Good day, Dr. V. Raja. I'm Arjun. I've had a look through your background and your professional record. I'm interested in hearing more about your work and how you see yourself fitting in here with our faculty. Ready to start?

Yeah, uh, good morning. Umm, so, uh, myself, uh, Doctor Raja. So I, I, uh, I have an interdisciplinary, uh, work, uh, nature and academic profile. Umm, so to start with, I have my undergraduate in electronics and communication engineering and uh, interdisciplined with nanotechnology as my postgraduate degree. I have, I have chosen my PhD degree in green energy technology, so. As a as.

As an implementation of my academic background, I chose green energy technology as my PhD work, PhD department and there I have contributed and I got expertise in upscaling of solar protective materials and validating its performance to industry. So further, I have experience in post-pd, I have experience in consultancy work, industry-based consultancy work.

Where the industry wants us to upscale solid-state battery materials for their electric vehicles. So we were successful in writing the grant proposal during the time and also we were able to successfully update and transform the requirements like pollution level, contamination level in upskilling battery materials and also we were able to. Successfully meet their standards, USB standards especially.

And a post, uh, the consultant industry consultancy work, I got the opportunity to work in uh, Kodari post doctor fellow during the time I was able to umm, uh, apply my industry oriented expertise and develop uh, lithium-based electrolytes, electrodes, especially using plasma techniques. And we were able to upscale the material in bulk quantity using plasma techniques. I have presented this part of the work in two 45th easiest meeting which.

In San Francisco and also I have published a good number of publications, especially in. Journal of Power Sources particularly this upscaling thing and I was able I'm successful in transforming the academic lab scale developments to industry scale.

Technology. So I'm confident that I can be working in the region of TRL 5 level of research and development.

I also, uh, believe that I strongly believe that, uh, I'm capable of, uh, addressing the renewable energy, uh, department as I have expertise in renewable energy sources and their implications in future developments. And I was, uh, able, I'm confident that I will be contributing in, uh, good, uh, teaching experience with my Kothari post doctor fellow. And since this renewable Energy Department from vats and interdisciplinary in nature, I, I hope.

I will be fitting in very well with the department in both teaching as well as, uh, technology based research development and also, uh, developing a human resource, uh, uh, development kind of aspects. So.

And this is my introduction I wish to give about me.

Thank you, Professor Raja, for that detailed introduction to your academic and professional journey. It provides a clear picture of your interdisciplinary approach and extensive work within green energy and renewable technologies. Let us proceed.

Yes.

Thank you, Professor Raja, for joining me today. I'd like to begin by discussing your qualifications and experience. From your resume, I see you hold a PhD in Nanoscience and Technology and have a strong background in advanced materials for energy storage applications. Could you start by explaining how your research on lithium-based materials and solid-state electrolytes contributes to advancements in renewable energy storage systems?

Yeah. So, uh, currently, uh, I wish to give an overview of how this energy storage is important to renewable energy systems. So primarily the, the, the currently what the overall perspective is like another renewable energy system has to replace the previous coal based polluting systems because of the environmental issues and sustainable issues. So in that case, we.

Renewable energy system. At the same time, renewable energy system is completely intermittent kind of energy source, where some sources like solar energy will be best working in the midday by the At the same time, wind energy will work one particular season very well compared to the other. But in this case, we need to have a flexible grid systems, otherwise it will be very difficult for us to upscale as.

We expect in 20-30 the expectation will be 1500 terawatt or the the the exponential increase has to be accommodated with.

Uh, grid systems. So upscaling grid system is very, uh, tedious in both aspects, manpower aspects as well as monitor aspects. In that case, we need energy storage as a primary system, which is a distributed kind of system. So this energy storage system has to be implemented in various level with different type of expectations means performance like 1 system can be a bulk in nature at the same time it can give. Long life, long.

Long life, energy delivery, at the same time electric vehicles which require very light weighted systems, energy storage system, but it has to it has to give relatively lower energy values, but at the same time it has to meet up the power density. So there is a requirement for energy storage system in different aspects, for example, high energy delivery, high power delivery, high long cycle life performance.

