Dr. Palash Kumar Mollick is a distinguished scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, since 2009, and an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Homi Bhabha National Institute. He is a recipient of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Post-doctoral Fellowship (EU), and has collaborated with the University of the Basque Country, Spain. Dr. Mollick has made groundbreaking contributions to clean hydrogen production from waste plastic via plasma pyrolysis, and in the fabrication of advanced TRISO nuclear fuel coatings. His innovations span plasma technology, catalytic gasification, and the development of indigenous medical isotopes for liver cancer therapy. He is also a key developer of polycarbosilane, carbon fibre, and ceramic composites for nuclear, defence, and space applications. He has published over 30 journal articles and delivered 30+ invited talks. His efforts have significantly advanced India’s self-reliance in cutting-edge technology and clean energy sectors.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Palash Kumar Mollick’s academic journey is marked by excellence and innovation. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and pursued advanced post-doctoral research under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship in the European Union. His international post-doctoral research experience at the University of the Basque Country, Spain, enabled him to deepen his expertise in chemical process development, plasma processing, and clean energy technologies. Over the years, his academic foundation has been crucial in advancing indigenous technologies for hydrogen production, ceramic coatings, and cancer therapies. He has also contributed extensively to knowledge dissemination through teaching and mentoring at the Homi Bhabha National Institute, where he serves as an Associate Professor. His education has equipped him with interdisciplinary capabilities that bridge reaction engineering, material science, and nuclear technology, making him a valued expert in national and international research collaborations.
Professional Experience
Dr. Mollick has over 15 years of scientific and academic experience, beginning with his appointment as a scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He has since led numerous projects in plasma technology, pyrolysis, and chemical vapor deposition, developing critical technologies such as hydrogen production from plastic waste and multi-layered nuclear fuel coatings (TRISO). As a faculty member at Homi Bhabha National Institute, he has guided research in chemical engineering, training the next generation of Indian scientists. He also completed a prestigious post-doctoral tenure in Spain, where he worked on developing clean energy systems. His work has led to vital innovations like Yittria-Alumino-Silicate microspheres for liver cancer and indigenously developed carbon fibres and polycarbosilane. His impact spans from advanced reactor materials to defence applications, making him a pioneer in India’s nuclear and clean energy landscape.
Research Interest
Dr. Mollick’s research focuses on clean hydrogen production, nuclear fuel processing, and indigenous technological development for medical and defence applications. His innovative work in plasma pyrolysis transforms waste plastic into hydrogen fuel, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. He has significantly contributed to the development of TRISO-coated nuclear fuel particles, a key element in India’s advanced reactor programs. His research also extends to computational fluid dynamics (CFD), ceramic and composite materials, carbon fibre synthesis, and plasma-assisted coating techniques. Dr. Mollick has engineered scalable technologies to produce Yittria-Alumino-Silicate glass microspheres for liver cancer treatment, reduing India’s dependence on costly imports. His interest in reaction engineering, fluidized bed systems, and pre-ceramic polymers supports strategic national goals in nuclear, space, and defence sectors. His work seamlessly integrates fundamental science with industrial application, making him a vital force in the pursuit of sustainable technology solutions.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Palash Kumar Mollick has earned several high-profile awards in recognition of his pioneering research and technological innovations. He was awarded the Young Engineer Award by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). He received the Young Scientist Award from the Department of Science & Technology (DST). He was conferred the Excellence in Science & Technology Award by the DAE, Government of India. Most recently, The Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) honored him with the Excellence in Process/Product Development Award. These accolades underscore his significant role in advancing indigenous clean energy, reactor technology, and medical isotope development. His international recognition includes the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship awarded by the European Union, validating his global standing in the field of chemical engineering and energy systems.
Publications Top Noted
Assessment of stability of spouted bed using pressure fluctuation analysis
Authors: PK Mollick, D Sathiyamoorthy
Citations: 43 | Year: 2012
Deposition of diversely textured buffer pyrolytic carbon layer in TRISO coated particle by controlled manipulation of spouted bed hydrodynamics
Authors: PK Mollick, R Venugopalan, M Roy, PT Rao, D Sathiyamoorthy, …
Citations: 36 | Year: 2015
Parameters affecting efficient solid circulation rate in draft tube spouted bed
Authors: PK Mollick, AB Pandit, PK Vijayan
Citations: 26 | Year: 2018
CFD coupled kinetic modeling and simulation of hot wall vertical tubular reactor for deposition of SiC crystal from MTS
Authors: PK Mollick, R Venugopalan, D Srivastava
Citations: 24 | Year: 2017
Modeling of chemical vapor deposition of pyrolytic carbon in a gas-spouted bed reactor
Authors: PK Mollick, D Sathiyamoorthy, PT Rao, VG Rao
Citations: 22 | Year: 2011
Conclusion
Dr. Palash Kumar Mollick is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Renewable Energy. His breakthrough technologies in clean hydrogen production, coupled with his impactful contributions to nuclear fuel advancement, indigenous medical technologies, and materials for strategic sectors, mark him as a transformative figure in sustainable science and innovation. His blend of research, technology development, and national mission alignment makes him not just deserving—but exemplary—for this recognition. With strategic amplification in global renewable energy networks, Dr. Mollick has the potential to shape the future of clean energy solutions both in India and internationally.