Tackling Air Pollution and CO2 Capture with Prof. Vikram Singh

In the second episode of the series Research at IITD, we bring to you Professor Vikram Singh from the Chemical Engineering Department. In this episode, we explore his work in CO2 capture and utilisation, particle suspensions, colloids and aerosols, and discuss how his studies mitigate air pollution. We also talk about his research journey and what motivates him to pursue these problems.

Professor Vikram Singh traced his research interests back to his undergraduate years, when he first worked on a B.Tech project under Professor Shantanu Roy here at IIT Delhi in 2005. That sparked his interest in pursuing research further, leading him to undertake a PhD at Cornell University, where he worked on low-Reynolds-number fluid mechanics, studying the motion of particles and non-spherical bodies suspended in fluids. Upon completing his PhD, he briefly worked in the oil and gas industry at Phillips 66, applying similar fluid mechanics concepts to refining processes. Later, he pursued a postdoctoral position in the Department of Seismology at Columbia University, where he worked on geothermal energy. In 2014–15, he joined IIT Delhi, where he continued his work on particle suspensions and fluid flows.

Over time, his research interests evolved to address climate change, particularly air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and Carbon capture. In our interaction, Professor Vikram Singh explained that he is currently working to identify the sources of PM 2.5 pollution and quantify each source's contribution. His research examines the chemical composition of particulate matter to determine its sources - traffic emissions, power plants, or agricultural waste burning. Using statistical tools and chemical markers in pollutants, his team quantifies the contribution of each source. This process, known as source apportionment, helps policymakers get reliable scientific data to form more targeted environmental policies.

His research focuses on engineering solutions to mitigate climate change, particularly through carbon capture technologies. His work focuses on capturing CO₂ from industrial point sources such as power plants, steel industries, and cement industries, and on exploring ways to leech out metals from waste. One example he highlights is the use of CO₂ to extract valuable metals from lithium-ion batteries. While he acknowledges that such utilisation pathways cannot solve the bigger global emissions problem, they are important steps toward developing sustainability.

Beyond the science itself, Professor Vikram Singh also offered insight into the realities of academic research. Running a research lab requires significant funding throughout the research, for advanced instruments that cost several hundred thousand dollars, as well as a serious effort to build collaborative research environments. However, he emphasised that the most important element of research is the students, whose work and curiosity drive much of the lab's progress. For him, the primary motivation remains the scientific aspect of the problem - the pursuit of engineering solutions with meaningful real-world impact. Interviewed By - Olivia, Journalist, BSP