Kaushik Kundu is a doctoral candidate in Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi, with a focus on advancing clean energy technologies through innovative research. With a solid foundation in chemical engineering from both IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, he has developed a strong expertise in hydrogen economy, biomass conversion, and reaction engineering.
Author Metrics
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile
Kaushik Kundu has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering, particularly in the areas of biomass conversion and catalyst development. His work is recognized through publications in reputable journals and presentations at major conferences. His research metrics reflect a growing impact in his field, evidenced by his published articles and their relevance to current scientific discussions.
- Citations: 11 citations across 11 documents
- Documents: 2 published documents
- h-index: 2
Education
Kaushik Kundu pursued his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi, where he has maintained a CGPA of 8.45. He completed his M.Tech in Fuel Engineering at IIT (ISM), Dhanbad with an impressive CGPA of 9.45, and earned his B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Calcutta Institute of Technology with a CGPA of 8.35. His educational journey showcases a consistent track record of academic excellence.
Research Focus
Kaushik’s research is centered on the hydrogen economy, including the thermochemical and catalytic conversion of biomass to clean energy. His interests extend to kinetic modeling, machine learning applications in chemical engineering, and process optimization using ASPEN modeling. This diverse focus allows him to tackle complex challenges in sustainable energy solutions.
Professional Journey
Kaushik’s professional journey includes notable projects and roles that highlight his expertise and commitment to advancing chemical engineering. He has worked on a significant project sponsored by IIT Delhi and GAIL, focusing on catalyst development for methanol and DME production via CO2 hydrogenation. His M.Tech dissertation involved research on the characterization and production of bio-coke from agricultural wastes, underscoring his dedication to sustainable energy.
Honors & Awards
Kaushik received the Best Poster Award at IIChE-CHEMCON 2023 for his work on predicting and optimizing syngas yield from biomass using Multivariate LSTM. This recognition highlights his innovative approach and contributions to the field of chemical engineering.
Publications Noted & Contributions
Obtaining High H2-Rich Syngas Yield and Carbon Conversion Efficiency from Biomass Gasification: From Characterization to Process Optimization Using Machine Learning with Experimental Validation
Published in: Fuel
Date: December 15, 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2024.132931
ISSN: 0016-2361
Contributors: Kaushik Kundu, Avan Kumar, Hariprasad Kodamana, Kamal K. Pant
This paper presents a comprehensive study on optimizing the production of hydrogen-rich syngas from biomass gasification. It covers the entire process from the initial characterization of biomass to the optimization of the gasification process using machine learning techniques. The study includes experimental validation to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed optimization methods. This research contributes to improving the efficiency of biomass conversion technologies, which is critical for advancing sustainable energy solutions.
CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol over Cu-ZnO-CeO2 Catalyst: Reaction Structure–Activity Relationship, Optimizing Ce and Zn Ratio, and Kinetic Study
Published in: Chemical Engineering Journal
Date: January 1, 2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.147783
ISSN: 1385-8947
Contributors: Rajan Singh, Kaushik Kundu, Kamal K. Pant
This article explores the reaction structure–activity relationship for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol using a Cu-ZnO-CeO2 catalyst. The study focuses on optimizing the ratios of Cerium (Ce) and Zinc (Zn) in the catalyst to enhance the reaction efficiency. Additionally, it includes a detailed kinetic study to understand the reaction dynamics. The findings offer valuable insights into catalyst design and optimization for CO2 conversion processes, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable methods for methanol production.
Bio-Coke: A Sustainable Solution to Indian Metallurgical Coal Crisis
Published in: Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis
Date: May 2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaap.2023.105977
ISSN: 0165-2370
Contributors: Amrit Anand, Shalini Gautam, Kaushik Kundu, Lal Chand Ram
This paper addresses the metallurgical coal crisis in India by proposing bio-coke as a sustainable alternative. The research discusses the production and characterization of bio-coke derived from agricultural wastes and its potential to replace traditional metallurgical coal. By highlighting the benefits of bio-coke, this study aims to contribute to more sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the steel industry, offering a viable solution to the coal supply challenges faced in India.
Research Timeline
Kaushik’s research timeline includes his Ph.D. studies at IIT Delhi (2022-present), his M.Tech research (2018-2019), and various projects and workshops. His research has progressed from bio-coke production to advanced catalyst development and optimization, demonstrating a trajectory of increasing depth and impact in his field.
Collaborations and Projects
Kaushik has collaborated with institutions such as IIT Delhi and GAIL on high-impact projects like catalyst development for CO2 hydrogenation. He has also participated in workshops and short-term courses, including one on finite volume methods in computational fluid dynamics and another on solid fuel processing, enhancing his skills and broadening his research network.
Strengths of the Chemical Environmental Award
Innovative Research Focus: Kaushik Kundu’s work in the hydrogen economy and biomass conversion is highly relevant to contemporary challenges in clean energy. His research on optimizing syngas yield from biomass and CO2 hydrogenation to methanol demonstrates a commitment to developing sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
Strong Academic Background: Kaushik has a solid educational foundation with impressive CGPAs at both the M.Tech and B.Tech levels, showcasing his academic excellence and capability in chemical engineering. His doctoral studies at IIT Delhi further solidify his expertise in the field.
Notable Publications and Citations: The publications highlighted, including those in Fuel and the Chemical Engineering Journal, indicate a high level of scholarly contribution. Despite having a modest number of citations and documents, the impact of his work is growing, reflecting its relevance and potential influence.
Recognition and Awards: The Best Poster Award at IIChE-CHEMCON 2023 signifies recognition from peers and experts in the field, underscoring the innovative nature of Kaushik’s research and his ability to effectively communicate his findings.
Diverse Research Applications: Kaushik’s research spans several critical areas, including biomass gasification, catalyst optimization, and sustainable alternatives to metallurgical coal. This broad focus not only enhances the applicability of his work but also contributes to various aspects of environmental sustainability.
Areas for Improvement
Citation Impact: Although Kaushik has 11 citations, his h-index of 2 suggests that his work is still gaining traction. Increasing the visibility and impact of his research through more publications, collaborations, and conference presentations could help boost his citation metrics.
Publication Volume: With only 2 published documents, expanding his research output and publishing in high-impact journals could enhance his academic profile and influence within the field of chemical engineering.
Research Collaboration: While Kaushik has engaged in significant projects with IIT Delhi and GAIL, further expanding his network through additional collaborations with international institutions and industry partners could enrich his research perspectives and opportunities.
Grant and Funding Opportunities: Securing additional funding and grants for research projects could provide Kaushik with the resources needed to explore more ambitious research goals and increase the scope of his investigations.
Outreach and Dissemination: Enhancing outreach efforts, including public lectures, workshops, and media engagement, could help raise awareness of his research and its potential impact, attracting more attention from both the academic community and industry stakeholders.
Conclusion
Kaushik Kundu’s candidacy for the Chemical Environmental Award is well-supported by his innovative research, strong academic background, and notable contributions to the field of chemical engineering. His work addresses critical challenges in clean energy and sustainability, demonstrating a high level of expertise and commitment. However, to further strengthen his candidacy, Kaushik could benefit from increasing his publication volume, enhancing research visibility, expanding collaborations, and securing additional funding. By addressing these areas, he can continue to make significant strides in advancing sustainable energy technologies and solidify his standing as a leading researcher in his field.