suraj talekar
About Candidate
Education
I have gained both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in Nanoscience and Technology, with expertise in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization. I am skilled in handling advanced instruments such as AFM, XRD, STM, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, cyclic voltammetry systems, and gas reactors. My hands-on experience includes synthesis methods such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), sputtering, electrodeposition, drop casting, hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis, spray pyrolysis, coating techniques, cell assays, and green synthesis. Along with this technical expertise, I have explored the applications of nanomaterials in sensors, semiconductors, gas capture and conversion, and energy storage and conversion, as well as their biological, physical, chemical, and electronic uses.
I have completed my undergraduate studies in Chemistry, with Physics and Mathematics as supportive subjects. During this period, I gained both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience, particularly in synthesis techniques. My coursework and practical training helped me understand fundamental physical phenomena and develop strong problem-solving skills in mathematics. As part of my academic journey, I undertook a project focused on the synthesis of nanoparticles and the investigation of their photocatalytic activity and antimicrobial properties.
Work & Experience
As a summer intern, I conducted research on Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), focusing on synthesizing materials for gas conversion reactions. My work involved reducing harmful gases by capturing and converting them into less harmful forms. During this period, I gained hands-on experience with gas reactors and performed extensive material synthesis using techniques such as doping and ultrasonication. I also worked on developing core–shell particles as potential catalysts. Alongside experimental work, I carried out detailed analysis and theoretical studies to better understand the catalytic mechanisms.
I successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for photocatalytic degradation of dye-contaminated water, targeting methylene blue, methyl orange, and ethylene blue. The unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity under light irradiation. A green approach using Dracaena trifasciata extract was employed for synthesis, contributing functional groups that enhanced stability and catalytic efficiency. This plant-based method improved biocompatibility and introduced bioactive compounds that facilitated dye degradation. Beyond photocatalysis, the synthesized AgNPs exhibited strong antimicrobial activity, likely due to silver's intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Characterization techniques included UV-Vis spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and XRay Diffraction (XRD). Antimicrobial potential was evaluated in a microbiology laboratory, where AgNPs showed excellent activity against microbial contaminants.
I am currently working on a battery system research project focused on graphene-based electrodes and their composites, along with the development and optimization of electrolytes for electrochemical cells. My work specifically involves magnesium-ion battery systems, where I am gaining practical and theoretical knowledge of battery chemistry, design, and applications. As part of this project, I am actively using electrochemical characterization techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), to evaluate charge storage behavior, reaction kinetics, and interfacial properties. I assess overall cell performance, cycling stability, and electrochemical efficiency to understand the suitability of the developed materials for energy storage applications.
