Dr. Archana’s Research Group

Research

Water Treatment

Our lab develops advanced, sustainable materials for water purification, targeting contaminants like fluoride, arsenic, iron, and harmful bacteria (e.g., E. coli) through innovative adsorbents. We’ve also created an eco-friendly hypochlorite device that produces disinfectant from salt and water, offering a cost-effective, chemical-free solution for homes, hospitals, and public spaces. Additionally, we study microplastic contamination in water and ecosystems, conducting lab and field analyses, including in the Bhopal region, to understand its impact and pathways and to inform sustainable waste management strategies.

Hydrogen Production

The efficiency of H2 production from water will dictate the pace of the global transition to a Hydrogen Economy, and we are involved in the pursuit of high-performance electro catalysts based on first row transition elements synthesised by different methods like solvothermal, electrodeposition, coprecipitation characterized by high activity, exceptional stability, and exclusive selectivity. We are engaged in analyzing the dynamic alterations of catalysts under catalytic turnover settings for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER)and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

Our team is focused on Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction (ECO₂R) by developing innovative catalysts and optimizing reaction conditions for improved efficiency and selectivity. We focus on converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels with minimal energy input, using high-performance catalysts to reduce operational costs. By enhancing reaction kinetics, stability, and scalability, we aim to make ECO₂R commercially viable. Our goal is to enable global deployment, reducing CO2 emissions while creating economic value through marketable products, contributing to a sustainable, carbon-neutral future​.

Waste to Value-Added Products

Our lab transforms waste into high-value materials to address environmental and energy challenges. By extracting metals from e-waste, we develop electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation through water and urea oxidation, as well as CO₂ reduction. Additionally, we repurpose waste toner and NiMH batteries into adsorbents for removing fluoride, iron, and arsenic from water. Guided by green chemistry and circular economy principles, we provide sustainable solutions for renewable energy and water purification.

Projects

As Principal Investigator

E-waste from spent nickel metal hydride battery: promising materials for hydrogen generation by alkaline electrolysis of water and water treatment application

Funding Agency: Council of Science and Industrial Research, Govt. of India. (CSIR- Waste to Wealth Mission)
Duration: 2023-2026
Cost: 67 Lakhs (6.7 million)

Metal Nitrides for hydrogen generation by urea electrolysis

Funding Agency: Indo German Science and Technology Center, DST, India
Duration: 2024-2027
Cost: 39 Lakhs (3.9 million)

As Co-Principal Investigator

Up-scalling of Fly Ash based Advanced Geopolymeric Roller Compacted Concrete for all weather road application

Funding Agency: Council of Science and Industrial Research
Duration: 2023-2026
Cost: 140 Lakhs (14.0 million)

As Mentor

Catalyst for electrochemical reduction of CO2 to value added products

Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board
Duration: 2024-2029
Cost: 35 Lakhs (3.5 million)