Ankush Kumar

About me

Recently completed the Business and Sustainable Development course by NPTEL (Swayam), taught by Prof. Trupti Mishra, IIT Bombay. 🌐

Ankush is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, where he work under the guidance of Prof. Venkatasailanathan Ramadesigan and Prof. Srinivas Seethamraju. Ankush's research explores sustainable pathways for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries, with a particular focus on recovering valuable metals and mitigating the environmental impact of battery waste. Beyond his core research, he is deeply interested in green technologies and the principles of the circular economy.

Research Interests

Waste-to-Resource Technologies: Development of processes to convert waste streams - such as WEEE, end-of-life vehicles, mining residues, industrial sludges, PCB waste, photovoltaic panel waste, combustion ashes, and spent catalysts - into value-added materials.
Sustainability Evaluation: Assessment of sustainable technologies through life-cycle analysis, circular economy frameworks, and policy-oriented evaluation to support environmentally responsible decision-making.
Closed-Loop Material Cycle Design: Design and optimization of industrial processes enabling continuous reuse and recycling of materials within closed-loop production systems.
Green Process Development: Advancement of environmentally benign recycling technologies emphasizing reduced energy consumption, minimized hazardous inputs, and waste-for-waste process integration.
Characterization and Performance Evaluation: Comprehensive characterization and functional testing of recovered materials to ensure quality, purity, and application-specific performance.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Energy Science and Engineering (PhD Thesis Submmited - Jan 11, 2026)
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India
Dissertation: A Waste-for-Waste Approach for Recycling Cathode Black Mass of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries
Supervisors: Prof. Venkatasailanathan Ramadesigan; Prof. Srinivas Seethamraju

Master of Science (M.Sc.), Energy Science and Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India, 2020
Cumulative Grade Point Average: 8.60/10
Dissertation: Assessing Energy Requirements in Spent Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling
Supervisors: Prof. Venkatasailanathan Ramadesigan; Prof. Srinivas Seethamraju

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Applied Chemistry
Central University of Jharkhand, India, 2018
Cumulative Grade Point Average: 7.69/10

Higher Secondary Certificate (Class XII)
Central Academy Senior Secondary School, India, 2015 — 76.5%

Secondary School Certificate (Class X)
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, GB Nagar, India, 2012 — CGPA: 8.6/10

SKILLS

Battery Recycling & Critical Materials
Experience in safe discharge and dismantling of lithium-ion batteries, component separation, and development of combined pyro- and hydrometallurgical routes for recovery of Ni, Co, Mn, and Li. Proficient in leaching process design, selective precipitation, and characterization of recovered products.

Thermal & Conversion Processes
Hands-on experience with pyrolysis, carbonization, wet impregnation, reduction roasting (carbothermal and hydrogen), and co-pyrolysis of battery black mass, biomass, and plastics.

Materials, Electrochemical & Chemical Analysis
Skilled in advanced structural, surface, and compositional characterization (XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS, ICP-AES, XRF, FTIR, GC-MS, CHNS). Experienced in electrochemical testing (CV, EIS, GCD) and catalyst/fuel analysis including TPD/TPR/TPO, GC-FID/TCD, and bomb calorimetry.

Sustainability, Systems & Circular Economy
Expertise in life-cycle assessment (ISO 14040/44), carbon footprinting, and environmental impact analysis. Working knowledge of techno-economic assessment, circular economy principles, waste minimization, and closed-loop material systems for industrial processes.

Supply Chains & ESG Perspectives
Understanding of critical-material supply chains, end-of-life management, responsible sourcing, sustainability reporting, and ESG considerations relevant to energy and materials industries.

Tools & Platforms
openLCA, OriginLab, LaTeX, EC-Lab, CasaXPS, HighScore Plus, FullProf Suite, Microsoft Office; basic Python; introductory experience with FactSage and Thermo-Calc.

Professional Strengths
Strong experimental design, data interpretation, and technical writing skills; ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams; clear scientific communication and professional interpersonal skills.

Research Experiences

PhD Research

As part of my doctoral research, I explored advanced thermal and chemical pathways for the sustainable recovery of critical materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. My investigations focused on combined metallurgy (pyro & hydro) to recover critical materials from spent lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, I conducted comprehensive material balance analyses to quantify material flow efficiency, enabling a deeper understanding of process optimization and scalability in lithium-ion battery recycling.

Co-pyrolysis of polypropylene and spent Li-ion battery cathodes: A combined metallurgy approach to recover valuable metals

Co-pyrolysis generates reducing gases in-situ from polypropylene. Lithium leaching efficiency from the NMC cathode black mass was 92.80 ± 3.22 wt%. Lithium loss observed during water leaching was 24 ± 6.5 wt% from mass balance. Liquid fuel with heating value (∼48 MJ/kg) obtained as a by-product of the process.

