Dr. Pooja Semalti | Opto Electronics | Women Researcher Award
Research Scientist | Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | India
Dr. Pooja Semalti is a materials scientist with expertise in nanomaterials synthesis, semiconductor thin films, and photocatalysis for energy and environmental applications. She has contributed significantly to the development of quantum dots, multicomponent chalcogenides, and nanocomposites through advanced synthesis and deposition techniques. Her research combines materials chemistry, surface engineering, and electrochemical methods to design efficient photocatalysts and energy harvesting systems. She possesses strong technical expertise in electron microscopy, crystallography, spectroscopy, and surface analysis methods, with hands-on operation of advanced instruments. She has experience in collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary projects across academia and research institutions. She has authored impactful journal publications, book chapters, and review articles in high-impact journals while actively contributing to workshops, training programs, and resource development. Her scientific journey reflects a commitment to sustainable energy and environmental solutions through advanced nanotechnology, with research exposure in leading laboratories in India and abroad, strengthening global scientific collaborations.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Pooja Semalti holds a PhD in Physics with research focused on multicomponent chalcogenide-based nanocrystals for emerging energy harvesting applications, carried out at a premier national research institute. Her doctoral work emphasized solution-processed quaternary and quinary semiconductor nanomaterials, surface engineering, and their applications in photocatalysis and photovoltaics. She has a Master of Science in Physics, where she developed a strong foundation in solid-state physics, optics, and spectroscopy, further honing her skills in experimental techniques and advanced instrumentation. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Physics with Honors from a leading university, where her academic performance and early research interests in material sciences and nanotechnology were recognized with merit awards. Her academic journey has been enriched with specialized training in synthesis, characterization, and electron microscopy methods, enabling her to link fundamental physics with practical applications in sustainable energy and water remediation. Her education reflects consistent excellence and a multidisciplinary scientific orientation.
Professional Experience
Dr. Pooja Semalti is currently working as a Project Scientist at a leading institute, where she is engaged in advanced nanomaterials research, photocatalytic experiments, and training on high-end electron microscopy and characterization techniques while ensuring adherence to laboratory quality standards. She has research experience as a Visiting Researcher at an international materials science institute, where she focused on chalcogenide thin films using electrophoretic deposition and their application in photocatalysis and photo-electrode development. Previously, she served as a Senior Research Fellow at a national physical laboratory, where her work centered on multicomponent nanocrystals for energy harvesting and environmental remediation. She began her research career by gaining laboratory training in nanomaterials synthesis and thin film preparation at a university-level research environment. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in synthesis, microscopy, and electrochemical systems while contributing to international collaborations, peer-reviewed publications, and scientific workshops, strengthening her professional research profile.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Pooja Semalti has received multiple awards and recognitions for her academic excellence and research contributions. She earned a prestigious visiting research fellowship at a leading materials science institute in Japan, providing her with international exposure and collaboration opportunities. She qualified the CSIR–UGC JRF and NET with a high all-India rank, a testament to her strong academic foundation. Her research excellence was further recognized through junior and senior research fellowships at a premier national physical laboratory, enabling her to lead independent projects in nanomaterials and photocatalysis. She has also been actively involved as an organizer and resource person in advanced microscopy and characterization workshops, contributing to knowledge sharing and scientific training. Earlier in her academic career, she was awarded merit certificates in physics and secured top positions in national-level competitions, including youth parliament and science merit tests. She also achieved an excellent percentile in GATE examinations, highlighting her academic achievements.
Research Focus
Dr. Pooja Semalti’s research focuses on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of semiconductor nanostructures and thin films for applications in photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and energy harvesting. Her expertise lies in designing multicomponent chalcogenide nanocrystals and quantum dots through solution-based and deposition methods such as hot-injection, chemical bath deposition, and electrophoretic deposition. She has worked extensively on surface engineering, ligand exchange, and core-shell nanostructures to enhance charge separation and improve photoelectrochemical performance. Her work integrates advanced electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemical characterization to understand structure–property relationships at the nanoscale. A key focus of her research is developing earth-abundant and low-cost materials as alternatives to noble metals for sustainable water remediation and solar energy applications. She combines experimental approaches with laboratory quality practices to ensure reproducibility and reliability. Her long-term goal is to develop scalable nanomaterials-based systems that address global challenges in clean energy, water purification, and environmental sustainability.
Publications
Pioneering advancements in quantum dot solar cells: Innovations in synthesis and cutting-edge applications
Year: 2025
CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots Embedded in ZIF-8 for Broadband Photodetectors
Year: 2025
Liquid-Phase Exfoliation-Based TiS2/Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites for High Retention Symmetric Supercapacitors
Year: 2025
Surface Engineering of Colloidal Quaternary Chalcogenide Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanocrystals via Ligand Exchange for Photo-Induced Charge Separation Applications and Water Remediation
Year: 2025
Transforming CZTS Photocatalysts with Earth-Abundant Co-Catalysts: Ni, Co & Al as Noble-Metal Substitutes for Wastewater Remediation
Year: 2025
Conclusion
Dr. Pooja Semalti is a highly capable and promising researcher whose work bridges fundamental nanoscience and applied technologies for clean energy and water solutions. Her strong academic background, technical expertise, and research achievements position her as an excellent candidate for awards in materials science and sustainable technology. With further expansion into interdisciplinary collaborations and greater international engagement, her contributions can make a significant long-term impact on global scientific and technological advancement.