So every energy there are different type of energy storage systems to meet this kind of wide variety of applications. So to name few, supercapacitors, batteries and fuel cells are primarily we can rely on contributing to different systems at the same time. So in my work lithium-based, I am working in lithium-based battery materials primarily for the purpose of electric vehicles, electric vehicle batteries development and. The I wish to explore more on.

I have expertise as well as further explore more on interface of in lithium battery materials as well as upscaling of battery materials as well as developing new type of electrodes and electronic solid-state electrolytes primarily. So in this way I can contribute more towards of electric vehicle focused high energy density batteries. So in this also not it is not an limited version also I am.

I am updating myself in machine learning aspects to further develop new type of electrodes and electrolytes in future and this way I wish I can contribute more towards the NSE storage systems particularly for renewable energy systems.

Thank you for that comprehensive explanation. It’s clear you have a broad understanding of the importance of energy storage systems and their integration into renewable energy grids. You also touched on focusing your research on lithium batteries for electric vehicles, exploring interfaces, and implementing machine learning techniques. To delve deeper, how does your specific expertise in thermal plasma pyrolysis and solid-state electrolytes enable innovations in the scalability and efficiency of lithium-ion batteries for such applications?

Thank you for the particular question. So I'm very happy to answer this because the the the very in depth understanding of upscaling of lithium based solid-state electrolytes is the expertise I gained from the industry based consultancy work. So primarily what we have.

Yeah.

What we have attempted to develop for the consultancy work is we have to upscale the lithium-based solid-state electronics, particularly Llato based Carnets. And we were able to, we were trying with different techniques like solid-state method, Co precipitation method and plasma paralysis method, plasma sintering method. So variety of methods we tried, but two methods primarily we were able to successfully transform plasma, thermal plasma method, sorry, successfully transform lithium-based garnaches thermal plasma method as well as solid-state sorry, Sol gel method. So thermal plasma method, we have a thermal plasma high.

Thermal thermal based plasma spraying instrument. I am part of the installation, installing the design and installation of that thermal plasma instrument in our laboratory. So where we have the ionizer, we have the plasma torch and we have the reactor. We have designed the reactor in such a way that we will be able to.

Control the lithium evaporation because lithium-based.

Text Any material based on lithium. This lithium operation because lithium is highly volatile, when we apply high thermal plasma, lithium will be evaporating. But we have designed the reactor in such a way that lithium is contained within the reactor so that we will be able to further process the further production of lithium based.

LL is lithium based NMC and during in this aspect, we were able to control different parameters like merging rate and gas purging and auto ionization, purging liquids concentration and volume of the sample, volume of the reactor and various factors. We were able to optimize tune further in design aspects as well as the material aspect and we were able to produce. 2G per minute as a after.

Negotiating with all losses and we were able to attain the energy capacity very good purity primarily then with low contamination level, low pollution level as per the industry's requirement. We were able to also work in the material aspects in confining the particle distribution in a very narrow range as well as we were able to get very good. Density particle.

Density and in this aspect we were able to tune the lithium, sorry thermal plasma instrument primarily and we were successful in transforming this technique technology to industry as well as part of the work has been published in the power sources.

Thank you for the detailed response, Professor Raja. Your work on optimizing and scaling thermal plasma methods while addressing challenges like lithium volatility demonstrates both technical proficiency and innovation in material synthesis. Additionally, achieving industrially relevant outputs such as narrow particle distribution and low contamination speaks highly of your practical impact. In terms of teaching, how would you translate this advanced research into accessible classroom instruction or laboratory sessions for undergraduate and graduate students? For instance, how would you design a lab practical on thermal plasma methods?

Yeah, so. So I that's very interesting question that thank you and I would I wish to I'm very much interested to transform the human. Manpower aspects particularly in technology transfer research. So in this aspect I have I wish to mention and experience what I have in my Kothari post-doctor fellow. Also, I will then further explain the thermal plasma thing. So during my Kothari stress post doctor fellow the same. We were able to upscale the lithium based NMC materials and during that time we were able to. Inculcate this technology transfer kind of research mentality to students particularly PG students and by different techniques because we can mimic the plasma technology, non thermal plasma, arc discharge plasma. So these kind of techniques can be mimic the not like thermal plasma which requires a big laboratory and only student has to. Come over there. But The thing is that during the non plasma based techniques we were able to.

