Nanoarchitectonics of Porous Organic Polymer as Heterogeneous Catalytic Assemblies (CatPOPs)
1 - 30 October 2023
Biography
Dr. John Mondal received his Ph.D. at the Indian Association of for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata in 2013, followed by post-doctoral research at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (2013-2015). He then joined the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad (CSIR-IICT) as a DST-INSPIRE Faculty member. In 2017, he was appointed as scientist at the Department of Catalysis & Fine Chemicals, CSIR-IICT, and presently working as a senior scientist.
His research is mainly focused on the design and development of porous-organic-polymer (POP) based robust heterogeneous catalysts for applications in energy innovations and conversion, addressing the current scientific and technological challenges and opportunities for various specific topics in catalysis. The main research themes include solar-driven CO2 fixation to value-added chemicals; biomass/biofuel upgrading; photocatalytic CO2 reduction and selective CO2 capture.
His contributions in materials science and catalysis are scientifically recognized with various prestigious awards including CSIR-IICT Young Scientist Award (2020), CSIR-Young Scientist Award (2019), INSA-JSPS Young Researcher (2019), The National Academy of Sciences (NASI), India-Young Scientist Platinum Jubilee Award (2018), Telangana Academy of Sciences (TAS) Young Scientist Award (2016) and DST-INSPIRE Faculty Research Award (2015) in Chemical Sciences. As one of the premier journals of catalysis, ChemCatChem, Wiley showcased his outstanding work as an emerging talent in their Young Researchers Series with a featured author profile. Dr Mondal’s name features in the top 3% Highly Cited Authors 2019-2020 from India by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Publications. In 2023, the ACS recognized him as one of the “Rising Stars Organic & Inorganic Chemistry” as an outstanding early career researcher. He holds membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC). His noteworthy contribution is amply justified by his 71 research publications (h-index 41) in high quality international journals with 4152 citations.
Research Summary
This visiting researcher programme will facilitate establishing a new collaborative research effort and add external expertise to Bristol on the emerging and exciting topic of porous organic polymer (POP)-based catalysis. POP-based advanced heterogeneous catalytic systems provide opportunities to move away from unsustainable rare-earth metal-based catalysis, opening exciting future research directions in green and sustainable catalysis and contributing to overall NetZero ambitions. This proposed visit will also identify synergies between the Prof Faul and Dr Mondal to develop a meaningful, sustainable and beneficial long-term partnership between both individuals, their respective research groups and institutions.
Significant outcomes arising from the visit: This programme will identify new collaboration and funding opportunities for future research in metal-free organic catalytic systems - with significant advantages and gains related to achieving NetZero targets in both India and the UK. A review article in a leading international chemistry journal, highlighting the opportunities for this exciting emerging field, will be written as an important output from this proposed exchange. After the successful completion of the proposed fellowship, the researchers will aim to obtain a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the participating institutes to facilitate further exchange of early career researchers and staff. The collaboration will also expand: 1) the research scope of the Faul group, which does not have expertise in catalyst design, and 2) the research portfolio of Dr Mondal for environmentally important reactions and wider applications of POPs. Moreover, as part of the international outreach mission of CSIR-IICT and international focus of the UoB (with a specific focus on India for the Faculty of Science, as lead by Professor Faul in his Faculty International Director role), this fellowship will also establish a longer term relationship by exploring high-quality external joint funding bids. Additionally, further co-authored publications might be generated from this interaction.
Dr Mondal is hosted by Professor Charl FJ Faul, School of Chemistry.
Planned activities include:
Open seminar, and of special interest to staff and students for Materials Science:
Porous Materials: an Emerging Research Area. Dr Mondal will introduce the evolution of porous materials, different materials categories and synthetic methodologies. He will be exploring the versatile applications of these materials in a diverse range of research areas and how this research can be interlinked with societal and environmental challenges. This activity is intended to appeal to a multidisciplinary audience and will be open to all schools and faculties, and will be widely advertised through the Cabot Institute (Low Carbon Theme).
Chemistry Seminar:
10 October 2023, 12.00 PM - 1.00 PM, Lecture Theatre 4, School of Chemistry
Design of Advanced Metalated Porous Organic Polymers (POP) for Heterogeneous Catalysis
Dr Mondal will provide an introduction to the concept of ‘metalated porous organic polymers’ in materials and interdisciplinary sciences, leading into a more specific exploration of impact for catalysis research. He will explore the methods, approaches, characterization techniques and catalytic activity details. There will be an opportunity for a Q & A session, as well as for further discussion.
You can find out more on the Event Page.
Dates, times and venues will be posted in due course, please contact Professor Faul, Dr Mondal's host, if you are interested in attending any of these events.
