Ritu Painuli | Waste Water Management | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ritu Painuli | Waste Water Management | Women Researcher Award

Doctorate at Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India

Profiles:

Current Position🏢

Dr. Ritu Painuli is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the School of Chemical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India. Since August 2023, she has been contributing to the academic and research landscape in the field of Nanochemistry. Her extensive experience in synthesizing and utilizing novel nanoparticles has earned her a place in the academic world, where she actively engages in both teaching and research activities. Prior to this, she also held the role of Assistant Professor in the same department from August 2019 to January 2021, providing her with a comprehensive teaching experience.

Academic Background 🎓

Dr. Painuli’s academic journey began at Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India, where she completed her B.Sc. in Biotechnology in 2013 with a strong academic performance (68.15%). She continued her studies at Banasthali Vidyapith, earning an M.Sc. in Chemistry in 2015, with a remarkable score of 70.71%. She then pursued her Ph.D. in Nanochemistry under the guidance of Prof. Dinesh Kumar at Banasthali Vidyapith from 2015 to 2018. Her doctoral research, titled “Development of Plasmonic Nanosensors for the Detection of Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Systems,” focused on using innovative plasmonic nanosensors for environmental monitoring.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Painuli’s research primarily revolves around Nanochemistry, with specific emphasis on nanoparticles synthesis and their application in environmental monitoring and waste water treatment. Her work has made significant strides in the colorimetric sensing of heavy metal ions and photocatalytic degradation of dyes, two critical issues in the field of environmental science. Additionally, she has a keen interest in the chemical and biological methods of nanoparticle synthesis, which has led to the development of eco-friendly and efficient solutions for contamination mitigation.

Ongoing Research 🔍

Dr. Painuli’s ongoing research focuses on the development of advanced nanosensors for the real-time detection of pollutants in environmental systems. She is particularly exploring nano-based materials that can improve the performance of sensors for heavy metal ion detection in water. Her aim is to contribute significantly to the field of water purification and wastewater treatment, especially in regions where heavy metals in water pose a serious health threat. Dr. Painuli’s research also delves into the design of novel photocatalysts for the removal of dyes and other pollutants from wastewater.

Publications Achievements 📚

Dr. Painuli has made notable contributions to scientific literature with several research papers and presentations. She has published research papers in prominent journals and contributed book chapters to well-known academic publications. Her work has been featured in the Journal of Scientific Research and Reports and the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, among others. Furthermore, she has been actively involved in peer-reviewing articles for scientific journals, demonstrating her expertise and influence in the research community.

Awards and Fellowships 🏆

Dr. Painuli’s dedication to her work has earned her recognition in various academic settings. She received the Best Poster Presentation Award at a National Seminar on Organic Solar Cells organized by the Centre of Excellence in Water and Energy, Banasthali Vidyapith, in August 2015. This award reflects her proficiency in presenting complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner. Additionally, she has been involved in the review process for research papers, book chapters, and review articles for journals such as the Journal of Scientific Research and Reports and ACS Books (Symposium Series Chapter), showcasing her academic expertise.

Professional Associations 🤝

As a committed researcher, Dr. Painuli is a part of several academic and professional networks. She collaborates with various national and international research groups, advancing her research in nanochemistry. She has actively participated in seminars, conferences, and workshops, where she shared her research findings and gained valuable insights into emerging trends in the field.

Training and Workshops 🧑‍🏫

Throughout her career, Dr. Painuli has attended and organized various training programs and workshops, focusing on the latest techniques in nanomaterials, nanoparticle synthesis, and environmental applications. She has also led sessions on data interpretation tools and the analysis of nanoparticles using equipment like UV-Vis spectrophotometers, IR, FESEM, HRTEM, XPS, and TGA, tools that are central to her research and teaching activities.

Oral Presentations and Conferences 📢

Dr. Painuli has presented her work at various prestigious conferences and national seminars. These include her award-winning poster presentation at a seminar on Organic Solar Cells. Her oral presentations have been well-received, often providing new insights into the applications of plasmonic nanosensors and photocatalytic materials for water purification.