Make the students to feel the importance of how the the the the technology. What we do in laboratory is completely different from what the industry requires. At the same time, we I have given the expertise to by showing what kind of technologies industry has industry need because their requirements are different. So in that aspects I have I have been teaching the students to understand the need of the technology transfer for primarily. Then I have explained the plasma based techniques using the interactive models. So I was using Blender and other softwares to illustrate what is happening inside a plasma instrument and then the student will be able to technically understand the technology what is happening then. I was able to inspire one of his students. She's doing PhD in Taiwan for related work, supercapacitor work. So in that way, I I was able to inspire the students primarily by making them to understand the technology. Then I will interact with the students by asking questions and I will ask them to search for answers. What are the different aspects, different possibilities. I will make them to think so that they will be able to understand.

The importance in that way also and then I will take them to the practical in real time production technique instruments primarily which we have in thermal plasma laboratory and where we were able to directly give a hands-on experience on students how the technologies working and they will be exploring further more on what kind of other.

Technologies are available to upscale lithium based battery materials.

Thank you for sharing an insightful approach to teaching, Professor Raja. Your method of combining theoretical knowledge with interactive models like Blender, alongside emphasizing real-world industry requirements and hands-on experiences in a laboratory setting, showcases your strength in connecting research to education. It’s commendable that you not only teach but also inspire students to pursue advanced research paths. Let’s shift our focus briefly—could you outline how your experience in industry consultancy and your collaborative research efforts prepare you to guide students in their own research projects or theses in this field?

Yes, so. In short I will explain. So in collaborative the the this is 2 aspect I wish to explain. 1 is how I am having the expertise in collaborative work as well as consultancy work. So primarily in collaborative work I have been collaborating with. Very good quality people primarily like our Doctor Ajayan from Rice University and Doctor Anjari from Malaya University. And Bryn in Indonesia. So in different collaborative expertise, I, I have primarily to inculcate different part of the problem statements where cumulative work will be giving a consultancy-based product kind of thing. So in consultancy work, I, I am part of the I, I'm part of the proposal rating.

In. Towards consultancy in the battery materials project, especially with Fisker and Corning where I got the understanding of how academic person thinks and as well as how the industry person requirement is. So I was able to postdoctoral student, I was able to interact and get an exposure from both the aspects. So in that way I, I will be able to, I, I think I will be appropriate person to transfer that kind of. Bridging knowledge between the academic and industry.

Technology transfer person towards the to to the students particularly and also I am successful in writing proposals 3 proposal grants research proposals for one is for Asian which is supported by ACRD.

There it is a collaborative research work between three countries and I as a postdoctoral for LAW I have written the project and as a postdoctoral fellow I got the project from CSAR EMR 2. As my postdoc will host us the PA and as a current position as a scientist, I have been successful in getting the proposal. From as a Co Pi from Tah Technology Innovation hub supported by IIET Bombay.

Where I was, we were able, we are trying to build uh umm, wearable masks for umm, asthma detection. And my part of the work is energy storage for the wearable mask part. So in these knowledge, I am trying to inculcate this technology transfer kind of knowledge to the students.

Thank you, Professor Raja, for outlining your extensive collaborative work and experience in bridging academic research with industry needs. Your involvement with notable collaborators, successful consultancy with companies like Fisker and Corning, and contributions to multiple grant-funded projects demonstrate a robust ability to guide students in applied and interdisciplinary research. Your focus on fostering technology transfer knowledge and exposing students to real-world problem-solving is invaluable for shaping future researchers and innovators in renewable engineering. Next, could you discuss how your publications and academic achievements reflect your ability to contribute to the intellectual community of this role? Specifically, how do you envision leveraging your research outputs to enrich the academic environment here?

Sorry to interrupt, we're down to the last 5 minutes.

OK, so, umm, primarily in, in short, I used to uh, say that I have UH-15 publications, uh, out of that, umm, umm, 65% of my publications are, 69% of my publications are Q1. And I have a very good, uh, cumulative impact factor of 69 with citations of 577 in Google Scholar. And I wish to uh, mention that I am I.

