Dr. Aparna Gautam | Biodiesel Production | Young Scientist Award

MNNIT Allahabad, Prayagraj | India

Author Profile

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Aparna Gautam began her academic journey with a strong foundation in chemical engineering, earning her m.tech and later a ph.d. from mnnit allahabad, prayagraj, uttar pradesh. her academic curiosity was evident early on, particularly in areas merging chemical processes with sustainable technologies. her doctoral research laid the groundwork for her expertise in biodiesel production and nanophotocatalysis, setting the stage for a future devoted to green innovations and power electronics-assisted process intensification.

🧪 Professional endeavors

As a research scholar at mnnit allahabad, dr. aparna gautam focused her work on process intensification and renewable energy. she has gained hands-on experience in employing advanced techniques such as microwave, ultrasound, and uv irradiation in catalytic reactions. her integration of ionic liquid-based nano-photocatalysts in biodiesel synthesis represents a meaningful advancement in green fuel research. aparna has also presented her findings at national conferences and is actively seeking post-doctoral or professional roles in renewable energy, catalysis, and environmental engineering. in the scope of multidisciplinary research, she has contributed to power electronics-based control systems for optimizing energy efficiency in chemical processes.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Aparna gautam’s research revolves around biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using novel nano-photocatalysts. she designed a titania-supported catalyst integrated with ionic Biodiesel Production liquids, which led to higher yields and accelerated reaction kinetics. her methodology combined green chemistry with physical intensification through power electronics-driven microwave and ultrasound applications. her studies delved into kinetic and thermodynamic analyses of the transesterification process, offering both academic and industrial value. she has published four research papers in reputed sci and scopus-indexed journals, with one patent currently under review.

🌍 Impact and influence

Dr. Gautam’s innovative work contributes directly to environmental sustainability by turning waste into valuable energy. her catalyst synthesis method avoids harmful solvents, offering a safer and eco-friendly alternative for biodiesel production. with an h-index of 3 and growing academic recognition, her work has drawn attention from fellow researchers and industrial practitioners. Biodiesel Production her integration of renewable energy systems with process intensification, especially where power electronics intersect with green technologies, enhances the viability and scalability of sustainable fuels.

📚 Academic citations

Her scholarly impact is evidenced by an h-index of 3 and citations across leading journals in renewable energy and catalysis. her research outputs—especially in the field of nano-enhanced Biodiesel Production catalysis and waste valorization—are referenced in academic circles aiming to replicate or build upon her biodiesel and power electronics-integrated process models. her publication record includes four high-quality papers and a pending patent, further solidifying her standing as an emerging expert in sustainable chemical engineering.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Aparna gautam aims to extend her research in renewable energy by developing scalable models for biodiesel synthesis and environmentally benign catalysts. she is committed to cross-disciplinary collaboration, particularly combining chemical engineering with automation and power electronics for smarter, cleaner processing. her vision includes mentoring future researchers and contributing to national missions on energy security and waste management. through continued innovation, she aspires to pioneer technologies that advance the global agenda of green energy and circular economy.

Notable Publications

Title: Dry route process and wet route process for algal biodiesel production: A review of techno-economical aspects
Authors: A. Gautam, P.R. Bhagat, S. Kumar, D.S. Patle
Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design
Title: Metal-and ionic liquid-based photocatalysts for biodiesel production: a review
Authors: A. Gautam, V.B. Khajone, P.R. Bhagat, S. Kumar, D.S. Patle
Journal: Environmental Chemistry Letters
Title: Novel ionic liquid-based nano-photocatalyst for microwave-ultrasound intensified biodiesel synthesis
Authors: A. Gautam, N.S. Chawade, S. Kumar, Z. Ahmad, D.S. Patle
Journal: Energy Conversion and Management
Title: Optimization, kinetics and thermodynamics of ultrasound assisted and ionic liquid catalyzed in-situ biodiesel synthesis from wet microalgae
Authors: A. Gautam, A. Pandey, K.R. Balinge, V.B. Khajone, P.R. Bhagat, Z. Ahmad, ...
Journal: AIP Conference Proceedings
Title: Optimization and Control of Continuous Biodiesel Production Processes: A Review
Author: A. Gautam
Journal: Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process Intensification

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Li-Ping Yang, embarked on her academic journey in thermal energy and power engineering at jilin university, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2002. her academic curiosity drove her to further explore the field of power machinery and engineering, obtaining her master's degree in 2005 and her ph.d. in 2008. her doctoral thesis, focusing on optimizing the working process and emission control of natural gas engines, was part of the prestigious national “863” high-tech research plan. these formative years laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to advancing sustainable engine technologies and power electronics in energy systems.

