Programme
Schedule

Data-Driven Circularity: Optimization and Intelligence in Industrial Systems

Abstract. Circular industrial systems demand real-time optimization, resource tracking, and smart decision-making frameworks. This talk presents how data-driven modeling and machine learning can be leveraged to optimize material loops and energy efficiency in circular manufacturing. We explore the role of predictive control and system identification in handling the inherent variability of recycled inputs and fluctuating renewable energy sources. Through case studies in chemical processing and industrial manufacturing, we demonstrate that integrating system intelligence with circular design principles can significantly reduce waste and resource footprints while maintaining high process stability and product quality.

Biography

Prof. Arun K. Tangirala is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati. His research interests lie in the area of process control, system identification, and data-driven modeling. He has published extensively in international journals and is the author of the widely used textbook on system identification. He works closely with industry partners to implement smart decision intelligence and process systems engineering solutions for sustainability.

Advancing Materials Design for Sustainability via Machine Learning: CO₂ Capture and Conversion

Abstract. Research problems involving the capture and conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) form some of the most pressing global challenges, due to the onslaught of climate change. The capture of CO₂ from flue gas and its thermochemical conversion to valuable chemicals are the key to a sustainable future. In this talk, I will present our work on using machine learning (ML) approaches, coupled with atomic-scale simulations, to design materials for CO₂ capture and conversion. Nanopores in two-dimensional (2D) can enable the sieving of CO₂ from flue gas mixtures. However, the large number of possible nanopore isomers makes their study onerous, while the lack of machine-learnable representations stymies progress toward structure–property relationships. Here, we develop a language for nanopores in 2D materials, called STring Representation Of Nanopore Geometry (STRONG), that opens the field of 2D nanopore informatics. We show that STRONGs are naturally suited for ML via recurrent neural networks, predicting formation energies/times of arbitrary nanopores and transport barriers for CO₂, N₂, and O₂ gas molecules, enabling structure–property relationships. The ML models enable the discovery of specific nanopore topologies to separate CO₂/N₂, O₂/CO₂, and O₂/N₂ gas mixtures with high selectivity ratios. We also enable the rapid enumeration of unique configurations of stable, functionalized nanopores in 2D materials via STRONGs, allowing systematic searching of the vast chemical space of nanopores. Using the STRONGs approach, we find that a mix of hydrogen and quinone functionalization results in the most stable functionalized nanopore configuration in graphene, a discovery made feasible by expedited chemical space exploration. Additionally, we also unravel the STRONGs approach as ∼1000 times faster than graph theory algorithms to distinguish nanopore shapes. These advances in the language-based representation of 2D nanopores will accelerate the tailored design of nanoporous materials for CO₂ capture.

Furthermore, I will present a data-driven approach for massive reaction network exploration for CO₂ conversion accelerated by machine learning. Heterogeneous catalytic pathways for clean energy conversion involve thousands of elementary steps, but most quantum-mechanical models involve only a few dozen reactions. We combine extensive density functional theory (DFT) calculations, ML for activation barrier prediction, and human intelligence-inspired reaction enumeration and elementary reaction identification. This enables automated kinetic modeling of CO₂ hydrogenation on copper, a key process to produce fuels and chemicals. We construct the largest dataset of 152 elementary CO₂ reduction reactions and experimentally determine CO₂ conversion, finding that even large networks with 100+ reactions are insufficient. In contrast, our approach reveals 9389 elementary reactions, reducing human bias in the reaction pathway. We unravel 40-fold higher CO₂ conversion rates, following experimental trends of methanol and CO production. We establish the crucial role of intermolecular hydrogen transfer and hydrogenation by molecular hydrogen, a surprising ML-enabled discovery validated post-facto. The proposed strategy to comprehensively model complex catalytic mechanisms will significantly advance catalysis research and carbon conversion processes. Overall, the multi-scale simulations and ML-enabled approaches presented in this talk will accelerate the discovery and understanding of materials and mechanisms for CO₂ conversion processes.

