Department of Chemistry School of Basic Sciences, VISTAS Chennai, India
Author Profile
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🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Dr. T. Somanathan’s academic journey began with a B.Sc in Chemistry from Guru Nanak College, University of Madras, Chennai in 2000. His keen interest in applied sciences led him to pursue an M.Sc in Applied Chemistry from Anna University, Chennai, graduating with First Class in 2002. His academic rigor culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Anna University in April 2009, focusing on carbon nanotubes synthesized using CCVD techniques and metal-substituted molecular sieves, laying the foundation for his specialization in nanotechnology and material science.
🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Dr. Somanathan’s professional career is marked by progressive academic roles at the Department of Chemistry, School of Basic Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS):
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Professor (2023 – Present)
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Associate Professor (2015 – 2022)
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Assistant Professor (2011 – 2015)
Earlier, he expanded his research capabilities internationally as a Postdoctoral Researcher at CEA/LITEN, Grenoble, France (2009–2010), working on nanomaterials for energy applications.
📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON NANOTECHNOLOGY
Dr. Somanathan has established himself as a specialist in nanotechnology, with deep expertise in:
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Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs, DWCNTs, MWCNTs) using CVD, RFCVD, and PECVD
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Graphene and Graphene Oxide, especially through eco-friendly synthesis methods
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Nanoparticles with biomedical relevance—targeting anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities
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Mesoporous materials and heterogeneous catalysts like MCM-41, SBA-15 for biodiesel and organic transformations
His research extends to applications in biosensors, photovoltaics, and drug delivery systems, showcasing multidisciplinarity and societal relevance.
Key research areas:
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Indoor solar cooktops
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Thermosyphon heat transport devices
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Single-phase natural circulation
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Passive cooling systems for SMRs
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Stability analysis of circulation loops
🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION
Dr. Somanathan’s academic excellence is affirmed by over 15 awards, including:
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🥇 Sci-Edu Award 2025 for Excellence in Education
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🏅 Academic Excellence Award 2024
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🏆 Faculty Excellence Awards (2021, 2022, 2023 – by VISTAS)
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🌟 Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award for Scientific Excellence (2022)
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🎖️ DST Fast Track Young Scientist Award (2011)
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🎓 Postdoctoral Fellowship – France (2009–2010)
These honors validate his dual strengths in teaching and innovation.
🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Through teaching, research, and institutional leadership, Dr. Somanathan has had a lasting academic and societal impact:
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Courses taught include: Nanoscience, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, EVS, and Advanced Nanostructures.
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He mentors young researchers and participates in numerous doctoral committees, academic councils, and national-level examination panels.
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His research contributes to green nanotechnology, advancing India’s goals for sustainable science and innovation.
🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Dr. Somanathan’s contributions to carbon-based nanomaterials and their practical applications in healthcare and energy form the bedrock of his academic legacy. He actively guides Ph.D. candidates, sits on academic boards, and serves as:
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Reviewer for ACS, Elsevier, and Springer journals
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Member of Indian Carbon Society, IANCAS, IAEng, and IFERP
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Editorial Board Member, Journal of Nanotechnology and Diagnosis and Treatment, USA
He is committed to mentoring future scientists and fostering an eco-friendly nanotechnology paradigm.
✅CONCLUSION
Dr. T. Somanathan exemplifies the modern researcher and educator—bridging fundamental chemistry with advanced nanotechnology, nurturing talent, and contributing to sustainable scientific progress. His global collaborations, prolific research output, and extensive academic service position him as a trailblazer in the field of nanoscience.
🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:
Ecosynthesis of copper and nickel oxide nanoparticles from Aegle marmelos extract: antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hemolytic activity evaluation
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu R., Rajkumar M., Nandhagopal M., Manivannan T., Somanathan T., Bindhu Radhakrishna B.R., Lakshmy L. Venkateswaran
Journal: Materials Letters
Year: 2025
A facile synthesis of green gold nanoparticles from fruit waste peels and their bioactivity evaluation against HT-29 colon cancer cell lines
Authors: Lakshmy L. Venkateswaran, Bindhu Radhakrishna B.R., Thirunavukkarasu T. Somanathan, Raji R. Atchudan, Rajabhuvaneswari R. Ariyamuthu
Journal: Results in Chemistry
Year: 2025
Catalytic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes using CeFeMgO: Study their Efficiency and Structural Insights
Authors: Dhanavel D. Manikandan, Thirunavukkarasu T. Somanathan, Arumugam A. Pandurangan
Journal: Asian Journal of Chemistry
Year: 2025
Growth of Helical Coiled Double and Triple Walled Carbon Nanotubes at Low Temperature using FeMoMgO catalyst
Authors: Dhanavel D. Manikandan, Thirunavukkarasu T. Somanathan
A Facile Synthesis and Characterisation of CdS Nanoparticles at Low Temperature Using Aegle Marmelos Extract
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu T. Rajkumar, Lakshmy L. Venkateswaran, Thirunavukkarasu T. Somanathan, Sasieekhumar Amman S.A. Rangasamy