Specialization

Nanomaterials, Metal-Organic Frameworks, Sustainable bioprocessing and biomass valorization.

Email

renuka@thapar.edu

Specialization

• Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for applications in wastewater treatment, biosensing, and drug delivery.
• Sustainable bioprocessing and biomass valorization.

Education

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, India (2016-2021)
• M.Tech in Chemical Engineering (Gold Medalist), Dr. B R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar, India (2014-2016)
• B.Tech in Chemical Engineering (Gold Medalist), SBS State Technical Campus, Punjab, India (2009-2013)

Experience

• Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, India, (April 2025 -January 2026)
• Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Environmental Engineering Lab, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, (October 2022 -August 2024)
• Research Associate, Chemical Reaction Engineering Lab, Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), Mohali, India (September 2021 - June 2022)

Patents filed/granted

1. Shankhwar V, Garg R, Bansal A, Gupta R, Singh D and Deepak K.K, “Air-cooled and breathable single piece bodysuit for personal protection”, Patent filing number: 202011034189 (Granted 10.8.2020).
2. Shankhwar V, Garg R, Bansal A, Gupta R, Singh D and Deepak K.K, “Controlled artificial gravity generating bed”, Patent filing number: 202111001877, (Granted, 15.01.2021).
3. Shankhwar V, Garg R, Bansal A, Gupta R, Singh D and Deepak K.K, “A controlled pushup exercise device for astronauts”, Patent filing number: 202111043897, (Under examination 2023).
4. Goswami S, Garg R, Rana H, “Process for the production of guar gum based novel nanocomposites impregnated with nanocellulose” Patent filing number: 202211000126 Filed in Jan 2022.

Publications [Total: 16: SCI Journals: 14 + Scopus Indexed: 2 | First Author: 11 |Citations: 650 |h-index: 14 (Google Scholar)]

1. Garg R., Basil Alattar, Rana Sabouni, Mehdi Ghommem (2025). “Turn-on” fluorescence-based diclofenac detection using metal-organic framework-coated silicon micropillars, Journal of Water Process Engineering, 76, 108240. (SCI, IF: 6.7, Q1)
2. Garg R., Gonuguntla S., Sk S., Iqbal M.S., Dada O., Pal U., Ahmadipour M. Sputtering thin films: Materials, applications, challenges and future directions (2024), Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 103203. (SCI, IF: 19.5, Q1)
3. Garg R., Sabouni R., Alaamer A., Alali A., Al-Muqbel D., Alqassem H., Almazrooei K. Optimization of Malachite Green dye removal efficiency via factorial design analysis using metal-organic frameworks (2024), International Journal of Theoretical and Applied Nanotechnology, 12, 1–8. (Scopus)
4. Ahmadipour M., Ardani M.R., Sarafbidabad M., Missaoui N., Satgunam M., Singh R., Kahri H., Pal U., Pang A.L., Iqbal M.S., Garg R., Bhattacharya A. Ultrasonic-assisted synthesis of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂/reduced graphene oxide composites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical products (2024), Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27770–27788. (SCI, IF: 5.8, Q2)
5. Garg R., Sabouni R., Ghommem M. Dual detection and degradation of anti-inflammatory drugs using amino-functionalized MOF/metal oxide ‘turn-on’ sensors (2024), Journal of Water Process Engineering, 105947. (SCI, IF: 6.3, Q1)
6. Garg R., Sabouni R. Efficient removal of cationic dye using ZIF-8 based sodium alginate composite beads (2023), Chemosphere, 140163. (SCI, IF: 8.8, Q1)
7. Garg R., Rana H., Singh N., Goswami S. Guar gum/nanocellulose based antimicrobial film with enhanced barrier and mechanical properties for food packaging (2023), Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 109254. (SCI, IF: 7.99, Q1)
8. Garg R., Sabouni R., Ahmadipour M. From Waste to Fuel: challenging aspects in sustainable biodiesel production from lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks and role of metal-organic framework as innovative heterogeneous catalysts (2023), Industrial Crops & Products. (SCI, IF: 5.9, Q1)
9. Garg R., Sabouni R., Alaamer A., Alali A., Al-Muqbel D., Alqassem H., Almazrooei K. Recent development in metal-organic framework-based hybrid nanocomposites for pollutants remediation from wastewater: Challenges and opportunities (2023), Environmental Technology & Innovation, 32, 103446. (SCI, IF: 7.1, Q1)
10. Fatima S., Sabouni R., Garg R., Gomaa H. Recent advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks as nanocarriers for triggered release of anticancer drugs (2023), Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. (SCI, IF: 5.8, Q1)
11. Pang A.L., Arsad A., Zaini M.A.A., Garg R., et al. A comprehensive review on photocatalytic removal of heavy metal ions by polyaniline-based nanocomposites (2023), Chemical Engineering Communications. (SCI, IF: 2.5, Q2)
12. Garg R., Gupta R., Singh N., Bansal A. Eliminating pesticide quinalphos from surface waters using synthesized GO–ZnO nanoflowers (2022), Chemosphere, 286, 131837. (SCI, IF: 8.8, Q1)
13. Garg R., Gupta R., Singh N., Bansal A. Characterization and performance evaluation of synthesized ZnO nanoflowers, nanorods, and their hybrid nanocomposites with graphene oxide for degradation of Orange G (2021), Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28, 57009–57029. (SCI, IF: 5.8, Q2)
14. Garg R., Gupta R., Bansal A. Degradation mechanism, reaction pathways and kinetics for the mineralization of Bisphenol A using hybrid ZnO/graphene oxide nano-catalysts (2021), Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 38(3), 485–497. (SCI, IF: 4.3, Q2)
15. Garg R., Gupta R., Bansal A. Photocatalytic degradation of imidacloprid using semiconductor hybrid nano-catalyst, International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (2021), 18, 1425–1442. (SCI, IF: 3.1, Q2)
16. Garg R., Gupta R., Bansal A. Synthesis of g-C₃N₄/ZnO nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of a refractory organic endocrine disrupter, Materials Today: Proceedings, 44, 855–859 (2020). (Scopus).

