Dr. Chitra Sulkan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Lead Research and Technology at Elecsome Pty Ltd, Australia

Dr. Chitra Sulkan is an innovative researcher specializing in solar panel recycling and sustainability. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Science and Built Environment, she has dedicated over six years to pioneering novel chemical, mechanical, and thermal recovery processes for valuable materials like silicon, silver, and glass. Currently leading research and technology development at Elecsome Pty Ltd in Australia, Dr. Sulkan focuses on scaling lab-based innovations for industrial applications. Her work contributes significantly to circular economy solutions, enhancing sustainable practices within the solar energy sector. Through numerous publications, conference presentations, and industry collaborations, she remains at the forefront of photovoltaic (PV) waste management and environmental sustainability.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Sulkan completed her Ph.D. in Chemical Science and Built Environment through a collaborative program between AcSIR (India) and RMIT University (Australia). She earned her Master of Science in Chemistry from MDU Rohtak, Haryana, India, in 2016, following her Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from the same institution in 2014. Her academic journey has provided her with expertise in solar panel recycling and material recovery, establishing a strong foundation for her research in sustainability.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sulkan serves as the Lead Research and Technology expert at Elecsome Pty Ltd, where she spearheads research initiatives for industrial-scale solar panel recycling. Previously, she worked as a Ph.D. researcher at AcSIR and RMIT University, focusing on innovative material recovery methods from end-of-life solar panels. Her research included life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and process optimizations for polymer and aluminum separation. Earlier in her career, she held academic positions, including Assistant Professor at Hindu Girls College and Visiting Faculty in the Chemistry Department at Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University.

Research Interests

Dr. Sulkan’s research interests encompass solar panel recycling, material recovery, and sustainability. She is dedicated to developing efficient and eco-friendly recycling techniques for PV modules, with a focus on recovering high-value materials. Her work integrates life cycle assessment (LCA), thermal analysis, and chemical treatments to enhance recycling processes. She is also passionate about circular economy solutions and the industrial applications of sustainable energy practices, actively contributing to the transition toward renewable and sustainable technologies.

Research Skills

Dr. Sulkan possesses expertise in advanced material characterization techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Her proficiency in these analytical methods enables precise evaluation of recovered materials from solar panel waste. Additionally, she has significant experience in experimental design, process optimization, and sustainability assessments related to solar panel recycling.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sulkan has received multiple accolades for her contributions to solar panel recycling research. She won the People’s Choice Award at the Haiku Thesis Competition (2024) at RMIT University and was honored with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the National Conference on Advances in Solar Energy (ASEM-2023). She has also received Best Poster Awards at various national and international conferences, including events at CSIR-NPL, Delhi, and the International Conference on Purification and Recycling of Electronic Materials (ICPREM). Additionally, she secured prestigious research grants from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India.

Conclusion

Dr. Chitra Sulkan is a dedicated sustainability expert making significant strides in solar panel recycling and material recovery. Her extensive research contributions, academic endeavors, and industry leadership underscore her commitment to advancing environmentally sustainable solutions. Through innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, she continues to drive impactful changes in the field of renewable energy recycling. With a strong academic and professional background, Dr. Sulkan is poised to shape the future of solar waste management, promoting circular economy principles and sustainable technology solutions worldwide.

Publications Top Notes