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Biography

 

I completed my master’s degree in chemistry from the Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, where I developed a strong foundation in chemical sciences. I subsequently earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry from the same institution, with research focused on dynamic covalent polymer systems and their diverse applications.

During my doctoral studies, I designed and synthesized advanced functional materials, including fluorescent gels, anti-counterfeiting materials, and polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT)-based polymers. A key part of my research involved the development of vitrimers, dynamic polymer networks exhibiting self-healing behavior and recyclability, which contribute to addressing plastic degradation and sustainability challenges. I also explored the catalytic applications of PHT systems for the conversion of sugars into valuable furan derivatives, along with the development of silver-modified PHT for the efficient synthesis of benzamide from benzonitrile.

Currently, I am working as a Research Associate at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials, Hyderabad, at the Centre for Advanced Materials and Batteries. My current research focuses on the development of polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, as well as the synthesis and characterization of bulk sodium vanadium phosphate (NVP) for advanced energy storage applications.

My current research focuses on the development of innovative polymer electrolyte systems with enhanced ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and interfacial compatibility, aimed at improving the safety and performance of next-generation lithium-ion batteries. In addition, I work on bio-based polymer electrolytes derived from sustainable resources, combining environmental sustainability with high ionic conductivity and excellent electrochemical stability for advanced energy storage applications.

 

Research Areas of Interest

My research interests focus on the development of next-generation polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, with a particular emphasis on bio-based and sustainable materials. I am interested in designing innovative polymer electrolyte systems derived from renewable resources that offer high ionic conductivity, excellent thermal and electrochemical stability, and improved safety.

My future research aims to explore multifunctional bio-based polymer electrolytes with advanced properties such as self-healing behavior, recyclability, and enhanced electrode–electrolyte interfacial compatibility. I am also keen on integrating green chemistry principles with advanced material design to develop environmentally friendly, high-performance energy storage systems. These efforts are directed toward reducing dependence on petrochemical-based materials while enabling safer, more efficient, and sustainable battery technologies for future applications.

Highest Qualification

Ph.D in Polymers and Catalysis

List of Publications

(1)        Rai, A.; Ranganath, K. V. S. Recyclable Catalysts for the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds Using Carbon Materials. J Heterocycl Chem 2021, 58 (5), 1039–1057. https://doi.org/10.1002/jhet.4210.

(2)        Rai, A.; Jaiswal, R.; Pandey, M.; Ranganath, K. V. S. High Performance Polyhexahydrotriazine (PHT) Thermoset for the Synthesis of Furanics. Bioenergy Res 2023, 16 (1), 507–516. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-022-10453-x.

(3)        Rai, A.; Pandey, M.; Gupta, P. K.; Basha, Sk. H.; Srinivasadesikan, V.; Ranganath, K. V. S. Visible‐Light‐Mediated Hydration of Benzonitriles Catalysed by Silver Nanoparticles on Triazine. Appl Organomet Chem 2026, 40 (2). https://doi.org/10.1002/aoc.70504.

(4)        Rai, A.; Pandey, M.; Tripathi, S.; Parmar, A. S.; Ranganath, K. V. S. Biobased Polyimine Vitrimers: Promising Materials for Fluorescence Quenching, Anticounterfeiting, and Plastic Degradation. ACS Omega 2025, 10 (23), 24756–24767. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c01639.

(5)        Pandey, M.; Rai, A.; Prasad, N.; Mohanta, A.; Asthana, R. K.; Ranganath, K. V. S. Hydrogenation of Biomass-Derived Fatty Acid Esters and Dunaliella Salina Catalyzed by Pd on V2O5. Biomass Convers Biorefin 2025, 15 (10), 15809–15821. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-025-06490-z.

(6)        Gupta, P. K.; Kumar, N.; Rai, A.; Pandey, M.; Ranganath, K. V. S. Chiral Heterogeneous Polymer for the Separation of Naproxen Enantiomers. ACS Appl Polym Mater 2025, 7 (23), 16112–16125. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.5c03394.

(7)        Sahu, M.; Shaikh, M.; Rai, A.; Ranganath, K. V. S. Synthesis and Characterization of Ag@Fe3O4 Hetero Nanoparticles: A Highly Active Catalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater 2020, 30 (3), 1002–1007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10904-019-01439-y.

 

 

Conference Proceedings

  • International Conference on Advances in Sustainable Solutions for Energy Transitions (ASSET 2025)
  • 9th ASIAN NETWORK OF NATURAL & UNNATURAL MATERIALS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE organised by the Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi on 8th April 2022.
  • Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI), Local Chapter Chhattisgarh and School of Studies in Chemistry, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh

Awards & Honours

  • Awarded the CSIR-funded Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) during my Ph.D., supporting my research in advanced polymer systems.
  • Recipient of the INSPIRE Fellowship during my Bachelor’s studies, granted for academic excellence and encouragement toward a career in scientific research.