

US University is expected to provide flexibility and abundant opportunities for research to incumbent researcher. Interdisciplinary and collaborative research work is more acceptable today. US University is with world class research facility and thus significant outcome projected.