Details of the Researcher

PHOTO

Pujari Arvind
Section
Institute for Materials Research
Job title
Assistant Professor
Degree

  • PhD (University of Cambridge)

e-Rad No.
51054001

Research History 6

  • 2026/08 - Present
    Tohoku University　Institute for Materials Research　Tenure-Track Assistant Professor (Independent Research Group)

  • 2025/02 - 2026/08
    Illumion Ltd.

  • 2021/10 - 2024/12
    University of Cambridge　Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics

  • 2024/06 - 2024/08
    Institute of Science Tokyo　Department of Chemical Science and Technology

  • 2019/05 - 2019/07
    Purdue University　Mechanical Engineering

  • 2018/05 - 2018/07
    Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar　Department of Chemical Engineering

Show all Show first 5

Education 3

  • University of Cambridge　Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics　Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

    2021/10 - 2024/12

  • University of Cambridge　Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics　Masters of Research (MRes)

    2020/10 - 2021/09

  • Indian Institute of Technology Madras　Metallurgical and Materials Engineering　Bachelors of Technology (B. Tech)

    2016/07 - 2020/07

Research Areas 1

  • Nanotechnology/Materials / Energy chemistry /

Awards 6

  1. PhD Student Award

    2024/12　Cambridge Philosophical Society

  2. Summer Research Fellowship

    2024/07　Japanese Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS)

  3. Cambridge International Scholarship

    2020/10　Cambridge Commonwealth and International Trust

  4. EPSRC PhD Fellowship

    2020/10　UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

  5. Dr Shankar Dayal Sharma President of India Gold Medal

    2020/10　Indian Institute of Technology Madras

  6. Innovative Student Project Award

    2020/10　Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)

Show all ︎Show 5

Papers 18

  1. Reconstructing the electrochemistry of lithium-ion batteries through operando diffuse reflectance spectroscopy Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Gratsiela Kostova, Hwee Jien Tan, Atsunori Ikezawa, Hajime Arai, Michael De Volder

    Energy & Environmental Science　19　(10)　3236-3248　2026

    Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

    DOI： 10.1039/d6ee00376a 　

    ISSN： 1754-5692

    eISSN： 1754-5706

    More details Close

    Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is introduced as a low-cost optical technique to probe mechanisms in batteries in real time.

  2. Photobatteries: Prospects and fundamental limitations Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Kohei Shimokawa, Michael De Volder

    Joule　9　(3)　101869-101869　2025/03

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.joule.2025.101869 　

    ISSN： 2542-4351

  3. What Makes a Photobattery Light-Rechargeable? Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Byung-Man Kim, Hooman Abbasi, Myeong-Hee Lee, Neil C. Greenham, Michael De Volder

    ACS Energy Letters　9　(8)　4024-4031　2024/07/23

    Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

    DOI： 10.1021/acsenergylett.4c01350 　

    ISSN： 2380-8195

    eISSN： 2380-8195

  4. Does Heat Play a Role in the Observed Behavior of Aqueous Photobatteries? Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Byung-Man Kim, Farheen N. Sayed, Kate Sanders, Wesley M. Dose, Angus Mathieson, Clare P. Grey, Neil C. Greenham, Michael De Volder

    ACS Energy Letters　8　(11)　4625-4633　2023/10/12

    Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

    DOI： 10.1021/acsenergylett.3c01627 　

    ISSN： 2380-8195

    eISSN： 2380-8195

  5. Design strategy for integrated photo-rechargeable batteries with high energy density Peer-reviewed

    Byung-Man Kim, Arvind Pujari, Sungtae Kim, Tae-Hyuk Kwon, Michael De Volder

    Energy Storage Materials　90　105417-105417　2026/08

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.ensm.2026.105417 　

    ISSN： 2405-8297

  6. Operation Limits of Integrated Photo‐Rechargeable Batteries Peer-reviewed

    Byung‐Man Kim, Arvind Pujari, Hooman Abbasi, Weidong Xu, Yutong Han, Samuel D. Stranks, Michael De Volder

    Advanced Materials　2026/08

    DOI： 10.1002/adma.74159 　

  7. Unveiling the Anomalous Expansion of Silicon-Carbon Composites Obtained by Chemical Vapor Infiltration Through Operando Charge Photometry and Dilatometry Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Alice J. Merryweather, Silke Berger, Johanna Poschenrieder, Stefan Haufe

