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

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)

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)

Catalyst for Electrolysers

Funding Agency: Council of Science and Industrial Research, Govt. of India. (CSIR- H2 Mission)
Duration: 2022-2025
Cost: 33 Lakhs (3.3 million)

Nature Inspired Fractal patterned micro-nano-structured catalyst modified electrodes A novel approach for efficient hydrogen production by electrolysis of water

Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology, Nanomission
Duration: 2022-2026
Cost: 91 Lakhs (9.1 million)

Pilot Scale deployment of “AMPRICARE-Instantaneous Hypochlorite Generator Using Kitchen Salt

Funding Agency: North East Center for Technology and Reach, Department of Science and Technology
Duration: 2022-2024
Cost: 21 Lakhs (2.1 million)

Design of molecular complexes derived high temperature electrodeposited catalyst for improved water oxidation reaction in electrolysis of water

Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board
Duration: 2022-2024
Cost: 23 Lakhs (2.3 million)

Detection of Microplastic in Bhopal and Indore

Funding Agency: Comptroller and Auditor General
Duration: 2023-2024
Cost: 3.3 Lakhs (0.33 million)

Development of Arsenic removal media

Funding Agency: Council of Science and Industrial Research, Govt. of India.
Duration: 2021-2023
Cost: 67 Lakhs (6.7 million)

Lab to Field Demonstration of the CSIR-AMPRI developed defluoridation device

Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology
Duration: 2020-2023
Cost: 68 Lakhs (6.8 million)

Evaluation of OxiMax electrochlorinator and OxiMax iron treatment Units

Funding Agency: HES Water Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Industry, Nagpur, India
Duration: 2022
Cost: 3.8 Lakhs (0.38 million)
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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)

Studies on the Utilization of Inert Broken Tiles, Sanitary Wares& Polishing dust/slurry for the Development of Advanced Geopolymeric Prefabricated Precast Pathway Components for Infrastructural Applications

Funding Agency: Central Pollution Control Board
Duration: 2022-2024
Cost: 88 Lakhs (8.8 million)

Development of fly ash based advanced geopolymeric radiation shielding concrete utilizing industrial byproducts

Funding Agency: Council of Science and Industrial Research
Duration: 2022-2024
Cost: 109 Lakhs (10.9 million)

Hydrogen Powered Desalination System using Recycle aluminium

Funding Agency: Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India
Duration: 2020-2023
Cost: 93 Lakhs

Training and Internship on Artificial Intelligence in Hydrological & Environmental Applications

Funding Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board
Duration: 2023
Cost: 3.5 Lakhs (0.35 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)

Development and Fabrication of High-Power Energy and Density Supercapacitor based on Conjugated Microporous Polymer.

Funding Agency: National post doctoral fellowship
Duration: 2020-2022
Cost: 22 lakhs (2.2 million)