Dr Rashmi Gangasa Walvekar

Lecturer

Chemical and Process Engineering

Personal statement

My research is focused on advancing sustainable engineering solutions through the innovative application of advanced materials, such as Graphene, Carbon Nanotubes (CNT), MXene, and their hybrids. I am particularly interested in exploring their potential to address pressing global challenges. In my work, I have developed stable nanofluids, conducting in-depth investigations into their stability, heat transfer characteristics, and other thermo-physical and tribological properties. These nanofluids hold promise as advanced heat transfer and lubricating fluids, contributing to more efficient and environmentally friendly systems.

I have also worked extensively with Graphene and MXene in the context of thermal energy storage. By blending these materials with ternary and quinary eutectic mixtures, I aim to enhance energy storage capabilities and improve cyclic stability for sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, I am involved in research addressing waste and resource recovery, including the recycling and reuse of plastics as carbon electrodes, the extraction of valuable components from spent lithium batteries using novel deep eutectic solvents, and the devulcanization of waste ground rubber tires with green solvents. Through these projects, I seek to develop innovative approaches to reduce environmental impact and promote the circular economy.

Expertise

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Prize And Awards

Adjunct Professor: Recipient; 3/2025

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Publications

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Publications

Advancements in silicon anodes for enhanced lithium‐ion batteries performance : innovations toward next‐gen superbatteries: Saidi Norshahirah Mohamad, Abdah Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd, Mustafa Muhammad Norhaffis, Walvekar Rashmi, Khalid Mohammad, Khosla Ajit; Battery Energy Vol 4 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1002/bte2.20240048
Corrigendum to “Co₃O₄ derived ZnO : An effective electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media” [Int. J. Hydrogen Energy. 104 (2025) 407-415]: Hanan Abdul, Lakhan Muhammad Nazim, Walvekar Rashmi, Ubaidullah Mohd, Al-Kahtani Abdullah A, Khalid Mohammad; International Journal of Hydrogen Energy Vol 259 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.156644
Safety, toxicology, environmental, and ethical considerations of MXene-polymer composites: Wong Weng Pin, Gusain Meenakshi, Norhaffis Mustafa Muhammad, Walvekar Rashmi, Mohammad Khalid; Advances in MXene-Polymer Composites (2026) (2026); https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-27620-0.00014-X
Coordination-driven functionalisation of MXenes : from surface chemistry to advanced theranostic systems: Gholap Amol D, Awan Hafiz Taimoor Ahmed, Samuel Jenis, Walvekar Rashmi, Azat Seitkhan, Khalid Mohammad; Coordination Chemistry Reviews Vol 566 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2026.218166
Amine-functionalized MoS2–hBN hybrid nanoparticles for enhanced tribological and thermal performance of gasoline engine oil: Nagarajan Thachnatharen, Markandan Kalaimani, Walvekar Rashmi, Azat Seitkhan, Khalid Mohammad; Tribology International Vol 218 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.triboint.2026.111698
Double-transition-metal MXene–CoS₂ hybrid electrocatalysts : a new avenue for alkaline hydrogen evolution: Hanan Abdul, Raja Sulaiman Raja Rafidah, Wong Wai Yin, Blilita Sofiane, Numan Arshid, Walvekar Rashmi, Khalid Mohammad; SusMat Vol 6 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1002/sus2.70069

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Research

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Professional Activities

Towards Sustainable Battery Recycling: Investigating Ammonium-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents for NMC Cathode Material Recovery: Speaker; 2026
Strategic Themes: EPSRC Multi-Disciplinary IM3AGES Facility Workshop: Participant; 26/2/2025
Strategic Themes - EPSRC (Critical Mass) - Sustainable & Circular Materials & Manufacturing: Participant; 11/2/2025
Strategic Themes - EPSRC (Critical Mass) - IES Workshop: Participant; 7/2/2025
EPSRC Scoping Worskhop (Critical mass): Participant; 30/1/2025
IChemE (External organisation): Advisor; 2019

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Projects

Recycled Plastic Building Materials Testing Facility Setup: Gangasa Walvekar, Rashmi (Principal Investigator) Sarker, Sudipa (Co-investigator); This project will establish a UK-based indoor testing facility to evaluate the performance, durability, and consistency of products manufactured from mixed recycled plastics. The initiative aligns with the Industrial Symbiosis theme by supporting the recovery and higher-value use of waste-derived materials that would otherwise be discarded or downgraded.

The facility will provide independent validation of recycled plastic products currently supplied to the UK construction and landscaping sectors, while also assessing innovative new materials developed through collaboration with European manufacturing partners. By generating reliable UK-based performance data, the project will support compliance with industry standards, increase market confidence, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable alternatives to virgin materials.

Building on an established commercial supply chain for 100% recycled plastic products, the project represents a TRL 6 stage of development. The products are already in active commercial use, and the testing facility will provide the critical evidence needed to support wider deployment, quality assurance, and future product innovation within the circular economy.; 16-Jan-2025 - 27-Jan-2025

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Contact

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