Success Factors and Research Experience 🌱

Dr. Painuli’s success is driven by her strong foundation in Nanochemistry and a clear research focus on solving pressing environmental issues. She has developed a profound understanding of nanomaterial synthesis and environmental sensing techniques, which she applies to solve real-world problems. Her ability to handle and interpret data from complex instruments, such as FESEM, HRTEM, and XPS, has been pivotal in her research success.

Laboratory Experience 🔬

Dr. Painuli’s laboratory work has contributed to significant advancements in nanoparticle applications for environmental monitoring. Her research in colorimetric sensing and photocatalysis has helped to create new solutions for waste water treatment, an area in which she remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Industrial Applications of Bio-nanomaterials in Textiles

  • Authors: Kumar, C., Pandey, S., Uniyal, G., Painuli, R.
  • Journal: Bio-Nanomaterials in Environmental Remediation: Industrial Applications
  • Year: 2025

Paper Title: Sunlight-driven photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes using Withania somnifera decorated MnO2 nanoparticles

  • Authors: Chaudhary, M., Kumar, C., Raghav, S., Pandey, S., Painuli, R.
  • Journal: Discover Nano
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) modulators: A patent review (2016–2024)

  • Authors: Naikoo, R.A., Painuli, R., Akhter, Z., Singh, P.P.
  • Journal: Bioorganic Chemistry
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Green synthesized AgNPs as a probe for colorimetric detection of Hg (II) ions in aqueous medium and fluorescent imaging in liver cell lines and its antibacterial activity

  • Authors: Tewari, S., Sahani, S., Yaduvanshi, N., Sharma, S., Han, S.S., Painuli, R.
  • Journal: Discover Nano
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Scoparone chemical modification into semi-synthetic analogues featuring 3-substitution for their anti-inflammatory activity

  • Authors: Kumar, C., Chibber, P., Painuli, R., Satti, N.K., Phatake, R.S.
  • Journal: Molecular Diversity
  • Year: 2024

Conclusion 🌍

With a solid academic foundation, extensive research experience, and a passion for nanotechnology and environmental sustainability, Dr. Ritu Painuli stands as a prominent figure in the field of Nanochemistry. Her contributions continue to shape the future of water purification and pollutant detection, offering hope for a cleaner and healthier environment.

 

Miaomiao Ye | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miaomiao Ye | Composite Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor Doctorate at Zhejiang University, China

Profiles:

🌍Current Position

Dr. Miaomiao Ye is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Municipal Engineering, Zhejiang University, where he has been making significant contributions to environmental engineering since 2012. With a passion for improving urban sustainability and water conservation, Dr. Ye leads research projects that focus on cutting-edge environmental technologies and their practical applications. His work is especially relevant in the context of growing global concerns about water pollution, air quality, and the removal of emerging pollutants.

Publication Achievements 📚

Dr. Ye has an impressive publication record, contributing extensively to peer-reviewed journals and conferences in the field of municipal and environmental engineering. His research has been cited numerous times, indicating the impact his work has on the scientific community. Notably, He has authored papers on advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), emerging pollutants removal, and photothermal materials, among others. His interdisciplinary research often bridges the gap between chemistry, materials science, and engineering, demonstrating the versatility of his work and its broad application.

Ongoing Research 🔬

At present, Dr. Ye is leading several projects focused on developing innovative water treatment technologies, particularly advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). These processes include photocatalysis, catalytic ozonation, and activated persulfate, all of which are essential in tackling water pollution. His ongoing work aims to refine these methods to increase efficiency and reduce costs, making them more viable for real-world applications. Dr. Ye is also investigating air-water interfacial solar evaporation, a technology that could revolutionize how we address water scarcity by utilizing renewable solar energy to remove salts and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water.

Research Interests & Focus Areas 🌿

Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): This includes photocatalysis, catalytic ozonation, and activated persulfate. These technologies are vital in removing harmful pollutants from water and air, improving environmental quality. Air-Water Interfacial Solar Evaporation: Dr. Ye’s research explores novel materials and evaporator designs to enhance the efficiency of solar-powered desalination systems, with a focus on salt-rejection and VOC control. Emerging Pollutants Removal: Dr. Ye has also delved into the treatment of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), endocrine disruptors, and perfluorinated compounds (PFAs), which are increasingly being found in water sources and pose significant risks to human health and the environment. These research interests are critical for advancing sustainable urban water management and pollution control.

