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.