Yalini Devi Neelan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yalini Devi Neelan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Google Scholar Profile

Educational Details

Dr. Yalini Devi Neelan completed her Ph.D. in Energy Harvesting Applications at Anna University, India, from 2016 to 2021. Her doctoral research focused on innovative methods for harnessing energy through advanced materials and nanotechnology. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned an M.Tech. in Nanoscience and Technology from Anna University, where she achieved an impressive GPA of 8.24/10 from 2014 to 2016. Dr. Neelan’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, also from Anna University, where she graduated in 2014 with a GPA of 6.41/10. This solid educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in both engineering principles and nanomaterials, driving her passion for research in energy solutions.

Research Experience

Dr. Yalini Devi Neelan is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Milano, Italy, in the Thermoelectric’s Laboratory, where she focuses on the preparation and characterization of nanostructured silicon for thermoelectric applications. Her key responsibilities include preparing nanostructured materials, examining their physicochemical characteristics, and studying their Seebeck coefficient, electrical, and thermal conductivity to calculate the figure of merit (ZT). Prior to this, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher at Chungnam National University, South Korea, where she worked on nanostructured oxide-based materials for antibiotic degradation and battery applications, analyzing their photodegradation and electrochemical properties. Dr. Neelan also served as a Research Associate at Anna University, India, where she focused on energy harvesting and storage applications, preparing oxide-based nanomaterials and managing communications with funding agencies. During her Ph.D. at Anna University, she investigated nanostructured strontium titanate-based oxide thermoelectric materials for energy harvesting from waste heat. Additionally, she collaborated with Shimomura Laboratory at Shizuoka University, Japan, to enhance the thermoelectric power factor of nanostructured SrTiO3 through Gd and Nb co-substitution. Earlier in her academic journey, Dr. Neelan was a project student at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, where she developed graphene oxide-based strain sensors for motion monitoring. Her diverse research experiences reflect her strong expertise in nanomaterials and energy applications.

Research Focus

Energy harvesting applications, particularly in thermoelectrics, focus on converting waste heat into usable electrical energy, thus promoting sustainable energy solutions. The synthesis of nanomaterials plays a crucial role in this field, as nanostructured materials exhibit enhanced thermoelectric properties due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics. These materials are engineered to optimize energy conversion efficiencies, allowing for effective harvesting from various heat sources. Additionally, advancements in energy storage applications complement energy harvesting by ensuring that the harvested energy can be effectively stored and utilized when needed. By integrating innovative synthesis techniques and exploring novel nanomaterials, researchers aim to improve the performance and efficiency of thermoelectric devices, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

Top Notable Publications

Enhancing effects of Te substitution on the thermoelectric power factor of nanostructured SnSe₁₋ₓTeₓ
Authors: D. Sidharth, A.S.A. Nedunchezhian, R. Rajkumar, N.Y. Devi, P. Rajasekaran, et al.
Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Year: 2019
Citations: 32

Effect of Gd and Nb co-substitution on enhancing the thermoelectric power factor of nanostructured SrTiO₃
Authors: N.Y. Devi, K. Vijayakumar, P. Rajasekaran, A.S.A. Nedunchezhian, et al.
Journal: Ceramics International
Year: 2021
Citations: 26

Enhanced thermoelectric performance of band structure engineered GeSe₁₋ₓTeₓ alloys
Authors: D. Sidharth, A.S.A. Nedunchezhian, R. Akilan, A. Srivastava, B. Srinivasan, et al.
Journal: Sustainable Energy & Fuels
Year: 2021
Citations: 25

Enhancement of thermoelectric power factor of hydrothermally synthesised SrTiO₃ nanostructures
Authors: N.Y. Devi, P. Rajasekaran, K. Vijayakumar, A.S.A. Nedunchezhian, et al.
Journal: Materials Research Express
Year: 2020
Citations: 15

Biogenic synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles: evaluation of their larvicidal, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities
Authors: S. Mahalingam, P.K. Govindaraji, V.G. Solomon, H. Kesavan, Y.D. Neelan, et al.
Journal: ACS Omega
Year: 2023
Citations: 11

Effect of Bismuth substitution on the enhancement of thermoelectric power factor of nanostructured BiₓCo₃₋ₓO₄
Authors: A.S.A. Nedunchezhian, D. Sidharth, N.Y. Devi, R. Rajkumar, P. Rajasekaran, et al.
Journal: Ceramics International
Year: 2019
Citations: 11

Effective Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Harmful Antibiotics Using Reduced Graphene Oxide-Zinc Sulfide-Copper Sulfide Nanocomposites as a Catalyst
Authors: J.K. Shanmugam Mahalingam, Yalini Devi Neelan, Senthil Bakthavatchalam, et al.
Journal: ACS Omega
Year: 2023
Citations: 10

Enhancing the thermoelectric power factor of nanostructured ZnCo₂O₄ by Bi substitution
Authors: A.S.A. Nedunchezhian, D. Sidharth, R. Rajkumar, N.Y. Devi, K. Maeda, et al.
Journal: RSC Advances
Year: 2020
Citations: 7

High thermoelectric power factor of Ag and Nb co-substituted SrTiO₃ perovskite nanostructures
Authors: N.Y. Devi, A.S.A. Nedunchezhian, D. Sidharth, P. Rajasekaran, et al.
Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
Year: 2023
Citations: 3

Alex Chandraraj | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Dr. Alex Chandraraj | Engineering | Excellence in Research

Dr. Alex Chandraraj, Kieluniversity, Germany

Dr. Alex Chandraraj is a post-doctoral fellow at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in condensed matter physics and materials science. His research focuses on advanced materials, nanostructures, and their applications in renewable energy technologies. Dr. Chandraraj has authored several peer-reviewed publications in prestigious scientific journals and has presented his work at international conferences. He is dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to global energy challenges through material science.