M.Sc. Research

My master's research centered on a systematic review of existing recycling technologies for spent lithium-ion batteries, encompassing pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, and emerging direct recovery approaches. In parallel, I performed energy calculations for chemical reactions involved in these recycling processes to evaluate their thermodynamic feasibility.

ASSESSING ENERGY REQUIREMENT IN SPENT LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES RECYCLING - A SIMPLE APPROACH

Enthalpy calculations of chemical reactions involved in recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries

Short Projects

These are short projects completed individually or in groups, often as part of academic courses or independent initiatives.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Electric Vehicle Lithium-Ion Battery (EV LIB) Recycling, Reuse, and Disposal in India

Under the guidance of Prof. Yogendra Shastri (CL 665: Sustainable Engineering Principles, IIT Bombay), conducted a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with ISO 14044 standards to evaluate the environmental impacts, resource use, and energy demand associated with the end-of-life management (recycling, reuse, and disposal) of EV lithium-ion batteries in the Indian context.

CL665_Group 5.pdf

Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of Spent Li-ion Battery Recycling

Under the guidance of Prof. Rangan Banerjee (EN 606: Energy Resources, Economics & Environment, IIT Bombay), evaluated the techno-economic and environmental feasibility of three recycling approaches: direct reuse, conventional recycling, and green technology-based recovery. The analysis utilized metrics such as the Simple Payback Period and Annualized Life Cycle Cost, alongside CO₂ emission reduction potential. Results indicated that while green technologies entail higher initial costs, they offer significantly better environmental performance, particularly when using waste-derived reagents and materials.

EN606 Project Report.pdf

Comparative Analysis of Battery Technologies for Solar Energy Storage: In a literature-based project for the course EN 658: Electrochemical Energy Storage (Instructor: Prof. Sagar Mitra, IIT Bombay), conducted a comparative evaluation of lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries for solar photovoltaic energy storage systems. The analysis considered key parameters such as energy capacity, power rating, round-trip efficiency, depth of discharge, operational lifetime, and levelized cost per unit energy. The study concluded that lithium-ion batteries are better suited for grid-scale installations due to their higher efficiency and longer lifespan, while lead-acid batteries remain a viable choice for low-income residential applications due to their affordability.
Rechargeable Seawater Batteries as Sustainable Alternatives to LIBs: For the MM 700 course on Electrochemical Energy Storage (Instructor: Prof. Amartya Mukhopadhyay, IIT Bombay), conducted a literature review exploring the potential of seawater-based rechargeable batteries as sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion technology for stationary applications. The project examined key aspects such as sodium-ion transport from seawater (~50 mS/cm conductivity) and evaluated three cathodic reaction mechanisms: oxygen evolution/reduction (OER/ORR), chloride ion capture, and NiHCF-based redox reactions. Comparative analysis highlighted trade-offs between lower-cost carbon-felt electrodes and higher-efficiency NiHCF electrodes, emphasizing the design challenges and promise of scalable, ocean-derived energy storage systems.
Degradation Mechanisms in Lithium-ion Batteries: Role of Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI): As part of MM 717: Electrochemical Materials Science, under the instruction of Prof. S. Parida, IIT Bombay, performed a detailed literature review focusing on degradation mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries, with emphasis on the formation and growth of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The study examined the physicochemical evolution of SEI over charge-discharge cycles, its role in capacity fading, and strategies to improve battery lifespan through materials engineering.

Collaborative Research

These research projects were led by my colleagues, with whom I collaborated and learned new methodologies and concepts through their guidance and our collective efforts.

Co-Pyrolysis of Biomass and Plastics: In collaboration with Dr. Praveen Kumar K. and Dr. Srinivas Seethamraju, I contributed to experimental research on the co-pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass and plastic waste for the production of alternative fuels. My responsibilities included the synthesis of zeolite catalysts, preparation of pyrolytic oil samples, and participation in the physicochemical characterization of both catalysts and pyrolysis products. This study aimed to enhance fuel yield and product quality while promoting sustainable waste-to-energy conversion strategies.
Biomass-Derived Activated Carbon for Supercapacitor Applications: In a multidisciplinary research initiative with Mr. Shubham Kumar, Ms. Rajshree Dugani, Dr. Smrutiranjan Parida, and Dr. Sandeep Kumar, I was involved in the development of activated carbon materials derived from biomass for application in energy storage devices, specifically supercapacitors. Assisted in chemical activation and acid washing treatments to optimize porosity and surface characteristics of the carbon materials. Additionally, supported in advanced material characterization analysis of activated carbon. This work contributes to the development of low-cost, sustainable electrode materials for next-generation energy storage technologies.

