RISE

PhD Program at the Research Institute for Sustainable Energy (RISE, TCG-CREST) is affiliated to AcSIR, an Institute of National Importance.

Under the TCG CREST-AcSIR agreement to promote research and academic collaboration, RISE invites applications from interested candidates for the PhD (Science) program. Candidates successfully completing the program will be awarded the Ph.D. degree by the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), as governed by the AcSIR rules and regulations. The RISE PhD Program at TCG CREST was initiated in 2022 and it combines coursework (theory and laboratory) and original research. At present eight research fellows are pursuing their PhD at RISE.

Interested PhD applicants APPLY HERE

Interested PhD applicants APPLY HERE

Battery and Green Hydrogen Research

Though the research interests of RISE spans several aspects of clean energy, the initial emphasis of the program is on battery development. Our interests in this domain cover most of the identified challenges in this field, especially related to solid state batteries, layered cathodes, polymeric battery materials, framework structures, electrolyte additives etc. We have implemented several in-operando as well as ex-situ advanced characterization schemes to gain deeper insights into the phenomena and related science. This includes advanced electrochemical characterization and analysis methodologies as well. We also have significant interest in developing batteries in different formats such as coin cell, cylindrical cells, pouch cells etc. with an objective of translating laboratory research to application sectors. We are also developing a parallel activity to work on green hydrogen generation (electrolytic water splitting, microbial fuel cells) and clean fuels by carbon dioxide reduction. This work involves intelligent development of special catalysts involving low-cost functional materials including low dimensional materials and multidimensional catalysts.

Research of RISE faculty members can be seen on their webpages listed here.

Relevant publications from RISE group can be found here.

Specific Areas of Research

• Li/Na-ion batteries
• Solid-state batteries
• Li/Na metal and Anode-free batteries,
• In situ interfacial dynamics
• Microstructural chemistry, mechanics, and dynamics
• Electrolyte design
• Electro-catalysis
• Green hydrogen Research
• CO2 reduction
• Microbial fuel cells
• Waste valorization
• DFT and molecular dynamics modelling for energy materials
• DFT modelling of efficient catalysts and understanding reaction mechanisms (photocatalysis/electrocatalysis)

Why Join RISE?

RISE houses state-of-the-art facilities (on par with any advanced battery lab elsewhere) for conducting research on advanced energy storage systems. This includes in-operando electrochemical XPS/XRD/SEM/RAMAN/AFM measurements. RISE is also building up facilities for conducting microbiological/biotechnological research.  RISE has international and national collaborations with institutes like University of Chicago, Uppsala University, Argonne National Laboratory with several other Indian institutes including IISER Pune, allowing extensive interaction and exchange programs. In addition, the faculty at RISE trained in top laboratories in their respective research areas can provide unparalleled mentoring of the PhD students for a competitive edge and excellence in energy science.

Eligibility Criterion

Highly motivated students with M.Sc in Physics / Chemistry / Microbiology  / Biotechnology and other related areas of Material Science may apply for the PhD program in RISE. We generally follow a two level selection procedure involving a written test followed by an interview. Candidates who have already qualified CSIR (NET) JRF will be directly considered for the interview, all others need to appear for the national level test organized by RISE, TCG-CREST and only the shortlisted candidates will be called for the interview. Both the written test and the interviews will be held in online mode.

Interested PhD applicants APPLY HERE