معرفی
Dr. Surjyakanta Rana is a Researcher at the Department of Functional Materials, Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, Slovakia, and concurrently serves as a Visiting Scientist at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany. His research program focuses on developing advanced nanomaterials for catalytic applications in energy conversion and environmental remediation, with particular expertise in graphene-based composites and plasma catalysis.
Dr. Rana completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research–Institute Of Minerals And Materials Technology (CSIR–IMMT) and Utkal University, Odisha, India in 2013. His doctoral research investigated modified mesoporous materials for organic transformation reactions, establishing the foundation for his current work in functionalized nanomaterials.
His research spans multiple cutting-edge areas of materials chemistry including mesoporous silica, zirconia, layered double hydroxides, and carbon-based graphene materials. Dr. Rana has pioneered work in plasma catalytic CO2 conversion over 3D printed catalysts and the growth of MOFs on ceramic scaffolds for gas separation. His scientific approach consistently bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in sustainable chemistry and environmental technology, demonstrating particular strength in designing catalysts that operate under green chemistry principles.
Analysis of Dr. Rana's publication record reveals a strategic progression toward increasingly sophisticated nanomaterial systems for catalytic applications. His recent work shows a clear trend toward integrating multiple functionalities into single catalyst systems, with emphasis on sustainability metrics including catalyst recyclability, use of green solvents, and energy-efficient reaction pathways. The predominant research themes across his publications include C-C and C-S coupling reactions, epoxidation processes, and hydrogenation reactions, all utilizing novel nanomaterial catalysts that offer superior performance compared to conventional systems.
Dr. Rana's scientific achievements have been recognized through several prestigious awards:
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship
- Independent researcher award
- Excellence project (research and innovation) award
- CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship
With 54 journal publications, 2 book chapters, and over 1,529 citations, Dr. Rana has established significant research impact. His work is supported by international projects including Horizon 2020 funding for the Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glasses. He serves in editorial capacities for Catalytic Reactions and Chemistry as Associate Editor and for Catalysts and Molecules as Guest Editor, demonstrating leadership in his field.
Dr. Rana is actively engaged with the FunGlass Centre, a Horizon 2020 funded initiative advancing glass science and technology. Within this collaborative framework, he contributes to developing functionalized glass materials with applications in energy conversion and environmental technologies, working alongside partners from Erlangen, Jena, Madrid, and Padova.
