Edwin Tonderai Mombeshora | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Edwin Tonderai Mombeshora | Energy Materials | Best Researcher Award

University of Pretoria | South Africa

Dr. Edwin Tonderai Mombeshora is a materials chemist and academic currently serving as Lecturer in Physical Chemistry at the University of Pretoria (since January 2025), where he teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervises honours and postgraduate students, and coordinates second-year Physical Chemistry practicals, with a research focus on materials development and physicochemical characterization for energy storage applications. He previously lectured in Physical and Materials Chemistry at the University of Zimbabwe (2022–2024) and held several research positions, including Postdoctoral Fellowships at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Swansea University, and the University of the Witwatersrand, specializing in nanomaterials science, electrochemical energy storage systems, biorefinery, and energy conversion. Dr. Mombeshora earned his PhD (2018) and MSc (2015) in Materials Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a BSc Honours in Chemistry (2011) from the University of Zimbabwe. His expertise spans nanotechnology, carbon materials, and energy devices such as solar cells and supercapacitors. He is the recipient of several prestigious fellowships and research grants, including awards from the Water Research Commission, the Australia Africa Universities Network, and the University of Johannesburg’s Global Excellence Stature Fellowship, as well as the SACI Postgraduate Award (2018). Dr. Mombeshora has supervised and mentored students across undergraduate, MSc, and PhD levels, contributed to international conferences, served as guest editor for MDPI’s Processes, and co-authored research articles in leading journals such as RSC Materials Advances, Journal of Materials Science, and Journal of Nanobiotechnology. He is also co-inventor of a US-patented electroconductive composite (2020) and an active member of professional bodies including the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the South African Chemical Institute (SACI).

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Pristine graphene oxide treatment of wastewater from a typical sub-tropical mine in Chegutu, Zimbabwe"

"Towards high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells by utilizing reduced graphene oxide-based composites as potential alternatives to conventional electrodes: A review"

"The prospects of biologically derived materials in perovskite solar cells"

"Towards high-performance lithium-ion batteries by introducing graphene-based materials into LiFePO4 cathodes: A review"

"Dynamics of reduced graphene oxide: synthesis and structural models"

Asis Sethi | Material Science | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Asis Sethi | Material Science | Best Researcher Award 

CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute | India

Author Profiles

Scopus

Orcid ID

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Asis Sethi began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack (2013–2016), where he developed a strong foundation in chemical sciences. His quest for deeper knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Science in Chemistry at Pondicherry University (2016–2018), one of India’s premier institutions. Building upon his academic excellence, he embarked on a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Science at CSIR–Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi, in 2019, where his research is centered on advanced electrochemical energy storage technologies.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Bhadrak Autonomous College under the Department of Higher Education, Odisha (since 2024), Mr. Sethi has committed himself to both teaching and research. His dual role as an educator and researcher enables him to inspire young learners while advancing scientific frontiers in electrochemistry and energy storage. His early recognition as a CSIR-NET/JRF awardee in June 2018 further highlights his academic potential and research capability.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Sethi’s research contributions lie at the intersection of material science, electrochemistry, and sustainable energy. His core research focuses on the design and development of next-generation aqueous batteries, dual ion batteries, zinc-ion batteries, and redox flow systems. His expertise also extends to the synthesis of transition-metal–based materials, development of electrolytes including water-in-salt systems, and advanced cell configurations such as Swagelok, flooded, pouch, and coin cells. His work integrates experimental design with computational insights to address real-world challenges in energy storage and conversion.

Impact and Influence

Through his active participation in national and international conferences, Mr. Sethi has disseminated his findings to a wider scientific audience. He has presented oral talks and posters at IIT Delhi, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, and CSIR-CECRI, as well as representing CSIR at the India International Science Festival (2022). His research has not only enriched the academic community but also contributed to the development of practical solutions in clean energy technologies. His publication record in reputed international journals such as Chemical Communications, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, ChemPhysChem, Batteries & Supercaps, and International Journal of Hydrogen Energy reflects the depth and significance of his scholarly output.

Academic Citations

Mr. Sethi’s research publications are already receiving attention in the scholarly community, evident from his articles featured in high-impact journals, including a cover feature in ChemPhysChem (2023). These citations demonstrate the academic visibility and influence of his work in advancing electrolyte design and energy storage mechanisms. His collaborations with national and international researchers further broaden the scope and recognition of his contributions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a young researcher and educator, Mr. Sethi stands at the forefront of sustainable energy research. His pioneering studies on electrolyte modifications, ion storage mechanisms, and electrode material design hold promise for the development of safer, cost-effective, and eco-friendly batteries. Going forward, he is poised to mentor future researchers, expand his publication portfolio, and contribute significantly to India’s scientific progress in renewable energy and electrochemical storage technologies.

Conclusion

In summary, Mr. Asis Sethi exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated academic, an innovative researcher, and an inspiring mentor. His strong educational foundation, impactful research contributions, and growing academic recognition position him as a valuable asset to the scientific and educational community. With his ongoing commitment to advancing electrochemical energy storage, he is well-suited for recognition such as the Best Researcher Award, underscoring his potential to shape the future of sustainable energy solutions.

Notable Publications

“Strategies for electrolyte modification in aqueous zinc-ion batteries: an antisolvent approach

  • Author: Asis Sethi; Chaithra Rajeev; Anil Kumar U.; Jefin F.; Santoshkumar D. Bhat; Vishal M. Dhavale
  • Journal: Chemical Communications
  • Year: 2025

"Tailored concave platinum nanocrystals for the selective electro-oxidation of formic acid

  • Author: Chaithra Rajeev; Anil Kumar U.; Asis Sethi; L. Muhammed Shahid; Vishal M. Dhavale‏
  • Journal: New Journal of Chemistry
  • Year: 2025

"Effect of Anions in Zn‐Based Aqueous Electrolyte on Electrochemical Performance of Prussian Blue Analogue

  • Author: Asis Sethi; Chaithra Rajeev; Anil Kumar U.; Parul Sharma; Anurag Prakash Sunda; Vishal M. Dhavale
  • Journal: Batteries & Supercaps
  • Year: 2025

"Assessing the impact of an antisolvent-regulated ZnCl2 water-in-salt electrolyte on solvation structure: a multiscale computational validation for aqueous Zn-ion battery application

  • Author: Asis Sethi; Chaithra Rajeev; Anil Kumar U.; Parul Sharma; Anurag Prakash Sunda; Vishal M. Dhavale‏
  • Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A‏
  • Year: 2024

"Special tailoring of a copper–pyromellitic acid complex with sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) to form a composite membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

  • Author: Anil Kumar U.; Rajendran Sakthivel; Asis Sethi; Baskaran Mohan Dass; Santoshkumar D. Bhat; Vishal M. Dhavale
  • Journal: New Journal of Chemistry
  • Year: 2023