Biography

Dr. Ananth Govind Rajan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. He received his B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in 2013 and his Masters and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in 2015 and 2019, respectively, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Subsequently, he conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton University, before joining IISc in 2020 as an Assistant Professor and being promoted in 2025. Dr. Govind Rajan’s research interests lie in the modeling and simulation of nanomaterials, including their synthesis and applications for clean energy and water technologies. His group focuses on combining quantum-mechanical and molecular simulations with machine learning for modeling materials for membrane separations, electrochemical water splitting, and catalytic carbon dioxide reduction to chemicals. He was recently featured by Nature Index as one of three scientists pushing chemistry in new directions. He is an Associate of the Indian National Academy of Engineering and the Indian Academy of Sciences.

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From Advanced Energy Storage Materials to Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters: Accelerating India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission

Abstract. The global transition towards net-zero emissions demands integrated solutions that combine renewable energy, advanced energy storage, green hydrogen, and circular resource utilization. India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) has emerged as a transformative initiative to accelerate industrial decarbonization while strengthening energy security and sustainable economic growth. This talk presents the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) strategic roadmap for advancing the green hydrogen ecosystem through research, innovation, technology demonstration, and large-scale deployment, with special emphasis on Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters (HVICs) that integrate renewable hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and end-use applications across sectors such as steel, fertilizers, mobility, and chemicals.

Biography

With over 24 years of distinguished experience across frontier research and national-level science leadership, Dr. Ranjith Krishna Pai stands at the forefront of India’s clean energy and hydrogen innovation ecosystem. He earned his Ph.D. in Natural Sciences (Chemistry) from Ulm University, Germany (2005), and built an international research portfolio with the University of Chile, Stockholm University (Sweden), Brookhaven National Laboratory (USA), and the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (Portugal). Currently, Dr. Pai serves as Scientist ‘F’ and Senior Director in the Climate, Energy & Sustainable Technology Division, DST, Government of India, leading national programs in Materials for Energy Storage and Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technologies. A key architect of India’s hydrogen ecosystem, he plays a strategic role in the National Green Hydrogen Mission (MNRE) and is a Board of Governors member at IISER Pune.

Sustainable Engineering Applications of Bamboo – A Deep Dive

Abstract. The talk will focus on several engineering applications of bamboo. Bamboo, historically recognized as a versatile, fast-growing woody grass, is gaining prominence as a critical material in the modern sustainable engineering paradigm. This presentation explores the structural, mechanical, and ecological properties of bamboo that make it a viable alternative to conventional carbon-intensive materials like steel, concrete, and plastic. We discuss advanced processing techniques such as engineered bamboo composites, cross-laminated bamboo, and thermal/chemical treatments that enhance its durability, fire resistance, and load-bearing capacity. The deep dive covers diverse engineering applications, including green building construction, wind turbine blades, automotive components, and soil bio-engineering for slope stabilization.

Biography

Mr. K. P. Murthy is a Governing Council Member of the Bamboo Society of India and the Former Senior General Manager at BOSCH India. With decades of industrial leadership and engineering expertise, he now spearheads initiatives promoting bamboo as a sustainable engineering material. He collaborates extensively with academic institutions, government bodies, and industrial sectors to develop standardized testing protocols, processing technologies, and commercial applications for engineered bamboo, aiming to accelerate the transition to circular industrial ecosystems.

Na-ion Batteries from Spent Li-ion Batteries

Abstract. Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) have emerged as a promising next-generation energy storage technology and a viable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This study demonstrates an effective approach for recovering both the graphite anode and polypropylene (PP) separator from spent LIBs and repurposing them for NIB applications. Using ether-based electrolytes, reversible Na⁺ intercalation into the recovered graphite is achieved through a solvent co-intercalation mechanism, enabling highly reversible sodium storage. The resulting graphite/PP/Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ full-cell configuration achieved a maximum energy density of 78 Wh kg⁻¹ at room temperature, with graphite-decorated electrospun carbon nanofibers exhibiting stable operation over 10,000 cycles.

Biography

Dr. Vanchiappan Aravindan is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at IISER Tirupati, India. His research focuses on developing high-performance electrodes and electrolytes for Li-ion and next-generation batteries, as well as on recycling spent Li-ion batteries, discarded solar panels, and single-use plastics. He has published more than 285 research articles, holds 10 patents, and has an h-index of 77 with over 21,000 citations. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and the Institute of Physics (FInstP), UK, and a recipient of the Swarnajayanti Fellowship (2020) from the DST, Government of India.

