We are always looking for bright and motivated PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers. If you are excited about developing advanced catalysts and processes for emerging sustainable technologies, we encourage you to write to us.
PhD candidates:
Prospective students are encouraged to write to us expressing their interest in any of the open project topics or broader research areas (even if no position is currently advertised).
Please note that PhD intake happens as per IITB timeline and procedures. You may apply to our lab through both Department of Chemical Engineering (link), CSIF (link), and IITB-Monash Academy (link).
Postdoc candidates:
We welcome motivated and independent researchers with a strong track record in their PhD, particularly those with backgrounds in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemistry. Prior experience in catalysis and related experimental research is highly desirable.
1. PhD position: Catalyst and process development for low-temperature onboard NH3 decomposition coupled with NH3-H2 engines.
We have an open position for one PhD student for this project. The project is funded by ANRF.
Write to sonali.das@iitb.ac.in with your CV. PhD application should be done as per IITB PhD intake procedure.
Project Description:
This project focuses on developing advanced catalytic and reactor technologies for low-temperature ammonia cracking to enable efficient, on-demand hydrogen production. The research will explore both thermo-catalytic and photothermal pathways, emphasizing cost-effective catalyst design and light-assisted processes to enhance hydrogen yield at reduced temperatures. A key component of the work involves integration of ammonia crackers with NH₃–H₂ spark ignition engines, including experimental engine studies and performance evaluation. The project will also include process modeling and simulation of the coupled reactor–engine system to optimize overall efficiency and operability.
Desired Expertise:
· Background in Chemical Engineering
· Knowledge of reaction engineering and heterogeneous catalysis
· Experience of process simulation tools (e.g., Aspen, MATLAB, Python etc.)
2. Postdoc/ PhD position: Catalyst and Reactor development for Hydrogen production from Methane Pyrolysis.
We have open positions for two Postdoctoral fellows for this project. The project is funded by MNRE under Indo-EU consortium.
Project Description:
This project focuses on the development of advanced catalysts and reactor systems for methane pyrolysis to produce hydrogen with solid carbon as a co-product, enabling low-carbon hydrogen generation. The research will emphasize catalyst design for high activity, selectivity, and resistance to deactivation, along with the design, fabrication, and operation of reactors for high-temperature methane pyrolysis. The work will involve detailed experimental studies on catalyst development, reaction kinetics, carbon formation behavior, and reactor design, alongside reactor optimization and scale-up considerations for continuous operation.
Required Expertise:
· PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field
· Strong experimental background in high-temperature thermal reactions and reactor design(essential)
· Experience in heterogeneous catalysis and catalyst synthesis/characterization
· Knowledge of reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, and reactor modeling
· Familiarity with methane/ hydrocarbon reforming/ cracking or related processes (preferred)
3. PhD position: Catalyst and process development for Plasma-catalytic conversion of Methane to C2 hydrocarbons.
We have open positions for one PhD student for this project. The project is funded through collaboration with BPCL.
Write to sonali.das@iitb.ac.in with your CV.
Project Description:
The objective of this project is to develop a lab-scale Plasma-Catalytic Reactor system using Non-thermal Plasma (NTP) and novel Catalysts for direct conversion of Methane to C2 hydrocarbons (ethane/ ethylene). Selective conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons is a highly sought after goal, and non-thermal plasma is an emerging technology that can be used to convert methane in one step, at low operating temperature, by using renewable energy sources.
The work will involve the development of a lab-scale plasma-catalytic reactor, synthesis and characterization of novel catalysts to increase plasma-catalytic methane conversion and C2 selectivity, testing of developed catalysts, operating parameter optimization, and process modelling/ techno-economic analysis.
Desired Expertise:
· Research experience in non-thermal (Dielectric Barrier Discharge) plasma systems.
· Experience in experimental catalysis - catalyst synthesis and characterization.
· Experience of working with reactors for gas-phase reactions (thermal catalysis).