PROFILE

Orcid Profile

Educational Details

Dr. Chandraraj earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry, specializing in electro-catalysis, from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bangalore, in 2022. His thesis, titled “Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Water Activation,” was supervised by Dr. Neena Susan John. He also holds an M.Sc. (2014) and B.Sc. (2012) in Chemistry from S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil, affiliated with Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, where he was a university rank holder in both degrees.

Professional Experience

Dr. Alex Chandraraj has extensive experience in the field of electro-catalysis, having worked on various research projects focused on advanced nanomaterials and sustainable energy applications. Since February 2024, he has been a Post-doctoral Fellow at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany, where he focuses on modifying nickel surfaces through wet-chemical deposition as part of the PrometH2eus project. His work aims to enhance the performance of nickel-based catalysts for energy-efficient applications. Prior to this, from August 2023 to January 2024, he was a Guest Researcher at the same institution, where he investigated oxide interface structures under real-time reaction conditions using operando surface X-ray diffraction techniques. Between February 2022 and July 2023, he served as a Project Associate at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences in Bangalore, where he developed and characterized high-valent nickel-based electrocatalysts for urea electrolysis, emphasizing hydrogen production and energy efficiency. Additionally, as a Research Associate from August 2022 to January 2023, Dr. Chandraraj contributed to the development of nanomaterials for catalytic processes and renewable energy applications. His diverse research background underscores his expertise in electro-catalysis and nanomaterials for clean energy technologies.

Research  Interest

Dr. Alex Chandraraj’s research focuses on electro-catalysis and advanced nanomaterials, with a particular emphasis on sustainable energy solutions. His work explores the use of nanomaterials and metal oxides in water splitting and electrochemical water activation, aiming to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production through oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions. He is also deeply involved in urea electrolysis, where he investigates high-valent nickel-based catalysts to develop cost-effective and energy-efficient processes for hydrogen production from urea-based waste. Additionally, Dr. Chandraraj’s research addresses nitrate and oxygen reduction reactions by tuning metal oxidation states in catalyst systems, optimizing their performance for environmental and energy applications. His broader goal is to innovate in renewable energy by developing advanced nanomaterials and surface modifications that enhance the efficiency and durability of catalysts used in clean energy technologies.

Top Notable Publications

“Role of active redox sites and charge transport resistance at reaction potentials in spinel ferrites for improved oxygen evolution reaction”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2024

Journal: Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2024.118613

“Unfolding the Significance of Regenerative Active Species in Nickel Hydroxide-Based Systems for Sustained Urea Electro-Oxidation”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2024

Journal: Chemistry of Materials

DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03062

“In-situ generated Ni(OH)2 on chemically activated spent catalyst sustains urea electro-oxidation in extensive alkaline conditions”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2024

Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.01.339

“Evidence for Exclusive Direct Mechanism of Urea Electro-Oxidation Driven by In Situ-Generated Resilient Active Species on a Rare-Earth Nickelate”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2024

Journal: ACS Catalysis

DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.3c04967

“Spontaneous decoration of Ultrasmall Pt Nanoparticles on size‐separated MoS2 nanosheets”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2023

Journal: Chemistry – A European Journal

DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301596

“Probing the Evolution of Active Sites in MoO2 for Hydrogen Generation in Acidic Medium”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2023

Journal: ACS Applied Energy Materials

DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.3c00320

“Hydrogen and Hydrocarbons as Fuel”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2022

Book Chapter: Green Energy Harvesting: Materials for Hydrogen Generation and Carbon Dioxide Reduction

DOI: 10.1002/9781119776086.ch2

“Remarkable COx tolerance of Ni3+ active species in a Ni2O3 catalyst for sustained electrochemical urea oxidation”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2022

Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A

DOI: 10.1039/D1TA05753G

“Role of Metal Ion Sites in Bivalent Cobalt Phosphorus Oxygen Systems toward Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2021

Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry C

DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05614

“Introduction of surface defects in NiO with effective removal of adsorbed catalyst poisons for improved electrochemical urea oxidation”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2021

Journal: Electrochimica Acta

DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2021.138425

“Competing Effect of Co3+ Reducibility and Oxygen-Deficient Defects Toward High Oxygen Evolution Activity in Co3O4 Systems in Alkaline Medium”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2020

Journal: ACS Applied Energy Materials

DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.0c00297

“A general route to free-standing films of nanocrystalline molybdenum chalcogenides at a liquid/liquid interface under hydrothermal conditions”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2020

Journal: Applied Surface Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.145579

“Nickel Cobalt Phosphite Nanorods Decorated with Carbon Nanotubes as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts in Alkaline Medium with a High Yield of Hydrogen Peroxide”

Authors: Chandraraj Alex, [additional authors not provided]

Year: 2020

Journal: ChemElectroChem

DOI: 10.1002/celc.202000176