Hiren Raval | Membrane Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hiren Raval | Membrane Science | Best Researcher Award

CSIR-CSMCRI (Central salt and marine chemical research Institute | India

Dr. Hiren D. Raval is a Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR–CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, specializing in sustainable water desalination, membrane technology, and process innovation. His pioneering work includes the development of thin-film composite RO and ultrafiltration membranes, low-fouling surfaces, and high-efficiency desalination systems. As Principal Investigator of multiple DST-funded projects, he established pilot-scale facilities for rejuvenation of end-of-life RO membranes, a technology now successfully transferred to industry. Dr. Raval has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal papers and holds patents in membrane transformation and salt recovery processes. With an H-index of 17, he has contributed significantly to the fields of water treatment, nanocomposite membranes, and resource recovery. His leadership has secured competitive research funding exceeding INR 4.5 crore and advanced the TRL level of several membrane technologies.

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Featured Publications

Raval, H. D., Trivedi, J. J., Joshi, S. V., & Devmurari, C. V. (2010). Flux enhancement of thin film composite RO membrane by controlled chlorine treatment. Desalination, 250(3), 945–949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2009.09.090

Raval, H. D., Rana, P. S., & Maiti, S. (2015). A novel high-flux, thin-film composite reverse osmosis membrane modified by chitosan for advanced water treatment. RSC Advances, 5(9), 6687–6694. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA13349J

Ankoliya, D., Mehta, B., & Raval, H. (2019). Advances in surface modification techniques of reverse osmosis membrane over the years. Separation Science and Technology, 54(3), 293–310. https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2018.1479049

Meena, R., Chaudhary, J. P., Agarwal, P. K., Maiti, P., Chatterjee, S., & Raval, H. D., et al. (2014). Surfactant-induced coagulation of agarose from aqueous extract of Gracilaria dura seaweed as an energy-efficient alternative to the conventional freeze–thaw process. RSC Advances, 4(53), 28093–28098. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA03406E

Raval, H. D., Chauhan, V. R., Raval, A. H., & Mishra, S. (2012). Rejuvenation of discarded RO membrane for new applications. Desalination and Water Treatment, 48(1–3), 349–359. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2012.697034

Mr. Vikash Kumar | Membrane Technology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Vikash Kumar | Membrane Technology | Best Researcher Award

IIT Bombay | India

Vikash Kumar is a dedicated doctoral researcher in Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. His academic and research journey has been driven by a passion for sustainable technologies and innovative solutions in environmental engineering. He has worked extensively on developing advanced membrane systems, nanocomposites, and photocatalytic reactors for applications in water purification, pollutant removal, and clean energy. With a strong foundation in biochemical and bioprocess engineering, his work bridges chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental sustainability. His research contributions include journal publications, patents, and conference presentations at national and international levels.

Professional Profiles

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Education

Vikash Kumar has pursued a strong academic path with a focus on chemical and biochemical engineering. He completed his doctoral studies at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, specializing in membrane technology and photocatalytic systems. Prior to this, he earned a master’s degree in bioprocess engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, where his research centered on nanofibrous composites for dye remediation. His academic foundation was laid through a bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in New Delhi. His schooling was completed in New Delhi, where he developed a keen interest in science and engineering.

Professional Experience

Vikash Kumar has gained valuable professional experience as a teaching assistant and researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. In this capacity, he has been actively engaged in laboratory instruction, guiding students, and supporting academic programs. His doctoral research involves the design and fabrication of membranes and photocatalytic membrane reactors for water and wastewater treatment, combining both experimental and applied engineering skills. During his postgraduate studies, he also worked on electrospun nanofibrous composites, gaining exposure to advanced material fabrication and characterization. His professional journey reflects a balance of teaching responsibilities, research innovation, and collaborative academic contributions.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his academic journey, Vikash Kumar has received recognition for his dedication to research and teaching. He has been awarded institute assistantships at premier institutions in India during his postgraduate and doctoral studies. His scientific contributions have been acknowledged through patents and publications in reputed journals, reflecting the novelty and impact of his work. He has also presented his research at international and national conferences, gaining recognition among peers and experts in the field of chemical and environmental engineering. His achievements underscore his commitment to addressing pressing global challenges in clean water, pollution control, and sustainable technologies.

Research Skills

Vikash Kumar possesses a strong set of research skills encompassing experimental design, material development, and advanced characterization. His expertise includes membrane fabrication, photocatalytic reactor design, nanomaterial synthesis, and environmental applications. He is proficient in handling advanced instruments such as spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and biological testing systems. His research integrates nanotechnology, polymer science, and chemical engineering principles to create solutions for water purification, gas separation, and biomedical applications. Additionally, his work demonstrates skills in scaling laboratory innovations toward practical applications. His ability to merge interdisciplinary techniques highlights his versatility and capability as a researcher in modern engineering fields.

Notable Publications

Electrospun nanofibrous composites based photocatalytic-adsorbents for remediation of Congo red dye from water
Author: V Kumar, R Sadasivam, G Packirisamy, P Saravanan
Journal: Nanotechnology for Environmental Engineering, 9 (4), 709-724
Year: 2024
Citations: 4

Heavy metals removal from contaminated water with Psf hollow fiber membrane blended with Fe3O4/MWCNTs–COOH nanohybrid
Author: V Kumar, J Bellare
Journal: Journal of Water Process Engineering, 69, 106880
Year: 2025
Citations: 2

Enhanced Flux, Antifouling Performance, and Oil/Water Separation using Polysulfone Hollow Fiber Membranes with Dual Nanofillers: Carboxylated Halloysite and ZIF-8
Author: V Kumar, J Bellare
Journal: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 137820
Year: 2025

Development of an Efficient and Cost-Effective Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor for the Separation of Dye from Wastewater
Author: JB Vikash Kumar
Journal: 2023 AIChE Annual Meeting
Year: 2023

Conclusion

Vikash Kumar represents a new generation of researchers dedicated to applying engineering knowledge for societal benefit. His academic training, research expertise, and professional experience demonstrate a commitment to developing sustainable technologies that address critical issues such as clean water, pollution control, and renewable energy. With his innovative mindset, he has contributed to patents, publications, and collaborative projects of practical significance. His career reflects a balance between academic excellence, professional responsibility, and impactful research. He aspires to continue contributing to global challenges through advanced engineering solutions, interdisciplinary collaborations, and scientific innovations with long-term societal impact.