Materials and Nano Engineering Research Laboratory
I have carried out the following body of work at the Materials and Nano Engineering Research Laboratory (MNRL), a Centre of Excellence at DIT University, over the course of my undergraduate studies. The laboratory is led by Dr. Parveen Kumar, along with Prof. Surbhi Sachdev, Prof. Manoj Bhatnagar and Dr. Vishakha Kaushik from the Department of Physics, School of Physical Sciences, DIT University are the members who have guided me during my undergraduate research journey. Much of the work done has been collaborative, both within MNRL and with researchers from other laboratories, including Dr. Surjeet Chahal from Chandigarh University, Mohali, India.
I joined MNRL in the first semester of my undergraduate studies and worked their from October 2022 until August 2026. Here I was introduced to nanomaterials research in earnest, beginning with reviews on MXenes, which extended into wastewater treatment and optical sensing. The work documented on this page represents the foundational research that inspired and prepared me for my ensuing research journey.
Laboratory
Institution
Supervisor
Duration
Focus
: Materials and Nano Engineering Research Laboratory
: Department of Physics, DIT University
: Dr. Parveen Kumar
: October 2022 to August 2026
: Photocatalytic Dye Degradation
Industrial Dye Treatment
Of all the work I had taken up in the MNRL, I consider the projects involving photocatalytic degradation of textile dyes within wastewater were the most impactful. The research examined whether nickel oxide on its own, or combined with carbon systems such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes or garphene oxide could improve the treatment of industrial dye, a process with a well-documented environmental impact. This project marked a shift in my research from materials characterisation towards addressing a defined environmental problem. It has shaped my current interest in pursuing nanomaterials research with a clear sustainability application.
Publications:
Subramanyam, S., Phor, L., Suman, Singh, A., Dahiya, S., Selopal, G. S., Kumar, A., Kumar, P., & Chahal, S. (2025). Textile wastewater treatment using ternary hybrid nanocomposites of hexagonal NiO with MWCNT/GO. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 71, Article 107149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jwpe.2025.107149
MXenes
My initial research work started with MXenes with a review of the approaches to synthesis. What struck me early on was the sheer variety of methods reported across literature, each having its distinct advantages and limitations. This had naturally led me to the second review, where I contributed towards the efficiency of MXenes when they are used in energy storage devices as well as the sustainability of the nanomaterial. The subsequent book chapter allowed me to address how MXenes are characterised ince synthesised. These three pieces of work represent a sustained engagement with the same material from three complementary angles: preparation, characterisation and efficiency. It has also allowed me to understand the importance of literature study and how to do it systematically
Publications:
Subramanyam, S., Phor, L., Malik, J., Bhatnagar, M., Kumar, P., & Chahal, S. (2025). MXenes: Structure, synthesis and characterization. In V. Khanna & R. Walvekar (Eds.), MXenes for sustainable development: Comprehensive insights and innovative applications (Chapter 1). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-9408-2_1
Subramanyam, S., Trabelsi, Y., Mahajan, P., Khanna, V., Thakur, A., Chahal, S., Singh, S., Singh, A., & Kumar, S. (2024). Advancing sustainable energy storage with MXenes: A comprehensive analysis of fabrication techniques and applications. Journal of Energy Storage, 101, Article 114067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.114067
Subramanyam, S., Phor, L., Chaudhary, V., Kaushik, V., Kumar, P., & Chahal, S. (2024). Progress in MXene synthesis approaches for energy systems: A comprehensive review. Journal of Energy Storage, 92, Article 112043, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2024.112043
SERS Opti-Sensing
My book chapter on optical sensing via Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy represents a deliberate diversification from my research interests. Whilst the topic remains a newer area of research for me, it has reaffirmed my interest in nanomaterials and their applications
Publications:
Subramanyam, S., Bhatnagar, M., Chahal, S., & Kumar, P. (2025). Probing noble metal-based hybrid nanostructures for SERS opti-sensing. In Advanced optical sensors: Noble metal-based hybrid composites (Progress in Optical Science and Photonics, Vol. 38) (Chapter 2). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-95-1687-2_2
