ElectroChemistry is at the heart of battery technologies that drive Electric Vehicles as they become safer, efficient and reliable enough to replace ICEs!

Kiran Preethi, our next pathbreaker, AI trainer in the Energy sector, creates prompts and validates AI replies for categories connected to energy.

Kiran talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about her PhD in Battery Research, and her prior role at Mahindra where she contributed to the development of Mahindra’s Electric SUVs (EVs) through the calibration team.

For students, don’t dwell on failures or get stuck in confusion. Always seek a positive approach, as the world presents countless opportunities.

Kiran, Your background?

I grew up in various places in Tamil Nadu, India. While I spent most of my years in Tiruppur, my elementary schooling started in Chennai and concluded in Gobichettipalayam. The exposure to different schools and cities additionally impacted me by helping me to focus on a certain goal. Being a curious, obedient, and rational youth, I always questioned things for clearer understanding. Even though my goals evolved throughout my youth, being a scientist was always my top priority and would always hold a particular place in my heart. My parents, who come from a modest background and have lofty goals of improving their lifestyle via constant hard work, never failed to inspire me and set new standards for improvement. This inspired me to strive toward the same objective of raising my family’s standard of living. These ideas strengthened my desire to finish my education and achieve bigger things.

What did you do for graduation/post graduation?

During my eleventh-grade year, I acquired a practice of reading weekly novels that my father would always read. The majority of these books were in the crime and science fiction genres. The usage of nanotechnology at the end of each story, which always incorporated plot twists utilizing some of the year’s most popular nano subjects like nanobots, nanocoatings, and so forth, was the one aspect of all the stories that really attracted me. It sparked my intense interest in nanotechnology, and I started along that route by first learning more from my teachers and relatives. After finishing my 12th grade, I learned through my mother’s friends that a couple institutions offered nanotechnology courses. As a result, I started my five-year, integrated master’s program in nanoscience and nanotechnology at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences for my graduation studies. Being an interdisciplinary subject, I gained knowledge of a wide range of subjects, including computer science, electronics, physics, chemistry, math, and medical science—all of which are essential for understanding how the world works. In order to make processes more efficient and easier, nanotechnology can be applied in various industries by switching new concepts with nano-based materials as replacement for outdated ones. My initial focus was on creating nanomaterials for energy storage devices like batteries and supercapacitors. Later, when I was working as a junior research fellow, I decided to concurrently pursue a PhD in the same subject since I was more interested in research. I did my PhD in Nanotechnology at SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Chennai ,Tamil Nadu

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and unique career in ElectroChemistry?

My PhD research interests, which focused on creating innovative cathode materials for Li-ion batteries, had a significant impact on my career as a battery scientist. Academic exposure to battery production and testing was a prerequisite for entry into the industry. My PhD supervisor, who encouraged and supported me, is the one person who I would say had the biggest impact on my career in the battery industry. My decision to start working at a startup firm in order to obtain detailed experiences and a sense of the distinctions between academics and industry was a pivotal moment in my journey to success in an industrial career.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

My work as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) after my Masters significantly influenced my decision to pursue a PhD in battery technology. While both my career and academic pursuits centered around battery technology, the specific research focus differed. My PhD research aimed to develop novel cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Despite their widespread use, Li-ion batteries face challenges related to safety and cost, thus hindering their large-scale implementation. To address these issues, extensive research is ongoing globally. My research aligned with this objective, focusing on the development of more affordable and efficient cathode materials. My PhD involved a significant portion of research design, including developing innovative strategies and methodologies. These were then implemented in the laboratory through advanced synthesis and characterization techniques. To evaluate the performance of the developed materials, I fabricated and rigorously tested battery cells, ranging from small coin cells to larger pouch cells, to assess their performance and longevity. Transitioning from academics to an industrial job was difficult. Therefore, despite the lower pay, I intended to join a tiny startup battery firm where the work was relevant to my educational background.

Later, I used this as a foundation to work as a Manager at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, where I contributed to the development of electric SUVs (EVs) through the calibration team.

My responsibilities here included testing and validating battery cells for these vehicles. This data served as critical input for the development of the Battery Management System (BMS), a crucial software component that ensures efficient and safe battery operation for extended vehicle life. My PhD background in electrochemistry, battery testing, fabrication, failure analysis, and data analysis proved invaluable in this role.

