Prof. Akshaya K Samal won Best Researcher Award
in the field of Energy and environment

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS Jain University, Bangalore, India INDIA

| Jain University, Bangalore, India | 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.