PROF. AKSHAYA K SAMAL WON BEST RESEARCHER AWARD IN THE FIELD OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS Energy and environment INDIA

Prof. Akshaya Kumar Samal

Professor, Anisotropic Nanomaterial Lab
Centre for Nano and Material Sciences (CNMS), Jain University

Professional Overview

A distinguished expert in anisotropic nanomaterials, Prof. Samal has significantly contributed to environmental remediation, advanced catalysis, and energy applications. With over 100 publications, six patents, and substantial research funding exceeding ₹1.28 crore as Principal Investigator, he is a leading figure in nanostructure design and synthesis techniques.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry (2010)
    Indian Institute of Technology Madras
    Advisor: Prof. T. Pradeep (Padma Shri)
    Thesis: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of One-Dimensional Nanostructures
  • M.Sc. in Chemistry (2001)
    Sambalpur University, Odisha
    Specialization: Physical Chemistry
  • B.Sc. in Chemistry (1999)
    Utkal University, Odisha

Research Highlights

  1. Synthesis of Anisotropic Nanostructures:

    • Development of nanocubes, nanorods, and decahedra for environmental and catalytic applications.
    • Pioneering work on the shape-dependent properties of nanostructures for water splitting and SERS-based pollutant detection.

  2. Catalysis and Energy Solutions:

    • Design of low-cost electrochemical catalysts for hydrogen production.
    • Development of single-atom and bimetallic catalysts for sustainable industrial processes.

  3. Environmental Remediation:

    • Innovative approaches for removing trace pollutants like PFAS, pesticides, and dyes from contaminated water.

Professional Roles

  • Professor (2024–Present)
    Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain University
  • Associate Professor (2021–2024)
    CNMS, Jain University
  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2011–2017)
    KAUST in Saudi Arabia and the University of Vigo, Spain, under esteemed mentors like Prof. Jean-Marie Basset and Prof. Luis M. Liz Marzan.

Key Metrics

  • Publications: 100+ articles, 8 book chapters.
  • Patents: 6 (including 1 U.S. patent).
  • h-index: 32 | Citations: 3,834.
  • Project Funding: ₹1.28 Cr as PI; ₹48.5 L as Co-PI.

Notable Awards

  • Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC), UK (2024).
  • Research Peace Award (2019–2020) by RULA, World Research Council.

Prof. Samal's interdisciplinary research fosters innovation at the intersection of nanotechnology, energy, and environmental sciences. With a robust academic and industrial network, he continues to inspire advancements in sustainable nanomaterial applications globally.