Ms. Sneha Mandal is currently pursuing an integrated Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati, India, since 2019. Her doctoral research focuses on “Nano-Composite Design: Van der Waals Gap Modulation for Advanced Energy Applications” under the supervision of Prof. Vijayamohanan K. Pillai. As part of this program, she has also completed an M.S. in Chemistry at IISER Tirupati with a CGPA of 7.2. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Hons.) with first-class distinction from P. K. Roy Memorial College, affiliated with Binod Bihari Mahato Koylanchal University, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India, in 2019. Her progressive academic journey reflects her commitment to excellence and her strong foundation in the field of chemistry.
Experience
Ms. Sneha Mandal is an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in advanced energy applications and materials science. Currently, she is pursuing an integrated Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Tirupati, under the guidance of Prof. Vijayamohanan K. Pillai. Her doctoral research focuses on nano-composite design and van der Waals gap modulation for energy storage systems, particularly solid-state and Na-/Li-ion batteries. Ms. Mandal has honed her skills through hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instruments such as battery testers, electrochemical workstations, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, and many others. She has demonstrated expertise in electrochemical and galvanostatic measurements, coin-cell fabrication, and data analysis for cutting-edge research. Additionally, her active participation in workshops and training sessions on electrochemistry and cryo-electron microscopy highlights her commitment to professional development. Her contributions include co-authoring high-impact research publications in journals like Scientific Reports and Energy Advances and presenting her findings at esteemed international conferences. These experiences collectively reflect her deep engagement with advancing technologies in energy storage and materials science.
Research Interests
Ms. Sneha Mandal’s research interests lie at the intersection of electrochemistry, materials science, and advanced energy storage systems. She is particularly focused on the development and optimization of solid-state batteries, including Na-ion, Li-ion, Li-S, and Na-S batteries. Her expertise extends to the study and application of 2D materials, solid electrolytes, and advanced nanomaterials for enhancing battery performance. Ms. Mandal is deeply engaged in exploring electrocatalysis and the modulation of van der Waals gaps in nano-composites to advance energy applications. Her work also involves designing novel materials and improving the efficiency and stability of energy storage devices. Through her research, she aims to contribute to sustainable and high-performance energy solutions.
Skills
Ms. Sneha Mandal possesses hands-on expertise in advanced instrumentation and techniques essential for materials science and electrochemistry research. She is proficient in operating battery testers (BCS 805), electrochemical workstations (Solartron 1470E, Biologic SP 200), and conducting cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic measurements. Her skillset includes advanced spectroscopy and imaging techniques such as RAMAN, XRD, AFM, UV-Visible spectroscopy, and HR-TEM, along with coin-cell fabrication and glove box handling. Ms. Mandal is adept at data analysis and interpretation across a range of tools, making her well-equipped to address complex challenges in energy storage and materials development.
Publication
Van der Waals Gap Modulation of Graphene Oxide through Mono-Boc Ethylenediamine Anchoring for Superior Li-Ion Batteries
- Authors: Mandal, S., Pillai, V.K., Ranjana Ponraj, M., Thavasi, V., Renugopalakrishnan, V.
- Journal: Energy Advances
- Volume: 3, Issue 8, Pages 1977–1991
- Publication Year: 2024
- Access: Open Access
- Citations: 0
Interlayer, Gallery-Engineered Graphene Oxide Using Selective Protection of Mono-Boc-Ethylenediamine as Anode for Sodium Ion Batteries
- Authors: Thushara, K.M., Ponraj, M.R., Mandal, S., Pillai, V.K., Bhagavathsingh, J.
- Journal: Journal of Energy Storage
- Volume: 73, Article 109237
- Publication Year: 2023
- Citations: 1
Effect of Hetero-Atom Doping on the Electrocatalytic Properties of Graphene Quantum Dots for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
- Authors: Goswami, M., Mandal, S., Pillai, V.K.
- Journal: Scientific Reports
- Volume: 13, Article 5182
- Publication Year: 2023
- Citations: 12
- Access: Open Access
Conclusion
Ms. Sneha Mandal’s robust academic background, cutting-edge research, technical proficiency, and impactful publications make her an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to advancing knowledge in energy materials and nanotechnology positions her as a promising scientist and deserving recipient of this honor.