Arul Pundi | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Dr. Arul Pundi | Materials Chemistry | Chemical Scientist Award

Postdoctoral Research Fellow | Feng Chia University | Taiwan

Dr. Pundi Arul is an emerging early-career researcher at Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan, contributing to advancing photocatalysis, polymer composites, and defect-engineered semiconductor materials. He has authored 14 peer-reviewed publications that have collectively received 328 citations, demonstrating the growing visibility and scientific influence of his work within the global materials science community, and his h-index of 10 underscores the impact of his research relative to his career stage. His primary research focus lies in the design, synthesis, and optimization of vacancy-engineered polymeric and graphitized carbon nitride photocatalysts, materials that hold significant promise for solar energy conversion, environmental remediation, and sustainable oxidation–reduction reactions. His recent comprehensive review on vacancy defects provides valuable mechanistic insights and offers strategic guidance for future photocatalyst development. Beyond defect engineering, Dr. Arul’s research interests encompass polymer science, nanomaterials, photocatalytic reaction pathways, and semiconductor modifications aimed at improving light absorption and charge-carrier dynamics. He frequently employs advanced characterization tools to probe structure–property relationships, contributing to more rational and efficient catalyst design. Collaboration is a key dimension of his scientific work, reflected in his co-authorship with 25 researchers across interdisciplinary and international projects, strengthening the depth and application potential of his studies in sustainable materials and green energy technologies. With research aligned toward global priorities in clean energy and environmental protection, Dr. Arul’s contributions support the development of next-generation photocatalytic systems capable of pollution mitigation and renewable energy harvesting. Through his expanding research trajectory, he continues to establish himself as a promising scientist in materials chemistry and photocatalytic science.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Pundi, A., Chang, C. J., Chen, J., Hsieh, S. R., & Lee, M. C. (2021).A chiral carbazole based sensor for sequential “on-off-on” fluorescence detection of Fe³⁺ and tryptophan/histidine.
Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 328, 129084.Cited by: 95

Pundi, A., & Chang, C. J. (2022).Recent advances in synthesis, modification, characterization, and applications of carbon dots.Polymers, 14(11), 2153.Cited by: 67

Pundi, A., Chang, C. J., Chen, Y. S., Chen, J. K., Yeh, J. M., Zhuang, C. S., & Lee, M. C. (2021).An aniline trimer-based multifunctional sensor for colorimetric Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Ag⁺ detection, and its complex for fluorescent sensing of L-tryptophan.Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 247, 119075.Cited by: 34

Reddy, P. M., Hsieh, S. R., Lee, M. C., Chang, C. J., Pundi, A., Chen, Y. S., Lu, C. H., & others. (2019).Aniline trimer based chemical sensor for dual responsive detection of hazardous CN¯ ions and pH changes.Dyes and Pigments, 164, 327–334. Cited by: 27

Pundi, A., & Chang, C. J. (2023).Recent developments in the preparation, characterization, and applications of chemosensors for environmental pollutants detection.Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 11(5), 110346.Cited by: 25

Dr. Pundi Arul’s research advances next-generation sensing and photocatalytic materials, enabling cleaner environments, sustainable technologies, and high-precision analytical tools. His innovations contribute directly to global efforts in environmental protection, renewable energy, and advanced material design.

Svetlna Ilić| Materials Chemistry| Best Researcher Award

Published on by Chemical Scientist

Dr. Svetlna Ilić| Materials Chemistry| Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate at Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia,Serbia.

🔬 Short Biography 🌿💊📚

Dr. Svetlana Ilić is a Senior Research Associate at the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, part of the University of Belgrade and a national research institute in Serbia. She is affiliated with the Materials Laboratory, where her work focuses on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanostructured materials for diverse applications—ranging from energy and mechanical engineering to environmental protection and biomedical uses vinca.rs +1 intranet.vin.bg.ac.rs +1 . Dr. Ilić earned her B.Sc. in Inorganic Chemical Technology from the University of Belgrade (2008) and completed her Ph.D. (2018) at the same institution, specializing in sol–gel synthesis and characterization of iron‑doped mullite . Her current research includes developing modified clay separation media, porous semiconductors, oxide-based ceramics, and catalytic filters for diesel particulate removal

PROFILE 

ORCID

Scopus

🔍 Summary of Suitability:

Dr. Svetlana Ilić is a dedicated and accomplished researcher with impactful contributions to ceramic materials science. Her focus on sustainable and functional ceramics derived from natural or waste sources demonstrates her commitment to practical solutions in energy and environmental applications. She also exemplifies academic responsibility through reviewer and editorial roles and active collaboration in European research networks.

