Vishal Govind Rao

Vishal Govind Rao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK). He specializes in time-resolved and single-molecule spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, interface science, and material chemistry, with a focus on solar energy applications and carbon dioxide reduction.

Education:

• PhD, IIT Kharagpur

Research Interests: His research group investigates fundamental aspects of photocatalytic efficiency, particularly in plasmonic photocatalysis and interfacial charge transfer dynamics. The goal is to optimize solar energy utilization and develop cost-effective strategies for converting CO₂ into hydrocarbon fuels using advanced spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques.

Recent Research Trends: His recent publications emphasize understanding and enhancing charge carrier dynamics in plasmonic metal nanoparticles and semiconductor interfaces, with implications for solar-to-chemical energy conversion and sustainable catalysis.

Teaching Areas: Physical Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Instrumentation, and Material Chemistry.

Contact: Office FB 422, Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur, Kanpur 208016; Email: vgrao@iitk.ac.in; Phone: +91-512-259-2077