    Journal of The Electrochemical Society　173　(9)　090508-090508　2026/05/06

    Publisher: The Electrochemical Society

    DOI： 10.1149/1945-7111/ae6400 　

    ISSN： 0013-4651

    eISSN： 1945-7111

    More details Close

    Modern lithium-ion batteries increasingly incorporate pure silicon into the anode to boost energy density. However, practical deployment remains limited by silicon’s large cycling-induced volume changes, typically assessed by pouch cell dilatometry. While informative at the electrode-stack level, this method provides no direct insight into underlying particle-level behaviour. Here, we combine operando dilatometry with high-resolution charge photometry to correlate electrode-level expansion with single-particle swelling in state-of-the-art silicon anodes. We examined anode materials: (i) silicon-carbon (Si-C) composites prepared by silicon vapor deposition into porous carbon, and (ii) dense micron-sized silicon prepared by jet milling. Dilatometry revealed pronounced non-linear thickness evolution for Si–C composites, with reduced expansion at low state-of-charge, whereas micron-sized silicon exhibited linear expansion. Charge photometry reproduced these trends at the particle level, showing that the non-linear swelling of Si–C composites arises from internal porosity that delays external volume change during early lithiation. Dilatometry also captured significant first-cycle expansion irreversibility for both materials, while charge photometry showed largely reversible particle swelling, indicating that irreversibility originates from cell-level processes rather than intrinsic active material behaviour. Overall, these results establish charge photometry as a practical lab-based tool for resolving operando particle-scale chemo-mechanics and highlights the benefits of nano-engineered composite architectures for mitigating silicon expansion.

  8. Optimal Coin Cell Design for Operando Optical Characterisation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Alice J. Merryweather, Christoph Schnedermann

    Journal of The Electrochemical Society　2026/01/14

    DOI： 10.1149/1945-7111/ae2f9e 　

  9. Operando Confocal Microscopy of Structured Battery Electrodes Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Kumar Raju, Atsuko Yaguchi, Yoshihiro Nishimura, Yuya Akimoto, Atsunori Ikezawa, Hajime Arai, Michael De Volder

    Journal of The Electrochemical Society　172　(7)　070514-070514　2025/07/01

    Publisher: The Electrochemical Society

    DOI： 10.1149/1945-7111/ade936 　

    ISSN： 0013-4651

    eISSN： 1945-7111

    More details Close

    Fast-charging and high-energy density Li-ion batteries are crucial for accelerating electrification of the automotive sector. However, these batteries have competing requirements: high-energy density battery designs favour high areal loading electrodes, while fast charging requires the opposite to avoid mass transport limitations. Several electrode structuring techniques have been proposed to balance these requirements with the goal of achieving homogeneous state of charge (SoC) at high rates in high-loading electrodes. However, current techniques to study the effect of electrode structuring on heterogeneity within electrodes are expensive and difficult to perform. Here, we focus on operando cross-section confocal microscopy as a simple high-throughput technique to understand the state of charge heterogeneity of electrodes as a function of battery cycling rate. We use laser patterned electrodes as a model system to demonstrate the utility of cross-sectional microscopy for measuring reaction heterogeneity. Optical analysis shows that at moderate rates (∼1 C), there is significant heterogeneity in SoC between the top and bottom of normal electrodes. However, at the same rate the laser processed electrodes do not exhibit significant heterogeneity due to improved ion transport. The direct correlations between optical cross-section imaging and electrochemical performance will help establish confocal microscopy as a tool to optimize electrode structuring.