Papers Presented in Conferences 

1. Garg R., Gupta R., Singh N., Bansal A. Hydrothermally synthesized recyclable titania nanotubes as photocatalyst for UV assisted degradation of imidacloprid, International Conference on Recent Technologies and Advanced Materials for Green Energy and Sustainable Environment, NIT Tiruchirappalli, India.
2. Garg R., Gupta R., Singh N., Bansal A. Degradation of bisphenol A from aqueous systems using synthesized hybrid nanocomposite, National Conference on Sustainable Research in Energy and Environment (SREE), India.
3. Garg R., Gupta R., Singh N., Bansal A. Application of zinc oxide as nano-catalyst for removal of hazardous pollutants in wastewater, National Conference on Sustainable Research in Energy and Environment (SREE), India.
4. Garg R., Gupta R., Bansal A. Synthesis and characterization of graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for degradation of azo dye, International Online Conference on Sustainable Research Technology & Development, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
5. Garg R., Gupta R., Bansal A. Photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes using synthesized nanocatalyst, International Conference Chemical Constellation Cheminar, NIT Jalandhar, India.
6. Garg R., Gupta R., Bansal A. Degradation of Acid Orange 7 using titania based photocatalyst, International Conference HWWE, NIT Jalandhar, India.
7. Garg R., Gupta R., Bansal A. Degradation of organic pollutants using heterogeneous photocatalysts, SLIETCON, Chandigarh, India.
8. Garg R., Gupta R., Bansal A. Comparative study on degradation of refractory organic pollutants using nano catalysts, National Conference on Advances in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, NIT Jalandhar, India.

Book Chapters 

1. Shankhwar V., Singh D., Garg R., Verma K.K., Deepak K.K. Computational Fluid Dynamics of Carotid Artery Blood Flow for Low-Gravity Environments, Assistive Technology Intervention in Healthcare, CRC Press.
2. Singh S., Kumar V., Datta S., Singh S., Dhanjal D.S., Garg R., et al. Challenges and Future Perspectives of Nanotoxicology, Model Organisms to Study Biological Activities and Toxicity of Nanoparticles, Springer

Best Paper Awards 

1. Garg R., Gupta R., Singh N., Bansal A. Degradation of bisphenol A using synthesized hybrid nanocomposite, National Conference on Sustainable Research in Energy and Environment (SREE).
2. Garg R., Gupta R., Singh N., Bansal A. Application of zinc oxide as nano-catalyst for pollutant removal, National Conference on Sustainable Research in Energy and Environment (SREE).

Professional membership

1. Life member of Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers LAM-61770.