🏫 Professional endeavors

Professor yang has held a long-standing academic position at the college of power and energy engineering, harbin engineering university, since 2009. her international experience includes a research fellowship at queensland university of technology (qut), australia, and collaboration with avl list gmbh in austria. currently a full professor, she has consistently contributed to innovative projects in marine and biofuel engine technologies, shaping modern internal combustion engine design and development.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Prof. yang’s research spans a wide array of interdisciplinary themes, notably alternative and renewable fuels, gas/dual fuel engines, combustion simulation, engine emissions control, and Renewable Energy Technologies nonlinear dynamics. she has led numerous national-level projects, including investigations into emission control in lng/diesel engines, dynamic behavior in lean-burned natural gas engines, and oil-gas cooperative combustion control. with deep integration of power electronics in combustion and fuel systems, her work bridges theoretical modeling with practical engineering solutions for green energy.

🌍 Impact and influence

Li-Ping Yang has significantly influenced the field of internal combustion engine optimization and clean energy technologies. her work in integrating hydrogenation reforming, exhaust gas Renewable Energy Technologies recirculation, and simulation models has advanced the global understanding of marine engine emissions control. through government-backed projects, she has influenced the direction of china’s marine energy policies and contributed to critical industrial standards in power electronics-based fuel systems.

📚 Academic cites

Professor yang’s research contributions have been published widely in peer-reviewed journals and presented at prestigious international conferences. her scholarly output continues to be Renewable Energy Technologies cited by global researchers working in combustion science, renewable fuels, and power electronics. her publications often reflect collaborative work and practical applications, reinforcing her reputation as both a theoretician and a solution-oriented engineer.

🚀 Legacy and future contributions

Looking ahead, professor yang is poised to continue her contributions in advancing dual-fuel marine engines and their environmental performance. her ongoing projects with the national natural science foundation of china and the ministry of industry focus on emission reductions and fuel efficiency. her legacy lies in building a future where energy sustainability meets technological precision through smart systems and power electronics innovation.

Notable Publications

Title: Development of a Reduced Chemical Reaction Kinetic Mechanism with Cross-Reactions of Diesel/Biodiesel Fuels
Author(s): Liping Yang, Rui Wang, Ali Zare, Timothy A. Bodisco, Richard J. Brown
Journal: Journal of Marine Science and Application (2025)

Title: Comparison of diesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil as the high-reactivity fuel in reactivity-controlled compression ignition
Author(s): Jacek Hunicz, Liping Yang, Arkadiusz Rybak, Michał S. Gęca, Maciej Mikulski
Journal: Energy Conversion and Management (2025)

Title: Waste plastic pyrolysis oils as diesel fuel blending components: Detailed analysis of combustion and emissions sensitivity to engine control parameters
Author(s): Jacek Hunicz, Arkadiusz Rybak, Dariusz Szpica, Liping Yang, Maciej Mikulski
Journal: Energy (2024)

Title: Effect of split injection strategy of diesel fuel on multi-stage heat release and performance of a RCCI engine fueled with diesel and natural gas
Author(s): Liping Yang, Shuaizhuang Ji, Wenqing Niu, Jacek Hunicz, Richard J. Brown
Journal: Fuel (2024)

Title: An analytical approach to converting vibration signal to combustion characteristics of homogeneous charge compression ignition engines
Author(s): Jacek Hunicz, Michał S. Gęca, Elzbieta Ratajczyk, Liping Yang, Maciej Mikulski
Journal: Energy Conversion and Management (2023)