Synergistic Critical Mineral Recovery: A Waste-for-Waste Framework for Sustainable Battery Recycling

Abstract. As the global transition toward electric mobility accelerates, securing a sustainable life cycle for lithium-ion batteries is imperative for mineral security and environmental preservation. This talk introduces an integrated metallurgical framework designed to enhance resource efficiency by combining mild thermal reduction with acid-free lithium recovery. A “waste-for-waste” strategy, which replaces conventional, high-cost reducing agents with waste polyolefins, has been developed to facilitate the decomposition of spent cathode materials. By aligning battery recycling with broader plastic waste management, this strategy offers a scalable and environmentally benign pathway for advancing circularity in the battery industry.

Biography

Venkatasailanathan Ramadesigan is a Professor in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay, with research spanning electrochemical energy systems, battery sustainability, techno-economic modelling, and energy transition modelling. His work integrates physics-based and data-driven approaches to analyze lithium-ion battery performance, degradation, and safety, with direct relevance to battery recycling and second-life applications.

From Molecular Precision to Sustainable Ecosystems and Green Supply Chains: A Chemistry-Centric Perspective for Resource, Water, and Energy Security

Abstract. The transition from linear industrial production models to sustainable industrial ecosystems requires the integration of resource efficiency, circularity, and environmental responsibility across the entire value chain. Recent advances in supramolecular chemistry, porous materials, membrane science, and catalytic systems have enabled the design of functional materials with precisely engineered structures and properties, employed for critical mineral recovery, selective molecular separations, wastewater remediation, and electrochemical energy conversion. This talk presents a chemistry-oriented perspective on sustainable industrial ecosystems, highlighting the role of molecular design in addressing challenges associated with critical mineral security, water sustainability, circular manufacturing, and green energy production.

Biography

Dr. Shilpi Kushwaha is a Senior Scientist at CSIR-CSMCRI. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the M. S. University of Baroda in 2012, and later received the Fulbright Post-Doctoral Scholarship in 2013 to work at the Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University. She joined CSIR-CSMCRI as a scientist in 2018 and received the CSIR Young Scientist Award in 2021 for her work on the extraction of uranium from secondary sources such as seawater and acidic effluents using crystalline thin films and polymeric nano-rings. She has published 40 papers in high-impact journals and holds a few patents.

Waste to Wealth: Facile Activation of Red Mud Waste and Insights into Industrial Reactive Dye Removal from Wastewater

Abstract. Reactive dyes, widely applied in the textile industry for their vibrant colors, excellent fastness, and ease of application. Their presence poses multifaceted threats to aquatic ecosystems and health risks, including skin irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and increased cancer risk. In response to these challenges, this study explores the potential of acid-activated red mud, an industrial solid waste by-product from the aluminum industry, as an economical adsorbent for the removal of commercial reactive dyes from industrial wastewater. The robustness of the employed Box–Behnken design is evidenced by the high determination coefficient (0.997) and correlation coefficient (0.994) values. The optimum acid activation condition was determined to be 385 K activation temperature, 91 minutes activation time, and 2.5 N HCl acid concentration, resulting in a 99.24 ± 0.04% removal efficiency for reactive dyes. Analysis of X-ray Diffraction and X-ray Fluorescence data revealed that the activation process significantly increased the composition of Al and Fe compounds. This enhancement was achieved by eliminating compounds that block active sites and improves the overall surface area from 37.35 m²/g to 173.81 m²/g. Detailed morphological analysis, conducted through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, reveals profound transformation in the surface structure. The study primarily focuses on removing four commercial reactive dyes: Reactive Blue 2 (RBL-2), Reactive Black 5 (RBK-5), Reactive Red 24 (RR-24), and Reactive Yellow 15 (RY-15). These dyes demonstrate maximum adsorption capacities of 118.24 mg/g, 121.02 mg/g, 129.19 mg/g, and 142.64 mg/g, respectively. In order to comprehend the interactions between dye molecules and the adsorbent, a first principle based model was employed to simulate the adsorption kinetics.

Biography

Dr. Sankha Karmakar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras, and Organising Secretary of SustainX 2026. He is a leading researcher in metal–organic framework (MOF) science and its integration into mixed matrix membranes for water treatment, resource recovery, and environmental applications. He earned his M.Tech and Ph.D. in membrane separation technology from IIT Kharagpur, and previously served on the faculty at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Odisha, and NIT Durgapur. He was recently awarded the ANRF Early Career Research Grant and serves on the Early Career Editorial Board of the Journal of Water Process Engineering.

