Dr. Pramod Gawal: Researcher at IIT Guwahati, India
Dr. Pramod Gawal is an accomplished chemical engineer specializing in sustainable catalytic processes for environmental and energy applications. With a PhD from IIT Guwahati, he focuses on advancing photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis for CO₂ reduction and water splitting. His expertise spans both experimental synthesis of nanomaterials and theoretical modeling through Density Functional Theory (DFT), enabling a comprehensive approach to tackling energy and pollution challenges. Beyond research, he is active in teaching and mentoring, committed to fostering scientific curiosity and innovation.
Online Profiles
Dr. Pramod Gawal has accumulated a total of 190 citations for his research contributions, with an h-index of 7 and an i10-index of 5, reflecting his impact in the field. His recent work has garnered 148 citations, with an h-index of 5 and an i10-index of 4, showcasing a strong and growing influence in photocatalysis and downstream processing research.
Education
Dr. Gawal earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in 2025, where his doctoral research involved designing bioinspired nanostructured materials for photocatalytic CO₂ conversion. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Chemical Engineering at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, in 2017, focusing on advanced oxidation processes. His foundational training includes a Bachelor of Technology degree from Laxminarayan Institute of Technology, Nagpur, obtained in 2014, where he worked on simulation of multicomponent distillation systems.
Research Focus
His research interests lie primarily in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, exploring novel nanocomposites and heterostructures for efficient solar-driven CO₂ reduction and hydrogen generation. He also investigates downstream processing techniques for bio-based chemicals, such as 2,3-butanediol, employing aqueous two-phase extraction and hybrid distillation methods. Additionally, he applies Density Functional Theory to understand catalyst behavior at the atomic level, enabling rational design of materials with enhanced activity and selectivity for environmental remediation and renewable energy applications.
Experience
Dr. Gawal has been a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow at IIT Guwahati since 2022, leading projects on bioinspired photocatalysts. His prior experience includes a Project Associate role at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, where he developed and optimized downstream purification methods for fermentation broths. Earlier, as a Project Assistant at the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, he synthesized catalysts for wastewater treatment, dye degradation, and energy applications, gaining hands-on experience in catalyst fabrication and performance evaluation.
Research Timeline & Activities
His PhD work from 2022 to 2025 involved developing ternary nanocomposites for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction to value-added chemicals. Concurrently, he contributed to projects on downstream purification of fermentation broth using aqueous two-phase systems and hybrid distillation techniques. Dr. Gawal has actively participated in national and international scientific events, presenting his findings at conferences such as the Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference (Germany) and the International Conference on Advanced Nanomaterials & Nanotechnology. He has also undergone specialized training in Density Functional Theory modeling and fuel cell technologies to enhance his research capabilities.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Gawal’s research excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship and MHRD Teaching Fellowship. He has received multiple best oral and poster presentation awards at international conferences, reflecting his strong communication skills and impactful research contributions. His peer-review work for top-tier journals like Separation and Purification Technology and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering further attests to his expertise and standing in the scientific community.
Top Noted Publication
One of Dr. Gawal’s most influential publications is titled “Plant-Derived Phytochemicals for the Synthesis of p-n Junction CuO/CdS Heterostructures for Photocatalytic CO₂ Reduction to Ethanol and Carbon Monoxide” published in ACS Applied Energy Materials (2025). This study highlights green synthesis approaches and demonstrates high photocatalytic efficiency, contributing significant insights into sustainable material design for solar fuel production. The paper is accessible at https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaem.5c00497.
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Solar light-assisted photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with Mo/TiO2: A comparison with Cr- and Ni-doped TiO2
SM Chaudhari, PM Gawal, PK Sane, SM Sontakke, PR Nemade
Research on Chemical Intermediates, 44(5), 3115-3134, 2018
Citations: 81 -
Vegetal route for synthesis of CQDs/CdS nanocomposites for photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol under visible light
PM Gawal, AK Golder
Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 683, 133068, 2024
Citations: 37 -
Advances and challenges in bio-based 2,3-BD downstream purification: A comprehensive review
PM Gawal, S Subudhi
Bioresource Technology Reports, 24, 101638, 2023
Citations: 23 -
Plant-Based Phytochemicals for Synthesis of Z-Scheme In2O3/CdS Heterostructures: DFT Analysis and Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to HCOOH and CO
PM Gawal, AK Golder
Langmuir, 40(20), 13538-13549, 2024
Citations: 12 -
Hybrid extraction distillation for downstream purification of 2,3-butanediol, and ethanol from fermentation broth
PM Gawal, D Mudgil, S Subudhi
Bioresource Technology Reports, 24 (August), 101649, 2023
Citations: 11
Strengths for Best Researcher Award
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Innovative Research in Sustainable Catalysis
Dr. Gawal’s work pioneers green and sustainable catalytic processes, including photocatalytic CO₂ reduction and water splitting, addressing critical global challenges of climate change and clean energy production through advanced nanomaterials and bio-inspired approaches. -
Interdisciplinary Expertise with Experimental and Theoretical Synergy
His unique combination of experimental synthesis of nanocomposites and theoretical Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling enables comprehensive understanding and rational design of catalysts, significantly advancing material science and environmental chemistry. -
Consistent High Impact Scholarly Output
With over 190 citations, an h-index of 7, and numerous publications in high-impact journals, Dr. Gawal has demonstrated a strong and growing influence in photocatalysis, bio-based chemical processing, and nanotechnology fields, with several papers receiving international recognition. -
Leadership and Mentorship in Research
As a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow leading cutting-edge projects at IIT Guwahati and mentoring young researchers, Dr. Gawal exemplifies leadership, fostering innovation and scientific curiosity in the next generation of engineers and scientists. -
Active Engagement and Recognition in the Scientific Community
Dr. Gawal’s participation in prestigious international conferences, receipt of multiple awards including the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship, and peer-review contributions to top journals highlight his commitment to scientific excellence and knowledge dissemination.