Bhanu Bhusan Khatua | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Scientist

Prof. Dr. Bhanu Khatua | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Professor , Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur , India

Prof. Dr. Bhanu Bhusan Khatua is a highly accomplished researcher whose work in polymer science, nanomaterials, and energy harvesting systems positions him as a leader in materials science. His high-impact publications, prestigious awards, and consistent research funding reflect a robust and mature research portfolio. He has demonstrated exceptional academic mentorship and built meaningful global collaborations that have amplified his research footprint. His interdisciplinary approach addresses both fundamental science and real-world applications, aligning strongly with the goals of a Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

🎓 Educational Background

Prof. Dr. Bhanu Bhusan Khatua holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the Materials Science Centre, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, awarded in 2001. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. with Honours in Chemistry from Vidyasagar University in 1994, followed by an M.Sc. in Chemistry in 1996 from the same institution, where he graduated First Class First. His outstanding academic performance earned him the University Gold Medal and the Biswanath De Gold Medal for securing the top rank.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Experience

Prof. Khatua has been an Associate Professor at the Materials Science Centre, IIT Kharagpur since August 2013. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at the same institute from 2007 to 2013. His industrial research experience includes working as a Research Scientist at GE India Technology Centre, Bangalore (2004–2007). He has also completed prestigious postdoctoral fellowships at Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (2000–2002) and POSTECH, South Korea (2002–2004).

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Khatua’s research is primarily centered on Energy Materials, including piezoelectric, triboelectric, and hybrid nanogenerators for energy harvesting and supercapacitors for energy storage. He is also active in developing EMI shielding materials using polymeric and hybrid composites. Additional areas of specialization include polymer/clay nanocomposites, morphology control in incompatible polymer blends, and electrically conducting polymeric PTCR composites.

🛠️ Skills and Expertise

Prof. Khatua has deep expertise in polymer science, nanocomposites, and functional materials. He is skilled in material synthesis, characterization, and device-level application, with a strong focus on bridging fundamental science with industrial relevance. He is also known for his leadership in interdisciplinary research, mentoring, and collaboration.

🏅 Awards & Honours

Prof. Dr. Bhanu Bhusan Khatua has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions throughout his academic and research career. He is a Fellow of the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology (WAST) 🧪, honored for his significant contributions to science and technology in the region. In 2022, he was awarded the Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) Medal 🥇 in recognition of his outstanding work in the field of materials science. His global impact was acknowledged when he was listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists 🌍 in 2021, based on a comprehensive citation analysis by Stanford University.

Publication Top Notes

1. Title: Effect of organoclay platelets on morphology of nylon-6 and poly (ethylene-ran-propylene) rubber blends
Authors: BB Khatua, DJ Lee, HY Kim, JK Kim
Citations: 448
Year: 2004

2. Title: An approach to design highly durable piezoelectric nanogenerator based on self‐poled PVDF/AlO‐rGO flexible nanocomposite with high power density and energy conversion efficiency
Authors: SK Karan, R Bera, S Paria, AK Das, S Maiti, A Maitra, BB Khatua
Citations: 422
Year: 2016

3. Title: Self-powered flexible Fe-doped RGO/PVDF nanocomposite: an excellent material for a piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: SK Karan, D Mandal, BB Khatua
Citations: 410
Year: 2015

4. Title: Polystyrene/MWCNT/graphite nanoplate nanocomposites: efficient electromagnetic interference shielding material through graphite nanoplate–MWCNT–graphite nanoplate networking
Authors: S Maiti, NK Shrivastava, S Suin, BB Khatua
Citations: 336
Year: 2013

5. Title: Nature driven bio‐piezoelectric/triboelectric nanogenerator as next‐generation green energy harvester for smart and pollution free society
Authors: S Maiti, SK Karan, JK Kim, BB Khatua
Citations: 206
Year: 2019

6. Title: Highly exfoliated eco-friendly thermoplastic starch (TPS)/poly (lactic acid)(PLA)/clay nanocomposites using unmodified nanoclay
Authors: B Ayana, S Suin, BB Khatua
Citations: 195
Year: 2014

7. Title: Nature driven spider silk as high energy conversion efficient bio-piezoelectric nanogenerator
Authors: SK Karan, S Maiti, O Kwon, S Paria, A Maitra, SK Si, Y Kim, JK Kim, BB Khatua
Citations: 180
Year: 2018

8. Title: Recent advances in self‐powered tribo‐/piezoelectric energy harvesters: all‐in‐one package for future smart technologies
Authors: SK Karan, S Maiti, JH Lee, YK Mishra, BB Khatua, JK Kim
Citations: 178
Year: 2020

9. Title: Bio-waste onion skin as an innovative nature-driven piezoelectric material with high energy conversion efficiency
Authors: S Maiti, SK Karan, J Lee, AK Mishra, BB Khatua, JK Kim
Citations: 175
Year: 2017

10. Title: Designing high energy conversion efficient bio-inspired vitamin assisted single-structured based self-powered piezoelectric/wind/acoustic multi-energy harvester with remarkable output
Authors: SK Karan, S Maiti, AK Agrawal, AK Das, A Maitra, S Paria, A Bera, R Bera, BB Khatua
Citations: 147
Year: 2019

Conclusion

In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Bhanu Bhusan Khatua is a highly suitable and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive publication record, global impact, innovation, mentorship, and recognitions collectively present a compelling case. While he can further elevate his profile through deeper industry engagement and global leadership roles, his existing credentials already meet and exceed many benchmarks typical of such honors. Awarding him would recognize both past excellence and future promise.