  10. Distinguishing between Photothermal and Photoelectric Effects in Li-Ion Batteries Peer-reviewed

    Lifu Tan, Byung-Man Kim, Kohei Shimokawa, Su Jin Heo, Arvind Pujari, Michael De Volder

    ACS Electrochemistry　1　(6)　921-927　2025/02/07

    Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

    DOI： 10.1021/acselectrochem.4c00212 　

    ISSN： 2997-0571

    eISSN： 2997-0571

  11. Photothermal Enhancement of Prussian Blue Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries Peer-reviewed

    Lifu Tan, Byung-Man Kim, Arvind Pujari, Ze He, Buddha Deka Boruah, Michael De Volder

    Nano Letters　24　(30)　9147-9154　2024/07/19

    Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)

    DOI： 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00752 　

    ISSN： 1530-6984

    eISSN： 1530-6992

  12. Identifying Current Collectors that Enable Light–Battery Interactions Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Byung‐man Kim, Neil C. Greenham, Michael De Volder

    Small Methods　2024/05/02

    Publisher: Wiley

    DOI： 10.1002/smtd.202301572 　

    ISSN： 2366-9608

    eISSN： 2366-9608

    More details Close

    Abstract In recent years, there has been an increased focus on studying light–battery interactions in the context of operando optical studies and integrated photoelectrochemical energy harvesting. However, there has been little insight into identifying suitable “light‐accepting” current collectors for this class of batteries. In this study, fluorine‐doped tin oxide, indium‐tin oxide, and silver nanowire‐graphene films are analyzed along with carbon paper, carbon nanotube paper, and stainless‐steel mesh as current collectors for optical batteries. They are categorized into two classes – transmissive and non‐transmissive, based on the orientation of the light–electrode interaction. Various methods to prepare the electrode are highlighted, including drop casting and the fabrication of free‐standing electrodes. The optical and electrical properties of these current collectors as well as their electrochemical stability are measured using linear sweep voltammetry against zinc and lithium anodes. Finally, the rate performance and long‐term cycling stability of lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) cathodes are measured against lithium anodes with these current collectors and their performance is compared. These results show which current collector to choose depends on the application and cell chemistry. These guidelines will assist in the design of future optical cells for in‐situ measurements and photoelectrochemical energy storage.

  13. Hydrogenated V 2 O 5 with Improved Optical and Electrochemical Activities for Photo‐Accelerated Lithium‐Ion Batteries Peer-reviewed

    Yinan Lu, Holly Andersen, Ruiqi Wu, Alex M. Ganose, Bo Wen, Arvind Pujari, Tianlei Wang, Joanna Borowiec, Ivan P. Parkin, Michael De Volder, Buddha Deka Boruah

    Small　20　(14)　2023/11/21

    Publisher: Wiley

    DOI： 10.1002/smll.202308869 　

    ISSN： 1613-6810

    eISSN： 1613-6829

    More details Close

    Abstract Solar power represents an abundant and readily available source of renewable energy. However, its intermittent nature necessitates external energy storage solutions, which can often be expensive, bulky, and associated with energy conversion losses. This study introduces the concept of a photo‐accelerated battery that seamlessly integrates energy harvesting and storage functions within a single device. In this research, a novel approach for crafting photocathodes is presented using hydrogenated vanadium pentoxide (H:V 2 O 5 ) nanofibers. This method enhances optical activity, electronic conductivity, and ion diffusion rates within photo‐accelerated Li‐ion batteries. This study findings reveal that H:V 2 O 5 exhibits notable improvements in specific capacity under both dark and illuminated conditions. Furthermore, it demonstrates enhanced diffusion kinetics and charge storage performance when exposed to light, as compared to pristine counterparts. This strategy of defect engineering holds great promise for the development of high‐performance photocathodes in future energy storage applications.

  14. Direct digital sensing of protein biomarkers in solution Peer-reviewed

    Georg Krainer, Kadi L. Saar, William E. Arter, Timothy J. Welsh, Magdalena A. Czekalska, Raphaël P. B. Jacquat, Quentin Peter, Walther C. Traberg, Arvind Pujari, Akhila K. Jayaram, Pavankumar Challa, Christopher G. Taylor, Lize-Mari van der Linden, Titus Franzmann, Roisin M. Owens, Simon Alberti, David Klenerman, Tuomas P. J. Knowles

    Nature Communications　14　(1)　2023/02/06

    Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

    DOI： 10.1038/s41467-023-35792-x 　

    eISSN： 2041-1723

    More details Close

    Abstract The detection of proteins is of central importance to biomolecular analysis and diagnostics. Typical immunosensing assays rely on surface-capture of target molecules, but this constraint can limit specificity, sensitivity, and the ability to obtain information beyond simple concentration measurements. Here we present a surface-free, single-molecule microfluidic sensing platform for direct digital protein biomarker detection in solution, termed digital immunosensor assay (DigitISA). DigitISA is based on microchip electrophoretic separation combined with single-molecule detection and enables absolute number/concentration quantification of proteins in a single, solution-phase step. Applying DigitISA to a range of targets including amyloid aggregates, exosomes, and biomolecular condensates, we demonstrate that the assay provides information beyond stoichiometric interactions, and enables characterization of immunochemistry, binding affinity, and protein biomarker abundance. Taken together, our results suggest a experimental paradigm for the sensing of protein biomarkers, which enables analyses of targets that are challenging to address using conventional immunosensing approaches.

