Centre Head & Scientist ‘F’ at Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) , Govt. of India
Dr. Milind V. Kulkarni serves as the Centre Head at the Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology (C-MET), Pune, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. With expertise in polymer chemistry and nanomaterials, he has significantly contributed to the development of advanced energy storage solutions, including lithium-ion, sodium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-air batteries. His research extends to flexible and wearable electronic devices, polymer nanocomposites, and biomedical applications, making him a prominent figure in materials science.
Profile
Scholar
Education:
Dr. Kulkarni obtained his M.Sc. degree in Polymer Chemistry from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, in 1996, securing the first rank. He pursued his Ph.D. in 2002 at the University of Pune, specializing in conducting polymer-based sensors. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his future contributions in electroactive polymers and nanomaterials, establishing his career in energy storage and sensor technologies.
Experience:
Dr. Kulkarni began his professional journey in 2001 as a Scientist-B at C-MET, Pune. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in developing active materials for energy storage applications, including cathode and anode materials for lithium and sodium-ion batteries. His work extends to the fabrication of flexible, thin, and all-solid-state batteries. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of smart textiles, electronic noses, and electronic tongues for chemical and biomedical applications. His expertise is widely recognized in academic and industrial circles, leading to his involvement in research committees and advisory roles.
Research Interests:
Dr. Kulkarni’s research interests span nanomaterials, polymer nanocomposites, conducting polymers, and their applications in energy storage, flexible electronics, and biomedical fields. His work on polyaniline-based flexible batteries, lead-free X-ray attenuation materials, and smart fabrics has gained significant attention. He is also engaged in developing polymer nanocomposites for biological applications and sensor technologies, contributing to innovations in healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Awards and Recognitions:
Dr. Kulkarni has received numerous accolades for his contributions. He was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), London, in 2022. He received the ‘Researcher of the Year – 2021: Energy Storage’ award from India Energy Storage Alliances (IESA). His other honors include the Fellowship of the Maharashtra Academy of Sciences (2013), the Young Associate Award (2009), and JRF and SRF awards from DST and CSIR, India. He is a member of several prestigious scientific societies, including The Electrochemical Society (USA), The Electrochemical Society of India, and the Materials Research Society of India.
Publications:
Dr. Kulkarni has published over 115 research papers in international journals, accumulating more than 4,322 citations with an h-index of 36 and an i10-index of 85. He has also filed more than 25 patents, including one each in the US, Canada, and Germany. His significant publications include:
- Kulkarni M.V. et al., (2021), Journal of Energy Storage, “Advances in Polyaniline-Based Electrodes for Energy Storage Applications,” cited by 250 articles.
- Kulkarni M.V. et al., (2020), Materials Today Communications, “Flexible and Wearable Electrochemical Energy Devices,” cited by 190 articles.
- Kulkarni M.V. et al., (2019), ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, “Nanocomposite Coatings for Smart Textiles,” cited by 180 articles.
- Kulkarni M.V. et al., (2018), Electrochimica Acta, “Electroactive Polymers for Printed Electronics,” cited by 170 articles.
- Kulkarni M.V. et al., (2017), Advanced Functional Materials, “Lead-Free X-ray Attenuating Nanomaterials,” cited by 160 articles.
- Kulkarni M.V. et al., (2016), Journal of Materials Chemistry A, “Polymer Nanocomposites in Biomedical Applications,” cited by 150 articles.
- Kulkarni M.V. et al., (2015), Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, “Electronic Nose for Biomedical Diagnostics,” cited by 140 articles.
Conclusion:
Dr. Milind V. Kulkarni’s groundbreaking research in energy storage materials, nanotechnology, and flexible electronics, combined with his strong leadership, mentorship, and impactful patents, makes him an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative contributions extend beyond academic achievements to real-world applications that benefit both industry and society. His outstanding credentials, global recognition, and unwavering dedication to scientific excellence establish him as a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.