🎓 Education

Dr. Svetlana Ilić completed both her Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Serbia 🇷🇸. Her academic training laid a strong foundation in materials science, particularly in ceramic processing, powder metallurgy, and advanced characterization techniques. This comprehensive education has been instrumental in shaping her successful research career in functional ceramics and nanomaterials.

🧪 Experience

Since February 1, 2011, Dr. Ilić has been serving as a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Materials, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade 🔬. Her work focuses on the synthesis and consolidation of pure and doped mullite powders, development of dense and porous ceramics, and the utilization of natural raw materials for ceramic production. She is highly skilled in structural, microstructural, and mechanical characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and nanoindentation. Over the years, she has participated in multiple national and international projects related to refractory materials, LTCC materials, thermal insulators, and porous ceramic structures.

🛠️ Skills

Dr. Ilić possesses a versatile set of technical and soft skills. Technically, she is proficient in advanced materials synthesis and characterization methods. She demonstrates high competency in using tools like XRD, SEM, nanoindentation, and spectroscopy. In addition to her experimental expertise, she is highly organized, responsible, and an effective communicator. She is fluent in Serbian and proficient in English, and adept in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and various digital research platforms. Her collaborative spirit, adaptability, and willingness to learn make her a valuable member of interdisciplinary research teams.

🏅 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Ilić’s scientific excellence is reflected through her active involvement in editorial and peer review activities. She served as a Guest Editor for Metallurgical and Materials Data between April and July 2024 and has reviewed articles for prestigious journals including the Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, and Ceramics International. Her contributions as a reviewer and editor underscore her expertise and respected position in the ceramic science community, even though specific awards are not listed.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ilić’s research is primarily centered on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanostructured and ceramic materials for applications in energy, environmental protection, and mechanical systems. She specializes in mullite-based ceramics—both dense and porous—as well as in the development of refractory and insulating materials from natural and waste sources. Her recent work includes modifying porous ceramics with nano-additives for improved catalytic performance, studying the magnetic properties of self-assembled graphene films, and developing materials for wastewater treatment and diesel particulate filtration. Her involvement in European COST Actions and multidisciplinary projects highlights her commitment to sustainable materials science and applied research.

Publications & Citations 📚

  • Ilić, S., Maletaškić, J., Skoko, Ž., Vuksanović, M. M., Radovanović, Ž., Ristović, I., & Šaponjić, A. (2025). Utilization of waste clay–diatomite in the production of durable mullite-based insulating materials. Applied Sciences, 15(13), 7512. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137512

  • Savić, A., Vuksanović, M. M., Savić, M., Knežević, N., Šaponjić, A., Ilić, S., & Egelja, A. (2025). Modified silica particles coated with Cu–Al layered double hydroxide for phosphate and arsenate removal in water treatment. Molecules, 30(10), 2138. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30102138

  • Ilic, S., Šaponjić, A., Ivanovski, N. V., Posarac-Marković, M., Kokunesoski, M., Janacković, D., & Devecerski, A. (2024). Influence of iron on the mullite formation. Science of Sintering, 56(4), 425–438. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS240425017I

  • Posarac-Marković, M., Jovic Orsini, N., Ilic, S., Kuzmanovic, M., Šaponjić, A., Radovanović, Z., & Matović, B. (2024). Structural and morphological studies on yttrium-doped magnesium aluminate spinel powders synthesized by mixed-fuel solution combustion synthesis approach. Science of Sintering, 56(8), 821–836. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS240821036P

  • Ružić, J., Maletaškić, J., Radovanović, Ž., & Ilić, S. (2024). Mechanical properties of mullite investigated by nanoindentation. Metallurgical and Materials Data, 29, Article 29. https://doi.org/10.30544/MMD29

  • Kokunesoski, M., Janacković, D., Kićević, D., Ilic, S., & Šaponjić, A. (2023). The effect of acrylate on the properties and machinability of alumina ceramics. Science of Sintering, 55(1), 103–115. https://doi.org/10.2298/SOS2301103K

🔍 Conclusion:

Highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Ilić combines scientific excellence, sustained productivity, community service, and innovation. She stands out as a role model in applied materials research and is poised to make further significant contributions on a global scale with continued support and recognition.