These experiences, along with my technical skills, enabled me to secure a position at VinFast Auto Ltd. in Vietnam through direct international recruitment. At VinFast, I focused on the electrochemical analysis of large format battery cells such as cylindrical and prismatic cells that are intended for electric vehicles. In case of battery cell failures during testing, I conducted teardown analyses to identify deviations from expected behavior and pinpoint the root cause of the failure. This role necessitated hands-on experience with various material characterization tools, as batteries incorporate numerous materials, and a strong foundation in materials science is crucial for effective failure analysis. The knowledge of battery technology from the PhD and the nanotechnology from the master’s degree were both valuable in pursuing an industrial career in battery technology.

How did you get your first break?

Following the completion of my PhD, while actively seeking employment, I became aware of a vacancy through my professional network on LinkedIn. Thus I joined Nordische Energy Solutions, a knowledge transfer company, as a Research Associate. My research focused on development of electrolytes for Aluminum-ion (Al-ion) batteries and conducted electrochemical characterizations to analyze cell performance and identify optimization strategies.  Al-ion batteries are similar to Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, but they utilize different active materials. A key distinction lies in their ion transport: three Aluminum ions (Al3+) move between the cathode and anode in Al-ion batteries, whereas only one Lithium ion (Li+) moves in Li-ion batteries. This trivalent ion movement in Al-ion batteries potentially translates to higher capacity and a longer lifespan, and is expected to be an alternate source of batteries in the future.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

Challenge 1: Selecting the appropriate field for my senior project was my first hurdle because it would determine my future path. The choice of domain is crucial since nanotechnology is related to many different areas.  Given the institution’s laboratory facilities, I ultimately decided to focus on energy storage and conversion. I then started investigating the potential of nanomaterials in a range of applications, including supercapacitors, photocatalysis, and self-cleaning surfaces.

Challenge 2: Obtaining a PhD scholarship from overseas was the next challenge. However, I chose to pursue a PhD in India because of personal circumstances and delays in the procedure. Finding scholarships was the difficult part, though. These circumstances helped me realize that a PhD may be undertaken while working a full-time job. That’s how I got through the interview process for the Junior Research Fellow position on the DST-SERB project. This decision enabled me to provide for myself, my education, and my family.

Challenge 3: Making the switch from academics to industry was my most recent hurdle. This was possible through industry-based research projects and my initial career at a battery startup. 

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

In my current role as a part-time AI trainer in the Energy sector, I create prompts and validate AI replies for categories connected to energy. Broad knowledge and the capacity to distinguish the correct response from a variety of deceptive explanations are the abilities required for this position.

In my prior position as a full-time battery chemist, my duties included testing and validating the performance of battery cells, analyzing cell failures in the event of battery failure, and identifying the primary reason of failure using a range of physicochemical analytical tools. Experience in cell manufacturing, practical knowledge, and proficiency with a variety of characterization tools are necessary for this position. Finding the cause of a cell’s failure that is supplied by a manufacturing or pilot plant due to battery failure, quality problems, deformations, or other reasons would be a normal day in this position. I adore this work because it keeps you interested as you learn how to unravel a knot and identify its underlying reason. After a problem is resolved, you may work on other problems, which aren’t necessarily the same. The idea of solving an unsolved riddle piques my interest.

How does your work benefit society? 

The move to electric cars is a revolution that I get to participate in as a battery scientist. This shift helps society by lowering air pollution, advancing technology, improving public health because less greenhouse gas emissions will be released, and creating more sustainable transportation in the future.

Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!

During my time at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., I had the privilege of contributing to the vehicle calibration and electric mobility team. This unique experience allowed me to witness the entire electric vehicle manufacturing process firsthand, from the initial stages of powder sample analysis for battery production to the final assembly of the complete electric car. This project holds a special place in my career, as it provided an invaluable opportunity to observe the successful culmination of a complex endeavor, a distinct advantage I did not experience in previous roles.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

Never stop learning new things. Don’t dwell on failures or get stuck in confusion. Always seek a positive approach, as the world presents countless opportunities.

Future Plans?

My future plans prioritize a fulfilling personal life while embracing a stable career with significant responsibility. I believe a successful career can provide the means to live a meaningful and enjoyable life.

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