Advancing Sustainability Through Multifunctional Composite Materials

Abstract. Fiber-reinforced composites enable lightweight, high-performance structures with properties tailored for a wide range of engineering applications. Engineering the fiber–matrix interface through nanostructured coatings offers a sustainable pathway to multifunctional composites by enhancing performance, integrating multiple functionalities, and reducing the need for additional materials and components. This presentation discusses the synthesis, characterization, and performance of nanomaterial-engineered fiber interfaces, including ZnO nanowires, MnO₂ nanowires, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) grown on carbon fibers, as well as nanocrystals deposited on natural fibers such as jute and ramie, and highlights recent advances in direct ink writing of functional composites for structural supercapacitors.

Biography

Sirish Namilae is a Professor in the Aerospace Engineering Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He obtained his MS in Materials Science from the Indian Institute of Science, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Florida State University in 2004. He joined Embry-Riddle in 2014 after ten years of experience in industry (Boeing) and a national lab (ORNL), where he leads the Advanced Materials and Mechanics Group and directs the Composites Lab. Sirish Namilae is a Fulbright-Nehru Senior Research Scholar, an AIAA Associate Fellow, and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

A New MOF Based on Copper and Zinc for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of a Commercial Dye and an Antibiotic under Visible Light Irradiation

Abstract. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are increasingly recognized for their catalytic and environmental applications. We report the first synthesis of a bi-metallic MOF incorporating Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions with 2-aminoterephthalic acid as the linker. Under visible light irradiation, 20 ppm solutions of crystal violet and tetracycline hydrochloride were degraded by 91.6% and 76%, respectively, within 120 minutes. The synergistic Cu/Zn incorporation enhanced charge separation, making this MOF a promising candidate for green water remediation technologies.

Biography

Prof. Anandhan’s career spans continents and disciplines, weaving together expertise in polymer science, nanotechnology, and materials engineering. He earned his Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur in 2004, and gained international experience at UNSW Australia and Inha University Korea, before joining NIT Karnataka in 2009, becoming Professor in 2018. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK), the Institution of Engineers (India), and the Indian Chemical Society.

Dr. Indumathi Nambi is Professor at the Environment and Water Resources Division, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai. She has received her doctorate in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY and has served as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the U.S.A. Dr. Indu is also the chairperson of the IIT Madras Women’s Forum and recently received the highest recognition for engineers as a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers.

Dr. Indumathi’s core research areas are industrial wastewater treatment, and contaminant fate and transport in groundwater – specifically organic solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, and heavy metals. Other research areas include lakes and wetlands restoration and the development of eco-friendly technology for industrial water and waste treatment with reduced carbon, water, chemical, and waste footprint. She has been leading the Pan-India Carbon Zero Challenge Contest – an initiative to inspire and fund youngsters to innovate technologies for environment protection. This program has supported 200 clean-tech innovative prototypes, and 30 startups have been nurtured in this program.

Dr. Indumathi is an environment expert member of the Ministry of Environment’s State Environmental Appraisal Committee, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan. She is serving in the expert committees of several departments in the Tamil Nadu State Government and the Central Government. She has authored over 120 international journal papers, 10 patents, several conference papers, technical articles, and book chapters. She is also serving on the editorial board and review committee of international journals.

Fundamentals, Preparation and Applications of Indigenous Polymeric Membranes for Water and Wastewater Treatment

Abstract. Polymeric membranes have gained significant attention over the past few decades as a versatile platform for separation and purification technologies, offering physical separation without phase change, operation at ambient temperature, and minimal chemical consumption. This presentation discusses the fundamentals of membrane science, fabrication techniques, and applications of indigenous polymeric membranes in drinking water treatment, biomolecule separation, industrial wastewater treatment, desalination, and the removal of toxic contaminants, promoting technological self-reliance and reduced import dependence.

Biography

Dr. Mrinmoy Mondal is a Senior Scientist at CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar. He obtained his M.Tech. and Ph.D. from the Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Kharagpur. His research focuses on membrane science and advanced separation technologies, including hollow-fiber membrane fabrication, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and resource recovery including lithium extraction from seawater and brines. He has published 34 research papers and filed six Indian patents, three of which have been granted.

