Somnath Maji

Somnath Maji is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. He holds a Ph.D. from IIT Bombay (2009) and has held postdoctoral positions at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) (2009-2013) and the Swedish Consortium for Artificial Photosynthesis (2013-2015). His research bridges synthetic coordination chemistry, bio-inorganic applications, and catalysis for energy conversion.

• Ph.D.: Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (2009)
• M.Sc.: Burdwan University, West Bengal (Specialization: Inorganic Chemistry)
• B.Sc.: Raghunathpur College, Burdwan University

His research focuses on synthetic coordination chemistry and organometallic catalysts for critical applications. Key areas include metal-catalyzed water splitting, CO2 reduction, and hydrogen generation. He explores bio-inorganic systems like Ru(II) arene complexes for anticancer activity, DNA binding/cleavage with transition metal polypyridyl complexes, and photoactive ruthenium nitrosyls for controlled nitric oxide delivery. His work also integrates molecular catalysts into functional devices to produce solar fuels.

Recent publications highlight advancements in Ru/Cu/Co-based complexes for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, DNA-targeting agents, and biomimetic models for enzymatic activities. Collaborations span Swedish Consortium for Artificial Photosynthesis and ICIQ, with a focus on redox-sensitive ligands and mechanistic catalysis.

Scientific Awards:

• Torres Quevedo del Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación Fellowship
• Swedish Consortium for Artificial Photosynthesis Fellowship
• ICIQ Post Doctoral Fellowship

Teaching: He instructs undergraduates, postgraduates, and Ph.D. students in courses like Coordination Chemistry, Metals in Biological Systems, and Bio-Inspired Catalysis. His lab, the Bio-Inspired Catalysis Lab, trains students in synthetic methods, structural characterization, and energy-related catalysis.