Umm, no part of her, uh, currently I'm working on another five, uh, different publications and in both review and research articles. And I will be, uh, a good, uh, intellectual property, uh, means, I mean patent, uh, filing the, I am in the process of filing the patent for the thermal plasma based synthesis techniques. And also I wish further I will be able to. File patents.

Primarily on energy storage materials, particularly focusing on transferring it to the industry, applications and societal needs.

Thank you, Professor Raja. Your strong publication record, notable citation metrics, and ongoing work highlight your academic rigor and dedication to advancing the field. Your focus on translating research into patents and societal applications signifies a commitment to impactful, real-world advancements, which is highly commendable. Do you have any final thoughts or comments you'd like to share about your vision for contributing to this role as Professor of Renewable Engineering?

Yeah, so I, umm, uh, in for my next, uh, five year, I wish to plan my uh, career is like, umm, umm, primarily I will start with, uh, the proposal, uh, writing especially for as a π in energy storage devices in MNRE or IRE da. I'm also focusing on an RF, EPM, ECRG and Arg. And in these proposals, I wish to get at least one proposal. Useful in the next one year. Also I wish to build a technology transfer aptitude in PG and my PhD students so that further in the long run it will be useful for me. In the second year, I used to go for detailed investigation on interface in the battery materials, upscaling lithium battery materials as well as new type of development of new type of electrodes and solid-state electrodes. In this three different focus area I wish to publish.

At least two or three patterns in next two years so that in the third year I wish to transform the lab technology to industry as a collaborative consultancy work especially in Ola or Exide and Amara Raja batteries in India primarily and have collaborators from us also to transfer the technology in quantum scape and in this aspect. I will be able to transform and bring industries to VIT to invest in VIT for.

Improving the human resource by improving the human resource from my side and give them placements for the student side. Also give a good quality human resource values especially in energy storage, materials and devices.

Thank you, Professor Raja, for sharing your clear and structured vision for the next five years. Your focus on securing research funding, advancing innovation in energy storage materials, and fostering industry collaboration aligns strongly with the dual academic and societal missions of a Professor of Renewable Engineering. Additionally, your dedication to equipping students for future challenges and creating meaningful industry connections reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking plan. That concludes our discussion. Do you feel you’ve had the opportunity to share everything relevant, or would you like to add any final thoughts?

Yeah, I wish to, umm, have a very good, it's a really good discussion. I hope, umm, I will be able to uh, synergy with the institute to build a very good, uh, career as well as the institutes focus on further developing human resource values as well as societal, uh, implications.

Thank you for your thoughtful responses, Professor Raja. It's been a pleasure speaking with you. Your clarity of vision, dedication to impactful research, and commitment to education are evident and commendable. We appreciate the effort and passion you bring to the table. With that, do I have your permission to conclude the interview?

Our scheduled time for the interview is now up. Before we conclude, do you have any questions related to the role or the company?

So I wish to know uh, more about, uh, my role in, uh, in what, What is the primarily expected from the institute?

The position of Professor in Renewable Engineering primarily expects you to excel in both teaching and research while contributing to the department's academic and professional growth. Your key responsibilities will include delivering high-quality teaching, facilitating laboratory sessions, evaluating students, guiding them in projects and research, and maintaining a strong publication record in international journals. Additionally, the role emphasizes engaging in research development, securing funding, and collaborating on consultancy services with industry. Applicants with expertise in renewable/energy engineering, patents and consultancy work, and a proven track record in guiding innovative research or industry collaborations are highly valued. The institute especially prioritizes those who can foster industry-institution partnerships and contribute to shaping human resources in line with societal needs. Does this align with your vision and expertise?

Yes, yes, you are right. So I'm happy that I, umm, the, the, the, the objectives align for a better uh, uh, research environment.

Yeah. Thank you for the discussion. I wish to conclude the interview.

I'm glad to hear that, Professor Raja. It sounds like you are well-positioned to bring significant contributions to the role and to align with the institute’s vision. On that note, do you have any further questions, or can I proceed to conclude the interview?

Yes.

Thank you, Professor Raja, for your time and insights during this discussion. To confirm, may I go ahead and formally conclude the interview?