  15. Photo‐Enhanced Magnesium‐Ion Capacitors Using Photoactive Electrodes Peer-reviewed

    Sul Ki Park, Buddha Deka Boruah, Arvind Pujari, Byung‐Man Kim, Michael De Volder

    Small　18　(38)　2022/08/21

    Publisher: Wiley

    DOI： 10.1002/smll.202202785 　

    ISSN： 1613-6810

    eISSN： 1613-6829

    More details Close

    Abstract Off‐grid power sources are becoming increasingly important for applications ranging from autonomous sensor networks to fighting energy poverty. Interactions of light with certain classes of battery and capacitor materials have recently gained attention to enhance the rate performance or to even charge energy storage devices directly with light. Interestingly, these devices have the potential to reduce the volume and cost of autonomous power sources. Here, a light‐enhanced magnesium (Mg)‐ion capacitor is shown. The latter is interesting because of the large natural abundance of Mg and its ability to operate in low cost and non‐flammable aqueous electrolytes. Photoelectrodes using a combination of vanadium dioxide and reduced graphene oxide can achieve capacitance enhancements of up to 56% under light exposure alongside a 21% higher energy density of 20.5 mAh kg‐1.

  16. Modelling core-shell plasmonic nanoparticles as homogenous systems: An effective refractive index approach Peer-reviewed

    Abhimanyu Swaroop, Arvind Pujari, Tiju Thomas

    Materialia　19　101183-101183　2021/09

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.mtla.2021.101183 　

    ISSN： 2589-1529

  17. Aluminium nanoparticles alloyed with other earth-abundant plasmonic metals for light trapping in thin-film a-Si solar cells Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Tiju Thomas

    Sustainable Materials and Technologies　28　e00250-e00250　2021/07

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.susmat.2021.e00250 　

    ISSN： 2214-9937

  18. Al–Cu core-shell nanoparticles as an alternative to noble metal plasmonics: A computational study Peer-reviewed

    Arvind Pujari, Tiju Thomas

    Materials Chemistry and Physics　253　123419-123419　2020/10

    Publisher: Elsevier BV

    DOI： 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2020.123419 　

    ISSN： 0254-0584

Show all ︎Show first 5

Presentations 4

  1. Unveiling the Anomalous Expansion of Silicon-Carbon Composites Obtained by Chemical Vapor Infiltration Through Operando Charge Photometry and Dilatometry

    Arvind Pujari, Alice Merryweather, Silke Berger, Johanna Poschenrieder, Stefan Haufe

    International Meeting on Lithium Ion Batteries (IMLB), Montreal, Canada　2026/06/19

  2. Can You Make Batteries for Operando Optical Measurements Without Sacrificing Performance?

    Arvind Pujari, Byungman Kim, Clare P Grey, Neil C Greenham, Michael De Volder

    MRS Fall Meeting, Boston, USA　2024/12/03

  3. Decoupling Heat and Light in Aqueous Photobatteries

    Arvind Pujari, Byungman Kim, Neil C Greenham, Michael De Volder

    Winton-Kavli Cambridge-Berkeley Symposium　2023/07/15

  4. Best Practices for Photo-Assisted Batteries: Decoupling Heat and Light

    Arvind Pujari, Byungman Kim, Clare P Grey, Neil C Greenham, Michael De Volder

    16th International Conference on Materials Chemistry, Dublin, Ireland　2023/07/01

Teaching Experience 1

  1. Engineering Mathematics (Vector Calculus, Probability, Linear Algebra)　University of Cambridge

Social Activities 1

  1. Cambridge Science Festival

    Make Batteries From Vegetables

    2022/05/10 -