Academic Background 🎓

Dr. Ye’s academic journey is rooted in his strong foundation in materials science and environmental engineering. He completed his Ph.D. in Municipal and Environmental Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) in 2010, where he also earned his M.S. and B.S. in Materials Science. His academic excellence and deep understanding of material science have been crucial in his ability to develop innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

Scholarships & Awards 🏅

Dr. Ye has been recognized for his groundbreaking research with several awards and scholarships. Notably, he has received funding for his research through national and international grants, which support his work on water purification technologies and the removal of harmful chemicals from water. His ability to secure such grants speaks to the importance and potential of his research in solving global environmental issues.

Professional Associations & Contributions 🤝

Zhejiang Province Water Conservation Expert (2021-Present): A position that highlights his expertise in water management and conservation. Expert Advisory Committee on “Healthy Zhejiang Action” (2020-Present): His contributions help guide policies that ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for the province. Zhejiang Urban Science Research Society (2019-Present): As a member, Dr. Ye contributes his insights into urban environmental management. Zhejiang Province “Five-water Control” Technical Mission (2014-Present): This committee works on solutions to control and improve the quality of water resources in Zhejiang. His involvement in these organizations reflects his dedication to shaping public policy and advancing sustainable practices in environmental engineering. 

Training & Workshops 🏫

In addition to his academic and research achievements, Dr. Ye has participated in various professional training sessions and workshops. These events have helped his stay at the forefront of developments in water treatment technologies and environmental management. Dr. Ye also actively mentors younger researchers and students, passing on his expertise and encouraging the next generation of environmental engineers.

Oral Presentations 🗣️

Dr. Ye is a frequent presenter at international conferences, where he shares his latest research findings and engages with experts from around the world. His presentations on advanced oxidation processes and water treatment technologies have earned his recognition within the global research community.

Tasks Completed as a Researcher 🔍

Throughout his career, Dr. Ye has been involved in numerous projects focused on the development and implementation of environmental technologies. he has worked on developing efficient methods for removing emerging pollutants from water, and his contributions have had a significant impact on improving environmental standards in Zhejiang and beyond. His hands-on approach to research ensures that his findings are not only theoretical but also practical and applicable in real-world settings.

Success Factors 🌟

Dr. Ye’s success as a researcher and educator can be attributed to his commitment to innovation, his ability to work across disciplines, and his drive to solve pressing environmental issues. He has successfully bridged the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that his work leads to tangible benefits for society. His passion for sustainability and environmental protection continues to inspire those around his.

Laboratory Experience 🔬

With an extensive publication record in high-impact journals, Dr. Ye’s research has contributed significantly to the understanding of advanced oxidation processes and their applications in water treatment. His laboratory experience spans over a decade, and he has led many successful research projects, some of which have received international acclaim.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Activated carbon aerogel evaporator for simultaneous salt-rejection and inhibition of phenol from entering condensed freshwater during solar-driven seawater desalination

  • Authors: Zhou, X., Wang, X., Yan, Y., Zhang, T., Ye, M.
  • Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Polyurethane foam loaded MoS2 aerogel for efficient solar evaporation with excellent salt-rejection property

  • Authors: Ye, M., Ye, X., Zhou, X., Zhang, T., Liu, X.
  • Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Generation of H2O2 and halogenated by-products at the evaporator surface during seawater desalination based on air-water interfacial solar heating

  • Authors: Ye, M., Wang, X., Jin, W., Zhang, T., Liu, X.
  • Journal: Desalination
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Degradation of organic pollutants by the Cl−/PMS process

  • Authors: Ye, M., Luo, Z., Jin, W., Zhang, T., Liu, X.
  • Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Inhibition of phenol entering condensed freshwater by activated peroxides during photothermal distillation desalination process

  • Authors: Ye, M., Zhou, X., Luo, Z., Jin, W., Liu, X.
  • Journal: Separation and Purification Technology
  • Year: 2024