Leaching of Metal Ions from Spent Lithium-ion Battery and Regeneration of NMC811 Cathode Materials

Abstract. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used for energy storage in electric vehicles, electronic gadgets, and solar energy storage devices. Since spent batteries are rich in valuable metals, it is imperative to recycle LIBs to reduce dependency on limited natural resources and avoid hazardous environmental effects. At CSIR-IMMT, acid leaching techniques, including microwave-assisted acid leaching, are used to selectively isolate high-purity mixtures of Cobalt, Nickel, and Manganese salts, prioritising recovery of battery-grade cathode precursors that can be immediately used as cathode/anode for lithium-ion batteries or as catalyst materials for energy conversion.

Biography

Dr. Mamata Mohapatra, Scientist G at CSIR-IMMT, is a recognized researcher in sustainable materials science with over 25 years of experience in hydrometallurgy, urban mining, and waste-to-wealth industrial initiatives. An alumna of Utkal University with a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry, she conducted research at the University of Waterloo, Canada, under the BOYSCAST Fellowship. Her academic record features over 6,180 citations and an h-index of 35, placing her among the world’s top 5% of scientists. She holds patents with industrial partners including TATA and JSW Ltd., and serves as Vice President of the Odisha Chemical Society.

Closing the Dumpsite Legacy: WtE as a Pathway for Sustainable MSW Management in India

Abstract. India currently faces a significant waste management challenge with more than 2,000 legacy municipal solid waste dumpsites present across the country. This study presents an innovative environmental-economic decision-support framework for evaluating the feasibility of legacy dumpsite reclamation integrated with Waste-to-Energy (WtE) systems, expanding the conventional Net Present Value (NPV) model to incorporate environmental costs. The methodology was developed through a detailed case study at the Brahmapuram dumpsite in Kerala, one of India’s most prominent unmanaged waste dumps.

Biography

Dr. K. P. Prathish is a scientist at CSIR-NIIST who spearheaded the modernization of India’s only dedicated dioxin research and monitoring facility, supporting the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the CPCB in meeting obligations to the Stockholm Convention on POPs. He led the development of an affordable GC-MS/MS method for dioxins/PCBs confirmatory analysis for the first time in India, earning the AOAC India Young Scientist Award (2020). With ~40 publications and a US patent, he bridges research, regulation, and industry needs.

Microalgae as a Sustainable Platform for Wastewater Treatment, Carbon Sequestration, and Resource Recovery

Abstract. Wastewater management remains one of the major challenges for sustainable development, as the growing complexity of industrial and municipal effluents demands environmentally benign, economic, and sustainable treatment technologies. Microalgae have emerged as one of the most promising alternatives, prized for their capability to sequester CO₂ during photosynthesis, their capacity to utilise pollutants as nutrients for growth, and their adaptability across diverse wastewater types. The resulting biomass can be valorised into biofertilizer, cattle feed supplements, and other bioproducts, closing the loop toward a circular bioeconomy.

Biography

Prof. Susmita Dutta is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at NIT Durgapur, where she has served since 2007, rising to Professor in 2018. She holds a B.Tech from the University of Calcutta (1997), an M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur (1999), and a Ph.D. from Jadavpur University (2004). Her research spans wastewater treatment, biochemical engineering, phycoremediation, and bioremediation, documented in over 95 journal papers, 80 conference proceedings, and 11 book chapters. She has supervised 15 doctoral students to completion and serves on the Editorial Board of Applied Water Science (Springer Nature).

Waste-derived Biochar for Enhancing Bio-recovery, Pollutant Removal and Energy Applications

Abstract. Waste-derived carbon refers to a group of highly refractile, carbonized products generated through high temperature and occasionally pressure. One such popular example is biochar, produced through slow and fast pyrolysis, which has been researched extensively for application in soil improvement, as an adsorbent for contaminants, as a supplement in anaerobic digestion, and as an electrocatalyst in (bio)fuel cells. This talk explores the potential applications of biochar in bioreactors and electrocatalysts, and revisits soil and adsorbent applications to understand the future direction of research in this field.

