Kumar Sonu | Microbial Fuel Cell | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kumar Sonu | Microbial Fuel Cell | Best Researcher Award

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | India

Dr. Kumar Sonu is an accomplished academic and engineering professional with a robust background in mechanical and environmental engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Manipal University Jaipur, an M.Tech in Energy & Environmental Engineering from VIT Vellore, and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, both with First Class Distinction. His career spans diverse roles in academia, research, and industry. He currently serves as a Senior Project Engineer at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, where he oversees project administration. Previously, he worked as an Associate Professor and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, as well as Assistant Dean (R&D) at Kashi Institute of Technology, Varanasi, where he taught, led departmental initiatives, and guided research for four years. Before entering academia, he served as an Assistant Manager at Shree Ram Transport Finance Company Ltd., managing key branch operations. Dr. Sonu’s research interests lie in sustainable energy systems, environmental engineering, and mechanical system optimization. With notable achievements and consistent academic excellence, he continues to contribute significantly to engineering education and research. His journey reflects a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Sogani, M., Maheshwari, K., Chaturvedi, A., Sonu, K., Syed, Z., & Sen, H. (2025). Parameters Affecting the Performance of Microbial Electrolysis Cells for Biohydrogen Production. In Microbial Electrolysis Cells for Biohydrogen Production (pp. xx–xx). Springer.

Sonu, K., Sogani, M., Tiwari, M. K., Syed, Z., & Maheshwari, K. (2025). Performance Assessment of Microbial Fuel Cells Utilizing Reverse Osmosis Concentrate and Sewage Wastewater in Conjunction with Palmyra Palm Male Inflorescence Anodes. International Journal of Environmental Research.

Maheshwari, K., Sogani, M., Syed, Z., Sen, H., Rajvanshi, J., Sonu, K., Gupta, A. B., & Agrawal, P. (2025). Microbial desalination cells in brackish RO reject treatment: Challenges and opportunities. Desalination.

Sonu, K., Sogani, M., Maheshwari, K., Syed, Z., Rajvanshi, J., & Sengupta, N. (2025). Innovative Use of Discarded Clay Cups in Constructed Wetland With Ipomoea carnea for Saline Water Treatment. Water Environment Research.

Sonu, K., Sogani, M., Sen, H., Maheshwari, K., & Tiwari, M. K. (2025). Upcycling waste fan capacitors as cost-effective anode materials for enhanced bioelectricity generation and sewage wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cells. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry.

Sonu, K., Yadav, S., Maheshwari, K., Syed, Z., Tiwari, M. K., & Sogani, M. (2025). Enhanced Bioelectricity Generation from Microbial Fuel Cell Using Leftover Rose Petals after Attar Production as a Sustainable Substrate. Waste and Biomass Valorization.

Sonu, K., Syed, Z., Singh, G., Tiwari, M. K., & Sogani, M. (2025). Performance evaluation of a Dracaena plant-based microbial fuel cell utilizing municipal solid waste compost as substrate and stainless steel mesh-supported 3D Cassia Fistula as bioanode. Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy.

Ms. Abhishiktha Chiliveru | Renewable Energy and Fuel Cells | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Abhishiktha Chiliveru | Renewable Energy and Fuel Cells | Best Researcher Award

Ariel University | Israel

Ms. Abhishiktha Chiliveru is a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, and Materials at Ariel University, Israel, under the supervision of Professor Rivka Cahan. Her current research focuses on advancing sustainable bioenergy by studying nanoparticles-fed Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms in microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) for enhanced hydrogen production. She previously worked as a Project Associate at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, contributing to projects on lipid production from oleaginous yeast, microbial diversity in anaerobic digestion, and high-rate biomethanation of organic wastes for bioenergy generation. Abhishiktha earned her M.Sc. in Microbiology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, after completing a B.Sc. in Microbiology, Genetics, and Chemistry from Osmania University. Her strong academic foundation is complemented by hands-on expertise in microbial electrochemical systems, anaerobic digestion, microbial isolation, and advanced instrumentation techniques such as confocal microscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. She has actively participated in several international and national conferences, workshops, and symposiums, including the 5th MEEP Symposium in Switzerland. Her research interests span bioremediation, solid waste management, wastewater treatment, and bioenergy recovery, with a focus on applying microbial systems for environmental sustainability. Abhishiktha’s dedication to innovative microbial technologies reflects her commitment to advancing green energy solutions.

Author Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Hirsch, L.O., Gandu, B., Chiliveru, A., Dubrovin, I.A., Rozenfeld, S., Schechter, A., & Cahan, R. (2024). “The performance of a modified anode using a combination of kaolin and graphite nanoparticles in microbial fuel cells.” Microorganisms

Dubrovin, I.A., Hirsch, L.O., Chiliveru, A., Jukanti, A., Rozenfeld, S., Schechter, A., & Cahan, R. (2024). “Microbial electrolysis cells based on a bacterial anode encapsulated with a dialysis bag including graphite particles.” Microorganisms

Hirsch, L.O., Gandu, B., Chiliveru, A., Dubrovin, I.A., Jukanti, A., Schechter, A., & Cahan, R. (2024). “Hydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cells using an alginate hydrogel bioanode encapsulated with a filter bag.” Polymers

Vemparala, G., Chiliveru, A., Begum, S., Al Amri, M.B.F., & Anupoju, G.R. (2025). “Analyzing and optimizing the lipids production potential of the oleaginous yeast Candida neerlandica from synthetic carbon sources and real wastes.” Next Research

