University College London (UCL) - United Kingdom
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Buddha Deka Boruah's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Cotton College, Assam, India. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Science in Physics from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), where he delved into research on the structural and optoelectronic properties of hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films on flexible substrates under the guidance of Prof. Pratima Agarwal. This foundational research laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in materials science and energy storage.
His academic pursuits reached new heights when he joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore for his M.S.-Ph.D. dual degree program. Under the mentorship of Prof. Abha Misra, he explored the coupled optical and electrochemical properties of ZnCo2O4 for radiation-sensitive supercapacitors, which marked his entry into the realm of multifunctional nanomaterials and energy storage systems.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Boruah's professional journey reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of energy storage and nanomaterials. After completing his doctoral studies, he embarked on a postdoctoral research journey as a Newton International Fellow at the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK, under the supervision of Prof. Michael De Volder. Here, he further honed his expertise in developing aqueous energy storage systems, particularly focusing on zinc-based systems, and expanded his research into advanced multifunctional nanomaterials for photo-rechargeable energy storage systems.
His contributions as a Research Associate at the IfM, University of Cambridge, and subsequently as an Assistant Professor (Lecturer in Energy Storage) at the Institute for Materials Discovery (IMD), University College London (UCL), UK, have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field. At UCL, he established his research group with a primary focus on developing environmentally safe and cost-effective aqueous electrochemical energy storage systems, specifically zinc-ion-based systems.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Boruah's research contributions have been multifaceted, spanning from fundamental understanding to practical applications in energy storage. His work encompasses the synthesis and characterization of novel electrode materials, development of advanced energy storage devices, and exploration of innovative approaches such as photo-rechargeable energy storage systems. His pioneering efforts in understanding the light-matter interaction of energy storage materials and leveraging optical energy to accelerate charge storage kinetics have opened new avenues for enhancing the performance of rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors.
His research focus on zinc-ion-based energy storage systems addresses critical challenges such as dendrite formation, charge storage characteristics, and electrode stability, paving the way for the development of next-generation energy storage technologies. Additionally, his investigations into planar energy storage systems and scalable nano-manufacturing techniques hold promise for realizing high-performance, on-chip energy storage solutions.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Boruah's contributions to the field have been widely recognized, as evidenced by the prestigious awards and accolades he has received throughout his career. Notable among these are the Royal Society-Newton International Fellowships Award, ACS Publications Peer Reviewer Certificate of Recognition & Appreciation, and India 2018 Top Cited Author Award from IOP Publishing. These honors underscore his significant impact on the scientific community and highlight the quality and significance of his research contributions.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Boruah's research endeavors have had a profound impact on the field of energy storage and nanomaterials, both in academia and industry. His innovative approaches to address key challenges in energy storage have led to advancements in materials design, device fabrication, and performance optimization, with far-reaching implications for renewable energy integration, portable electronics, and electric vehicles. His collaborative efforts with leading research institutions and industrial partners have facilitated knowledge exchange and technology transfer, further amplifying the impact of his work on society.
Legacy and Future Contributions
As Dr. Boruah continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in energy storage and nanomaterials, his legacy as a pioneering researcher and educator is firmly established. His commitment to excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational research will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. Looking ahead, Dr. Boruah's vision includes further advancements in sustainable energy storage technologies, continued innovation in materials synthesis and processing, and broader engagement with stakeholders to accelerate the transition towards a clean energy future. Through his unwavering dedication to scientific inquiry and technological innovation, Dr. Boruah will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on the field and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and resilient world.
Notable Publication