Biography

Dr. Indrajit Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor in the Environmental Science and Engineering Department at IIT Bombay. He obtained his Ph.D. and M.Tech in Environmental Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from NIT Durgapur. His doctoral research focused on microbial fuel cells for simultaneous wastewater treatment and energy recovery. He has authored over 23 peer-reviewed journal articles and 10 book chapters, and heads the Environmental Recovery, Surveillance and Treatment (EnReST) Lab at IIT Bombay.

Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy through Urban Mining: Challenges & Opportunities

Abstract. With rapid technology innovation and digital product marketing strategies alluring the replacement of electronic gadgets at a faster pace, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is being generated in ever-increasing volumes — more than 62 million tonnes annually worldwide. India is the second-largest e-waste generator in Asia and the third-largest in the world. Urban mining offers a transformative approach to converting e-waste into valuable resources; a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence on E-waste Management has been established at C-MET, Hyderabad, to develop cost-effective e-waste recycling technologies for end-of-life PCBs, Li-ion batteries, Si solar cells, and permanent magnets.

Biography

Dr. R. Ratheesh completed his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Kerala in 1995. He joined C-MET, Thrissur as Scientist in 1997, served as Director of C-MET, Hyderabad from 2016, and has recently been selected as Director General of C-MET, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. He has held postdoctoral fellowships including the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (Germany) and the BOYSCAST Fellowship (USA), and is the Muthuraman–Sumathi Visiting Chair in Urban Mining at IIT Madras.

Resource Independence for India’s Sustainable Clean Tech: Combating Mineral Vulnerabilities via Recycling

Abstract. Balancing India’s economic growth with decarbonization needs an accelerated shift toward renewable energy and electric mobility. Lithium-ion battery demand in India is expected to rise from 3 GWh to 70 GWh by 2030, set against a lack of primary extraction facilities for lithium and cobalt. Recycling of waste materials can be a sustainable solution; a circular economy pathway through waste minimization and resource management can be achieved via novel process integration of advanced hydrometallurgical means, aligning well with sustainable development objectives.

Biography

Dr. Pankaj Pathak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science & Engineering at SRM University, AP, having obtained a Ph.D. in Environmental Geotechnology from IIT Bombay. His research interests include plastic and e-waste management, circular economy approaches for the recovery of critical and rare earth metals, hydrometallurgy, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment. He has published peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, along with patents and books with Springer, ACS, and CRC.

Catalytic Thermochemical Conversion of Biomass: A Pathway to Hydrogen-Rich Syngas and Clean Energy

Abstract. Hydrogen is poised to play a pivotal role in the global transition toward sustainable energy systems, necessitating the development of cost-effective and renewable production pathways. This talk presents a pilot-scale investigation on the catalytic slow pyrolysis of rice husk for the production of hydrogen-rich syngas using a laboratory-developed Ni-zeolite catalyst. Under optimized operating conditions, hydrogen concentration in syngas rose from 15.3 vol.% to 40.2 vol.%, establishing single-stage catalytic pyrolysis as a promising and economically attractive route for producing cleaner gaseous fuels from agricultural residues.

Biography

Dr. Ishita Sarkar is Scientist D at CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur, with expertise in renewable energy systems, biomass thermochemical conversion, and waste-to-wealth technologies. She obtained her B.Tech. from Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, and her M.Tech. and Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur. She has authored over 30 research publications with an h-index of 21, and has played key roles in developing technologies for oil-sludge valorization, PV-module recycling, and hydrogen-rich syngas production.

Engineering Catalysts for Thermocatalytic CO₂ Utilization

Abstract. Thermocatalytic CO₂ utilization presents a compelling pathway for mitigating carbon emissions while enabling the sustainable production of fuels and value-added chemicals. This talk highlights how mechanistic insights derived from molecular-level investigations can guide the development of advanced catalytic systems, with case studies spanning CO₂ hydrogenation to methane and ethanol, as well as CO₂-assisted alkane dehydrogenation to alkenes, illustrating the interplay between catalyst structure, reaction pathways, and performance.

Biography

Dr. Sagar Sourav is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras. His research expertise lies in heterogeneous and thermal catalysis, with a strong focus on catalyst synthesis, advanced spectroscopic characterization, and transient kinetic studies, particularly in catalytic hydrocarbon conversion and the development of catalytic systems for a carbon circular economy.