Professional Experiences

Delhi Government, India

(Consultancy Project under PhD Supervisors)

Contributed to drafting implementation guidelines for the recycling of traction batteries as part of the Delhi Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy. The project focused on developing practical and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sound recycling practices for end-of-life EV batteries.

Duration: July – August 2021

Punaha Battery Renescance Pvt. Ltd

(Consultancy Project under PhD Supervisors)

Contributed to an industrial consultancy project focused on evaluating the environmental impact of battery regeneration. Specifically assessed carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from regenerated lead-acid battery processes compared to emissions from manufacturing new batteries. The study aimed to support sustainable battery practices through comparative life cycle emission analysis.

Duration: July – December 2021

Engagements & Achievements

Conferences

MRS Fall Meeting and Exhibit, Materials Research Society (oral presentation, Dec 2024): Comparison of Carbothermal and Hydrogen Reduction for Recycling Valuable Materials from Cathode Black Mass of Spent Lithium-ion Batteries
Batteries, Gordon Research Conference (poster presentation, Feb 2024): Co-pyrolysis of polypropylene and spent Li-ion battery cathodes: A waste-for-waste approach to recover valuable metals. [Link]
Conference on Emergent Materials for Energy and Environment, IIT Roorkee (poster presentation, March 2023): Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries cathodes to simple oxides and carbonates by low-temperature carbothermal reduction

Selected Talks

Energy Day 2025, Department of Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay (April 2025): Combined Metallurgical Approach for Lithium Carbonate Recovery and Transition Metal Separation from Spent Lithium-ion Batteries. [Link]
Workshop on Applications of Advanced Analytical Techniques in Research & Industry, IIT Bombay (Feb 2025): Role of Advanced Analytical Techniques in Recycling of Spent Lithium-ion Batteries. [Link]
TechConnect Energy Symposium, Techfest IIT Bombay (Dec 2024): Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries. [Link]
Joint EPS-SIF International School on Energy, Società Italiana di Fisica (July 2021): Assessing Energy Requirement in Spent Lithium-ion Batteries Recycling - A Simple Approach. [Link]

Trainings

Workshop on Applications of Advanced Analytical Techniques in Research & Industry (Feb 2025): The workshop focuses on sharing knowledge about the fundamentals, latest technologies, and applications of advanced analytical instruments used for measuring, analyzing, and characterizing various materials, chemicals, and biological samples. Supported by the Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility (SAIF) / Centre for Research in Nanotechnology & Science (CRNTS) & Centre for Sophisticated Instruments and Facilities (CSIF) IIT Bombay, Mumbai, India & Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
Seven-day Synergistic Training Program Utilizing the Scientific and Technological Infrastructure (Dec 2022): Training with theory, principles, and hands-on sessions on material characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, TGA, etc.). Industrial visit to HORIBA and live instrument demonstrations. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Financial Support & Awards

Support through IIT Bombay

In December 2024, received a Conference Financial Grant of INR 2,20,000 under the Institute of Eminence (IoE) scheme, provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC), India, through IIT Bombay. This grant supported Ankush's travel and participation in the 2024 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
In February 2024, was granted Conference Financial Assistance of INR 2,20,000 by IIT Bombay to attend the Batteries 2024 conference organized by the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) in Ventura, California, USA.
Since 2018, Ankush have been receiving a Teaching Assistantship as part of the M.Sc.–Ph.D. program at IIT Bombay. This assistantship, supported by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, includes a monthly stipend and academic responsibilities such as assisting in conducting conferences organised by department, and assisting in courses etc.

Support from External Organizations

In December 2024, Ankush was selected as a Symposium Assistant for the 2024 MRS Fall Meeting & Exhibit in Boston, Massachusetts. In recognition of his service, the Materials Research Society (MRS) waived the registration fee and provided financial support of USD 170.
In February 2024, Ankush received Partial Conference Registration Support worth USD 1,000 from the Gordon Research Conference (GRC) to attend the Batteries 2024 conference in California, USA.
In July 2021, Ankush was awarded a Full Fee Waiver of EUR 150 by the Joint EPS-SIF International School on Energy 2021 for participating in their international online program focused on energy research and innovation.

Awards Earned for Performance or Competitions

In 2019, Ankush was part of the winning team at Shell Energy Day, IIT Bombay. His team secured first prize for our innovative project, received an INR 2,000 Amazon gift card, and were selected to attend the MTF-Nxplorers Workshop for further training in sustainable energy problem-solving.
In 2011, Ankush was selected for the national-level competition in the Under-17 Junior Category at the 24th Regional Basketball Competition, organized by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti at JNV J.P. Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

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