Kalpesh Khot

I have submitted my Ph.D. dissertation work entitled ‘’Design and Synthesis of Functionalized Ligands for Adsorptive Separation of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 Mixtures’’ on 20th Match 2015 at Institute of Chemical Technology (Formerly UICT/UDCT), Mumbai, India conducting research in the area of Functionalized Polymers for Gas Separation, as part of Professor Vilas G. Gaikar’s Indo-EU collaborated DST-AMCOS-funded project on Advanced Materials as CO2 Removers: A Computational Study of CO2 Sorption Thermodynamics and Kinetics. I investigated the effect of different functionalized polymeric adsorbents on CO2 adsorption and its selective separation from CH4 and N2. In particular, I have contributed to the understanding and design of functionalities that specifically interact with CO2 and thereby resulting in its effective separation from other gases. As an example, I applied the basic chemistry to synthesize aliphatic and aromatic functionalized polymeric adsorbents for CO2 sequestration. These adsorbents ensured physical adsorption of CO2 and therefore, effective regeneration by mere pressure swing. (Kalpesh M. Khot, Parminder Kaur K. S. Heer, Rajesh B. Biniwale, Vilas G. Gaikar Equilibrium Adsorption Studies of CO2, CH4 and N2 on Amine Functionalized Polystyrene. Separation Science and Technology, 2014, 49, 2376.) The capability of adsorbents to efficiently separate CO2 at higher temperatures was demonstrated by pulse chromatographic studies (Kalpesh M. Khot, Parminder Kaur K. S. Heer, Rajesh B. Biniwale, Vilas G. Gaikar Pulse Chromatographic Studies of Adsorption of CO2, CH4 and N2 using Amine Functionalized Polystyrene. Separation Science and Technology, 2015, 15, 718-728), while their commercial application was confirmed by pressure swing adsorption experiments.
These findings led to my further designing of functionalities with higher selectivities for CO2 still maintaining the physical nature of adsorption. This includes synthesis of 4 functionalized Terdendate N-heterocyclic pyridine based ligands which was covalently tethered on to polystyrene matrix. The chelating moieties were prepared with a synthetic handle at the 4-position of the pyridine via chlorination which was then subjected to aromatic substitution with other heterocyclic molecule. The presence of more Lewis basic sites (‘N’ atom) and hydrogen bonding in these ligands was responsible for stronger interaction of CO2 thereby resulting into its higher equilibrium constant as well as selectivity for CO2. My Ph.D. research work is thus, a comprehensive study on the conceptual design of polymers for gas separation. (Indian Patent: Amine functionalized CO2 selective polystyrene adsorbents for CO2, CH4 and N2 separation, (4142/MUM/2013 A), Vilas Gajanan Gaikar, Parminder Kaur Khabinder Singh Heer, Kalpesh Mohan Khot, Filed on 2013-12-31, Publication date 2014-01-24) The opportunities of conducting innovative idea based experimental work have augmented my potential to understand any kind of system; conduct the experiments, analyze the experimental data and retrieve important information about the system. However, I also did brief experimental hands on experience on experimentation pertaining to photochemical assisted conversion of CO2 into value added derivatives like methanol using nano size silica based particles modified by using above discussed functionalized ligands during the later part of my doctoral research years. The said experimentations resulted in relatively good conversion and products yields also followed by effective regeneration of catalyst caused by presence of tertiary ‘N’ atom moiety of the catalyst. Furthermore, I am also well versed with modeling software Materials Studio and various analytical instruments.
I completed my Masters in Chemistry from Institute of Science, Mumbai, India. The program provided me with a solid foundation in the areas of organic chemistry and specifically allowed me to become experienced in the synthesis and characterization of organic materials. Furthermore, I completed a final year project on Design of Novel Route for Coumarin Synthesis by Pechmann Condensation headed by Professor V. V. Mulwad. The objective of my research was to obtain improved conversion and yields of coumarin by chemoselective synthesis using Friedel Craft’s catalyst.
I have job experience as a Scientific Officer (Research and Development Dept.) at M/S- Gharda Chemicals Ltd. During this period I handled number of projects which included synthesis of flavorants, high performance polymers, herbicides and was assigned various responsibilities which include: process development and validation at lab and pilot scale, scale up of process to final plant level, selection of commercially viable route for the project, multi step synthesis including reaction planning and its monitoring by TLC/GC/HPLC, maintenance of laboratory, documentation related to projects. All these projects gave me hands on experience in synthesis at lab and pilot scale. I am now eager to apply and broaden the knowledge by exploring the research problems under investigation with your group, thereby expanding my skills, experience and aptitude in chemistry, and materials science.
During my work as scientific officer I handled projects for the synthesis of high performance engineering polymers (poly ether ether ketone as well as polyamide ether ketone) by using polycondensation route. Synthesis of polymers involved step growth polymerization and the reaction was monitored by removing the samples of the reaction mixture at periodic intervals to check inherent viscosity. The reaction was then terminated after achieving the desired inherent viscosity. In addition to this I also had experience in the synthesis of economically viable route for flavorants (ethyl vanillin) as well as herbicides (glyphosate). The work experience of scientific officer enriched my skills as well as knowledge in aromatic elecrophillic (chlorination, bromination) and nucleophillic substitution reactions. Beyond my research successes I have been fortunate to obtain theoretical as well as practical experience of transition meal catalyzed synthesis of heterocyclic molecules (both sp2–sp2 and sp2-sp3 coupling reaction) during my doctoral and scientific officer tenure in a batch mode.
A passion for innovation and potential to face challenges with healthy competitive approach has always stimulated me to excel in all my endeavors. I am a self starter and a motivated team player who is passionate and inquisitive with a strong analytical mindset and possess multitasking abilities. I am sure that I will carry over the same enthusiasm and skills while working as a professional. I am certain that my combination of practical work supported with strong theoretical scrutiny and good educational background will prove to be an effective bout for your group. I am confident that if I get a chance to work with you, I shall impress upon you the caliber and the mettle I am made of and leave nothing to chance for our mutual benefit.
I have just completed my open defense examination and successfully obtained degree which was conferred to me on 3rd March 2016. I have enclosed my curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and references. If necessary, I would be glad to provide any further information you might need regarding my candidacy. I can be reached at (+91) 9969018250 or kalpeshkhot@hotmail.com / kalpeshkhot@gmail.com.