Dr. Dongbin Qian Qian | Materials Science| Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Scientist

Dr. Dongbin Qian Qian | Materials Science| Best Researcher Award

Dongbin Qian Qian, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Qian Dongbin is a renowned professor at the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializing in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for analyzing trace elements in loose powders. He has an extensive background in atomic and molecular physics, holding a Ph.D. from the same institute. His research interests focus on the development of LIBS technologies and their application in various fields such as material science, environmental monitoring, and energy. He has contributed significantly to both academic research and technology development. His research is marked by innovation, with collaborations across international research institutions. 🌍🔬✨

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

🎓 Education & Experience

QIAN Dongbin obtained his Ph.D. (2007) in Atomic and Molecular Physics from the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP), CAS, after completing his Bachelor’s (2002) in Theoretical Physics at Qufu Normal University. 📘 He began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at IMP in 2007, rising to Associate Professor in 2009 and Full Professor in 2017. 👨‍🏫 His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to applied spectroscopy, particularly in plasma analysis for granular and soft materials. 🧬 Throughout his career, he has contributed extensively to national projects and international collaborations. 🌐

🌍 Professional Development

Prof. Qian has cultivated international expertise through repeated research visits to CNRS-ILM, University Lyon 1, between 2009–2016. ✈️ His role as a Visiting Researcher enhanced collaborations in laser-plasma interactions. He received the CAS Youth Innovation Promotion Association Fellowship (2011–2014), reinforcing his leadership among emerging scientists. 🌟 His excellence was recognized with the Young Scientists and Talents Award (2014). 🏆 Through national and international projects, Prof. Qian continues to contribute to cutting-edge LIBS technology, combining experimental physics with data-driven techniques like deep learning and AI-assisted spectroscopy. 🤖

⚗️ Research Focus 

Prof. Qian’s research lies at the intersection of Applied Physics, Spectroscopy, and Materials Science. 🌡️ His work with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) targets trace element detection in powders and the characterization of soft materials. He integrates machine learning models, such as transformers and CNNs, with spectroscopic data for enhanced precision. 🧠📊 His studies extend to grain size analysis, surface flatness inspection, and plasma behavior in microgranular systems, making significant strides in analytical atomic spectroscopy and AI-powered material diagnostics. 🧪 His interdisciplinary focus supports advancements in both industrial applications and fundamental plasma research. 🔬

🏅 Awards & Honors

Prof. Qian has received numerous accolades, including the Young Scientists and Talents Award (2014) from the Institute of Modern Physics. 🎖️ He was also selected for the prestigious CAS Youth Innovation Promotion Association Fellowship (2011–2014). 🧠 His international recognition is reflected in multiple Visiting Researcher appointments at CNRS-ILM, France. 🌍 He has successfully led major National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects and CAS-funded initiatives. 📑 His leadership and innovation have solidified his reputation as a pioneer in LIBS development, machine learning integration, and atomic spectroscopy research. 🚀

Publication Top Notes:

1. Transformer-based deep learning models for quantification of La, Ce, and Nd in rare earth ores using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Authors: Jiaxing Yang, Shijie Li, Zhao Zhang, Xiaoliang Liu, Zuoye Liu
Journal: Talanta, 2025
Citations: 0
Summary:
This study introduces a transformer-based deep learning model to quantify lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), and neodymium (Nd) in rare earth ores using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The approach enhances accuracy over traditional regression methods by capturing complex spectral features and nonlinearities. The model shows promise for rapid and non-destructive elemental analysis in geological and mining applications.

2. Detection of cesium in salt-lake brine using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with a convolutional neural network

Authors: Xiangyu Shi, Shuhang Gong, Qiang Zeng, Xinwen Ma, Dongbin Qian
Journal: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2025
Citations: 0
Summary:
The paper demonstrates the detection of cesium (Cs) in salt-lake brine using LIBS enhanced with convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The CNN approach effectively handles high-noise spectral data, improving detection sensitivity and accuracy. The work supports the application of AI-assisted LIBS in environmental and resource monitoring of aqueous solutions.

3. Packing thickness dependent plasma emission induced by laser ablating thin-layer microgranular materials

Authors: Kou Zhao, Qiang Zeng, Yaju Li, Lei Yang, Xinwen Ma
Journal: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2024
Citations: 0
Summary:
This study explores how the thickness of microgranular material layers affects plasma emission in LIBS. It provides insights into ablation dynamics and signal variations, highlighting the importance of sample preparation in quantitative LIBS analysis. The findings contribute to standardizing LIBS for layered or coated materials.

4. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy as a method for millimeter-scale inspection of surface flatness

Authors: Jinrui Ye, Yaju Li, Zhao Zhang, Lei Yang, Xinwen Ma
Journal: Plasma Science and Technology, 2024
Citations: 0
Summary:
This paper proposes a novel use of LIBS for assessing surface flatness at millimeter resolution. The technique exploits emission intensity variations due to laser focus offset, correlating them with surface deviations. It provides a non-contact alternative to mechanical profilometry for industrial applications.

5. Estimating the grain size of microgranular material using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms

Authors: Zhao Zhang, Yaju Li, Guanghui Yang, Shaofeng Zhang, Xinwen Ma
Journal: Plasma Science and Technology, 2024
Citations: 0
Summary:
The authors develop a LIBS-machine learning framework to estimate grain size in microgranular materials. By training algorithms on spectral data, they achieve high accuracy in distinguishing particle size distributions. This method offers a fast, non-invasive alternative to traditional sieving or microscopy.

Conclusion

Dr. Qian Dongbin’s blend of innovative research, global collaboration, and leadership in the scientific community makes him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work significantly advances both the technology of LIBS and its applications in environmental and material science, providing tangible benefits to society. His ongoing contributions to scientific excellence and research leadership clearly establish him as an exemplary figure in the field. 🌟🔬