Talk Title : Recent Advances in Chemical Engineering (Research Scholars’ Day Invited Talk 2025)

Speaker - Prof. Deepak Kunzru, Dean, Graduate School & Research, School of Engineering and Applied Science, Ahmedabad University, Superannuated Professor of ChE, IIT Kanpur.

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Abstract of the talk

Chemical engineering has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, driven by sustainability, digitalization, and material innovation. One of the most notable developments is the rise of green chemistry and sustainable processes. Researchers are focusing on bio-based feedstocks, carbon capture and utilization and energy-efficient chemical reactions to reduce industrial emissions. Electrochemical and photocatalytic methods for converting carbon dioxide into fuels and valuable chemicals have gained traction. Advances in materials and nanotechnology are revolutionizing catalysis, separation processes, and energy storage. In the biomedical field, nanoparticles are being engineered for targeted drug delivery, and development of more affordable diagnostic.
Process intensification is transforming traditional chemical engineering methods. Microreactors, with their high surface-area-to-volume ratios, are enabling continuous manufacturing processes that are both efficient and safer. Advancements in membrane technologies are optimizing separation processes, reducing energy consumption and operational costs. There have been significant advances in biotechnology and biochemical engineering, including the development of biorefineries , biodegradable plastics and engineered microbes for various applications. The applications of AI in chemical engineering is ushering in a new era of innovation. This talk will highlight some of the recent innovations in chemical engineering that are helping to address global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and resource scarcity.

About the Speaker

Prof. Deepak Kunzru is Dean, Graduate School Research and Distinguished Pro- fessor, School of Engineering and Applied Science at Ahmedabad University. He superannuated as Professor of Chemical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 2016. He obtained his B.Tech. from IIT Kanpur in 1968 and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972. He was a Visiting Professor at MIT (2009) and held the Chevron Chair Professorship at IITK.
His research spans microstructured reactors, chemical reaction engineering, petroleum processing, and CO2 utilization. He has led 20 research projects, pub- lished over 110 papers, and edited one book. At IIT Kanpur, he served as Head of the Department, Dean (R&D), and Dean (Resource Planning). He has been an expert in several national committees, including DST/SERB and HPCL Corporate R&D.
Prof. Kunzru is a Fellow of INAE (2002) and NASI (2009). His accolades include the Herdillia Award (IIChE, 1992), Kuloor Memorial Award (1999, 2015), and the IIT Kanpur Institute Fellow Award (2022). He has delivered distinguished lectures at leading institutions and contributed significantly to chemical engineering education and research.

Research Scholar's Day

Research Scholar Day is a yearly one-day event, which showcases the original research of graduate students in the chemical engineering department. The purpose of this symposium is to facilitate scientific discussion, foster student-faculty interactions, and provide a platform for students to present their work to a wider audience. Eminent researchers are invited to deliver lectures every year as part of the plenary talks for the research scholar.