Dr. Ravi Prakash: Postdoctoral Researcher at Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, India

Ravi Prakash is a dedicated postdoctoral researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, with specialized expertise in polymer nanocomposites, graphene oxide functionalization, and quantum dot-based solar energy devices. His work aims to develop advanced hybrid nanostructures for flexible, printable, and high-efficiency energy harvesting systems. Skilled in material synthesis, chemical modifications, and multi-scale characterization techniques, Ravi has a strong record of high-impact publications and collaborative research bridging academia and industry.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Citation Metrics

Since 2020, Ravi Prakash has garnered a total of 244 citations, with 242 citations recorded in this period alone. His research impact is reflected in an h-index of 8 and an i10-index of 7, indicating a consistent track record of influential publications that contribute to the fields of polymer nanocomposites and solar energy devices.

Education

He completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science at IIT (BHU), Varanasi, in October 2022, focusing on the development of functionalized polyurethane gel electrolytes for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells. Prior to this, Ravi earned his Master of Science from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University and Bachelor of Science from Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, building a solid foundation in chemistry and material sciences.

Research Focus

Ravi’s research focuses on the design, synthesis, and functionalization of polymers, quantum dots, and carbon-based nanomaterials for energy applications. He specializes in fabricating dye-sensitized and quantum dot solar cells, optimizing thin-film device performance, and analyzing electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of novel polymer composites and hybrid materials aimed at sustainable energy solutions.

Experience

He has served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate since late 2022, working on thermoplastic prepreg technologies for aerospace applications under a DRDO-IIT(BHU) joint initiative. His doctoral research involved the development of high-performance gel electrolytes for solar cells, and he has extensive experience in material synthesis, device fabrication, and operating advanced characterization instruments such as rheometers, electrochemical workstations, and spectrometers.

Research Timeline

From 2016 to 2022, Ravi conducted his Ph.D. research at IIT (BHU), culminating in a thesis on polyurethane gel electrolytes for solar cells. Post-Ph.D., he joined as a postdoctoral researcher focusing on processing techniques for PEEK-based thermoplastic composites under defense research projects. Throughout his career, he has progressively expanded his expertise in polymers, nanomaterials, and composite processing technologies.

Awards & Honors

Ravi has achieved notable academic distinctions including securing the 16th rank nationally in the CSIR-UGC NET exam for Chemical Sciences (2015) and qualifying GATE Chemistry (2016). He was awarded Junior and Senior Research Fellowships at IIT (BHU) and won the Best Poster Award at the BioHeal 2023 International Conference. He is also a life member of the Asian Polymer Association and the Materials Research Society of India, reflecting his commitment to the scientific community.

Recent Publication

Among his recent publications is the article “Slurry processed Carbon Fiber/PEEK prepreg Enhanced Mechanical and Viscoelastic properties,” accepted in ChemistrySelect (July 2025). This work highlights his contribution to enhancing the mechanical strength and durability of thermoplastic composites for structural and aerospace applications, demonstrating practical implications of his research in advanced materials engineering.

  • High Strength Glass Fiber / PEEK Prepreg using Slurry Processing for Structural Application
    Ravi Prakash, D.S. Bag, P. Maiti, Journal of Materials Science: Composites (In press), 2025.
    This study presents advanced slurry-processed glass fiber/PEEK composites with improved mechanical and structural properties for industrial applications.

  • Slurry-Processed Carbon Fiber / PEEK Prepregs with Enhanced Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties
    Ravi Prakash, D.S. Bag, S.K. Mishra, P. Maiti, ChemistrySelect (In press), 2025.
    This work focuses on optimizing carbon fiber reinforced PEEK composites via slurry processing to enhance their mechanical performance.

  • Alterations in the Epidermis and Mucus Viscosity of the Carp, Cirrhinus mrigala, Experimentally Infected with Edwardsiella tarda
    A.K.M. Jyoti Singh, Usha Kumari, Ravi Prakash, Pralay Maiti, Swati Mittal, Microbial Pathogenesis, 207, 107883, 2025.
    A biological study investigating changes in fish epidermal properties due to bacterial infection.

  • Fluid Distribution Equipment, Sanitary, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Equipment, Solid Fuel
    N. Kant, S. Singh, A.K. Singh, P. Singh, D. Sharma, Ravi Prakash, et al. GOV.UK Patent (Granted), 6437742, 2025.
    Patent granted on innovative HVAC and fluid distribution technologies.

  • A Method for Preparing a Thermoplastic Polyether Ether Ketone / Carbon Fibre Prepreg
    P.M. Ravi Prakash, Dibyendu Sekhar Bag, Indian Patent Application (Filed), 2024.
    Patent application describing a novel process for fabricating high-performance PEEK/carbon fiber prepregs.

  • Biodegradable Gel Formulation and a Method of Preparation Thereof
    Avishek Mallick Choudhury, Subham Sekhar Mandal, Ravi Prakash, Amita Santra, et al., Indian Patent Application (Filed), 2022.
    Patent application on environmentally friendly biodegradable gel materials for diverse applications.

Strength for the Best Innovator Award:
  1. Pioneering Research in Advanced Materials:
    Developed innovative slurry-processing techniques for high-strength Glass Fiber and Carbon Fiber reinforced PEEK composites, significantly improving mechanical and viscoelastic properties for structural and aerospace applications.

  2. Cutting-Edge Energy Solutions:
    Created functionalized polyurethane gel electrolytes and quantum dot-sensitized solar cells that demonstrate enhanced efficiency, contributing to the advancement of sustainable, flexible, and printable energy devices.

  3. Strong Patent Portfolio:
    Filed multiple patents, including novel methods for preparing thermoplastic PEEK/carbon fiber prepregs and biodegradable gel formulations, showcasing a commitment to translating research into practical, market-ready technologies.

  4. Interdisciplinary Impact:
    Demonstrated versatility by contributing to diverse fields ranging from polymer nanocomposites and solar energy to biomedical hydrogels and microbial pathogenesis, indicating broad innovative potential.

  5. Collaborative and Funded Research Excellence:
    Led DRDO-funded projects and actively participated in drafting competitive research proposals, reflecting not only innovative ideas but also the ability to secure funding and implement impactful research at a national level.

Ravi Prakash, Chemistry, Best Innovator Award