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
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
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
High-entropy 2D MXenes : a new paradigm for energy storage: Awan Hafiz Taimoor Ahmed, Aboalhassan Ahmed A, Abdah Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd, Mustafa Muhammad Norhaffis, Saidi Norshahirah Mohamad, Walvekar Rashmi, Khalid Mohammad; Battery Energy Vol 5 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1002/bte2.70086
Tailoring MXene/nickel cobalt phosphate composite for enhanced electrochromic and supercapacitor applications: Mustafa Muhammad Norhaffis, Abdah Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd, Saidi Norshahirah Mohamad, Numan Arshid, Sulaiman Yusran, Walvekar Rashmi, Khalid Mohammad; Battery Energy Vol 5 (2026); https://doi.org/10.1002/bte2.70070
Bismuth telluride-based thermoelectric generators : advances in synthesis, performance enhancement, and device applications: Wong Weng Pin, Elsa George, Mustafa Muhammad Norhaffis, Walvekar Rashmi, Numan Arshid, Khalid Mohammad, Lau Phei Li; Journal of Power Sources Vol 653 (2025); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237722

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Research

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Professional Activities

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

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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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