Voice of PhD : Interesting Interaction In The Field Of Solar Fuel Production

About Our Esteemed Guest :

Mr. Anupam Dey is a Chemist conducting his research in the field of Solar Fuel Production.

{A brief overview of her long career track in science:

B.Sc. in Chemistry from Jadavpur University, Kolkata (2015-2017).

M.Sc. in Chemistry from Jadavpur University, Kolkata (2017-2019).

Currently pursuing Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre For Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore.}

1. What’s your field of research?

My research field is based on – ‘The development of the crystalline porous organic materials for solar fuel production from CO 2 ’.

2. Why this research field is significant?

In this modern world, with the gradual increase of population energy demand is also increasing.

Because of this overconsumption of fossil fuels occurs which leads to the energy crisis as well as increases the CO 2 level in the

atmosphere i.e., global warming. To address the above issues, we have to develop some energy conversion techniques where we can

convert CO 2 to useful chemicals and fuels (e.g.-CH 4 , methanol, ethanol etc.) by much abundant solar energy.

In this field of research, the main challenge is to develop a suitable photocatalyst that can reduce the energy barrier for solar energy to

chemical energy conversion process from CO 2 . So, we are trying to develop organic porous materials as a photocatalyst that can

capture CO 2 in their pores and helps to convert it into a variety of chemicals and fuels. We also focus on organic porous materials

because organic materials are cheaper, less toxic and environment friendly compared to inorganic materials.

3. How did you get into this field?

Honestly speaking, I didn’t choose this field intentionally. After joining the lab, I started working on it. Now, I feel that I am fortunate

enough to work in a field that is directly related to human issues and developments.

4. Which criteria a science student must have to start a research career in this field?

First, Students have to be enthusiastic about science to enter into any scientific research field. Then, I think 3 things are very important

to carry out long research carrier – patience, hard work, and consistency.

5. Career opportunities in this field.

This research field has a very good impact on society. Lots of people all over the world from a different country is working on the same

problems. That’s why career opportunities are also plenty. Besides this conventional academia, many industries all over the world

already has started working on the CO2 reduction in industry scale. That’s why many start up also arising based on this research. So,

researcher has many options in this field- they can stay in academia, can join industry or start up.

6. What is your career plan after your Ph.D.? Are you interested to pursue post-doctoral research or planning to join an industry-based job? Kindly explain your view.

After my Ph.D., my plan is to pursue post-doctoral research abroad instead of joining an industry- based job instantly.

Because I want to know about the science culture and technology of progressive part of the world like-USA, Europe.

I feel that compared to industry related job, in a research career, there will be more opportunities to deal with new problems and new

learnings which excites me a lot.

That’s why I want to continue my career as a postdoc. fellow for some years at least. Then eventually because of my job, I can think

about academics, or industry based on my situation.