Juntupally, S., Begum, S., Chiliveru, A., Arelli, V., & Anupoju, G.R. (2022). “Relative evaluation of FeCl₃ salts and its nanoparticles on methane yield and sulphide inhibition control during biomethanation of distillery spent wash.” Journal of Water Process Engineering

Chiliveru, A., Yadav, M.K., Ebenezer, J., Jukanti, A., Bar Hanun, E., Borenstein, A., Schechter, A., & Cahan, R. (2025). “Current generation in microbial electrolysis cells based on an abiotic anode and planktonic G. sulfurreducens in the presence of suspended reduced graphene oxide and activated ….” Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Bar-Hanun, E., Hanya, E., Chiliveru, A., & Cahan, R. (2025). “The influence of moderate electroporation on E. coli membrane permeability.” Microorganisms

Mr. Manish Yadav | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Manish Yadav | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Ariel University | Israel

Manish Yadav is a dedicated researcher in electrochemical CO₂ reduction, with expertise in advanced nanomaterials, catalysis, and sustainable energy solutions. He recently completed his PhD in Chemistry at Ariel University, Israel, where his doctoral work focused on understanding the nature of laser-processed, metal-doped carbon-based materials for CO₂ electro-reduction into valuable commodity products. His research involved the synthesis of highly graphitized reduced carbon nanodots through laser irradiation, controlled doping of copper nanomaterials in carbon supports, and the development of laser-assisted single-atom catalysts. Prior to this, he pursued his BS-MS Integrated degree at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali, where his thesis explored the kinetic stability of halogenated azobenzene isomers through structural, kinetic, and computational studies. His academic journey is marked by multiple recognitions, including the prestigious Excellence Award in Doctoral Research in 2023 and 2025. His findings have been presented in several international conferences across Israel, France, Spain, and Germany, and he has contributed high-impact publications in journals such as Carbon and ACS Applied Energy Materials. With strong skills in spectroscopy, microscopy, electrochemistry, and computational modeling, he continues to advance the design and mechanistic understanding of catalysts for clean energy and environmental sustainability.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Porat, H., Lal, A., Dutta, A., Yadav, M.K., Sesu, D.C., Minnes, R., & Borenstein, A. (2025). Nickel-oxide embedded laser-induced graphene for high-performance supercapacitors. Nanoscale.

Yadav, M.K., Dutta, A., Lal, A., Porat, H., Zidki, T., & Borenstein, A. (2025, September 8). Laser-Induced Synthesis of Copper-Based Nanomaterials for CO₂ Electroreduction into Methanol. ACS Applied Energy Materials.

Lal, A., Porat, H., Dutta, A., Yadav, M.K., & Borenstein, A. (2025, June 25). Laser‐Induced HKUST‐1 Derived Porous Electrocatalyst: An Innovative Approach to Boost Sustainable Ammonia Synthesis. Advanced Sustainable Systems.

Dutta, A., Manjunath, K., Porat, H., Lal, A., Yadav, M.K., Mandić, V., Laikhtman, A., Zak, A., Makrinich, G., & Borenstein, A. et al. (2024). Plasma-Treated 1D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. Journal of Materials Chemistry A.

Yadav, M.K., & Borenstein, A. (2022, October). Is precarbonization necessary for effective laser graphitization? Carbon.

Das, D., Yadav, M.K., Singla, L., Kumar, A., Karanam, M., Dev, S., & Choudhury, A.R. (2020, November 30). Understanding of the kinetic stability of cis-isomer of azobenzenes through kinetic and computational studies. ChemistrySelect.

 

Dr. Nivetha A | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nivetha A | Catalysis | Best Researcher Award

Kongunadu Arts and Science College | India

Dr. Nivetha A is an accomplished researcher and academic in the field of chemistry with strong expertise in catalysis, electrochemistry, and nanomaterials. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Bharathiar University, where her doctoral research focused on the fabrication of surfactant-enhanced mesoporous cobalt ternary oxides for catalytic and biological applications under the guidance of Dr. I. Prabha. She also completed her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in chemistry at Bharathiar University and Sri GVG Visalakshi College for Women, respectively. Dr. Nivetha has served as a University Research Fellow and later as a Senior Research Fellow on an ICMR-sanctioned project, where she worked on the remediation of mosquito larvae mass production using plant-inspired transition metal nanocompounds. Currently, she is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, where she continues to inspire students and contribute to advanced research. Her areas of interest include the fabrication of electrochemical sensors, catalytic conversion, wastewater treatment, water splitting, photodegradation, and green synthesis. Dr. Nivetha has been recognized for her contributions with fellowships and research opportunities, and she remains committed to developing innovative, sustainable solutions in chemistry that address both environmental and biological challenges.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Mixed phytochemicals mediated synthesis of copper nanoparticles for anticancer and larvicidal applications

Phytofabrication of selenium nanoparticles using Azolla pinnata: Evaluation of catalytic properties in oxidation, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

Superparamagnetic properties and significant applications of iron oxide nanoparticles for astonishing efficacy—a review

Industrially important fungal enzymes: productions and applications

Effectiveness of surfactants for unique hierarchical Mn2O3 nanomaterials as enhanced oxidative catalysts, antibacterial agents, and photocatalysts

Fascinating physic-chemical properties and resourceful applications of selected cadmium nanomaterials