Debdeep Bhattacharjee | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Debdeep Bhattacharjee | Chemical Engineering
| Young Scientist Award

Reliance Industries Limited, R&D | India

Dr. Debdeep Bhattacharjee research portfolio demonstrates a strong foundation in multiphase flow dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, and ferrofluidic systems, emphasizing the coupling of magnetic fields with interfacial fluid behavior at micro and meso scales. The work focuses on understanding and manipulating ferrofluid droplet deformation, coalescence, and wettability under varying magnetic field configurations, contributing to advancements in droplet-based microfluidics, lab-on-chip technologies, and tunable surface engineering. Investigations into the deformation dynamics of ferrofluid drops with field-dependent local magnetization have revealed critical insights into magneto-capillary interactions and droplet morphology control. The exploration of magnetowetting and magneto-dewetting phenomena has expanded the understanding of field-induced wetting transitions on hydrophobic and textured substrates. Complementary studies on compound droplet dynamics, passive droplet sorting in microchannels, and topology optimization of packed-bed microreactors integrate computational fluid dynamics (CFD), topology optimization, and non-Newtonian flow modeling to enhance microreactor design and process intensification. The research employs both analytical modeling and high-fidelity numerical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics and Ansys Fluent, bridging theoretical and applied aspects of magnetically driven flows. Collectively, these contributions advance the frontiers of microfluidic transport, smart interface control, and ferrohydrodynamic applications for next-generation energy, biomedical, and process engineering technologies.

Featured Publication

Bhattacharjee, D., Chakraborty, S., & Atta, A. (2024). Magnetowetting dynamics of compound droplets. ACS Engineering Au, 4(6), 524–532. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsengineeringau.4c00023

Bhattacharjee, D., Atta, A., & Chakraborty, S. (2024). Magnetic field-mediated ferrofluid droplet deformation in extensional flow. Physics of Fluids, 36(9), 092020. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0227028

Bhattacharjee, D., Atta, A., & Chakraborty, S. (2024). Revisiting the Young’s model for ferrofluid droplets: Magnetowetting or magneto-dewetting? Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 691, 133878. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.133878

Bhattacharjee, D., Atta, A., & Chakraborty, S. (2024). Evolution of ferrofluid droplet deformation under magnetic field in a uniaxial flow. In Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Power (Vol. 5, pp. 451–461). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6074-3_42

Nabila Tabassum | Chemical Engineering | Excellence in Research Award

Ms. Nabila Tabassum | Chemical Engineering
| Excellence in Research Award

Shiv Nadar Institution fo Eminence, Greater Noida | India

Ms. Nabila Tabassum research trajectory focuses on the intersection of computational materials science, catalysis, and high-temperature materials engineering, emphasizing atomistic simulations and experimental validation for sustainable technological advancement. The work encompasses Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations for understanding the structural, mechanical, and thermal behavior of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs), High Entropy Ceramics (HECs), and High Entropy Oxides (HEOs), specifically for applications in thermal barrier coatings and energy systems. The studies explore thermal stability, phase transformations, and electronic properties of multi-component alloys such as AlCoCrFeNi, contributing to the prediction of thermodynamic behavior and optimization of mechanical strength under extreme conditions. Experimental research complements computational findings through synthesis, sintering, and characterization of high entropy materials, bridging modeling with practical performance. Additional work includes catalytic conversion of ethanol and methanol into hydrocarbons, glycerol reforming for hydrogen generation, and development of amine–ionic liquid-based solvents for CO₂ capture, aligning with global sustainability goals. The outcomes, disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and international conferences, demonstrate a cohesive integration of computational chemistry, thermomechanical modeling, and green energy research, advancing the understanding and design of next-generation materials for energy-efficient and environmentally resilient applications.

Featured Publication

Tabassum, N. (2025). Thermal stability assessment of mixed phase AlCoCrFeNi high entropy alloy: In silico studies. Physica B: Condensed Matter. https://doi.org/[Insert DOI if available]

Xiansong Shi | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Xiansong Shi | Chemical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

National University of Singapore | Singapore

Dr. Shi Xiansong is an accomplished chemical engineer and researcher specializing in the design and synthesis of advanced membranes using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nanjing Tech University, China, where his research focused on developing innovative membrane technologies for molecular separation. After completing his doctorate, Dr. Shi conducted postdoctoral research at Nanjing Tech University, where he contributed to the development of high-performance 3D COF membranes for pharmaceutical purification and organic solvent nanofiltration. Currently, he is a Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, concentrating on structurally oriented 2D COF membranes for precise molecular sieving and topologically defective MOF membranes for enhanced separation applications. Dr. Shi’s research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating materials chemistry, chemical engineering, and nanotechnology. His work addresses critical industrial challenges, including water purification, pharmaceutical refining, organic solvent recycling, and energy storage, providing sustainable solutions that enhance industrial efficiency and reduce environmental impact. His academic output includes 52 SCI-indexed publications, with 26 as first or corresponding author in prestigious journals such as Nature Chemical Engineering, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, and ACS Nano. Additionally, he has contributed to 8 patent applications and serves as a peer reviewer for top-tier journals like Nature and Advanced Materials. His impactful contributions have been recognized through awards such as the Best Researcher Award in Research Chemistry and the Innovation Team distinction by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation. Dr. Shi actively engages in international conferences, having chaired sessions and presented pioneering research. With a total of 2,044 citations across 1,461 documents and an h-index of 26, Dr. Shi remains a leading figure in membrane science, driving the development of advanced molecular separation technologies and promoting sustainable practices in chemical engineering and materials science.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Wei, M., Sun, W., Shi, X., Wang, Z., & Wang, Y. (2016). Homoporous membranes with tailored pores by soaking block copolymer/homopolymer blends in selective solvents: Dissolution versus swelling. Macromolecules, 49, 215–223.

  2. Shi, X., Wang, Z., & Wang, Y. (2017). Highly permeable nanoporous block copolymer membranes by machinecasting on nonwoven supports: An upscalable route. Journal of Membrane Science, 533, 201–209.

  1. Shi, X., Xu, Z., Huang, C., Wang, Y., & Cui, Z. (2018). Selective swelling of electrospun block copolymers: From perforated nanofibers to high flux and responsive ultrafiltration membranes. Macromolecules, 51, 2283–2292.

  2. Wang, R., Shi, X., Xiao, A., Zhou, W., & Wang, Y. (2018). Interfacial polymerization of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) on polymeric substrates for molecular separations. Journal of Membrane Science, 566, 197–204.

  3. Shi, X., Wang, R., Xiao, A., Jia, T., Sun, S., & Wang, Y. (2018). Layer-by-layer synthesis of covalent organic frameworks on porous substrates for fast molecular separations. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 1, 6320–6326.