Dr Kaviyarasu Kasinathan

Dr Kaviyarasu Kasinathan has been selected as Outstanding Reviewer for the journal Materials Research Express in recognition of the high quality and timeliness of his reviews during 2020. Every year, outstanding reviewers are selected by the Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP) editors based on the quality, quantity and timeliness of their reviews. In 2020, IOPP recognised over 1 200 reviewers across 56 journals. "Peer review forms the backbone of scholarly communication, providing essential rigour and validation for published papers," says Kasinathan.

Kasinathan is a material scientist currently working as senior researcher in the College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (Unisa), and the UNESCO Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology.

In 2020, Stanford University recognised Kasinathan as one of the 2% most-cited scientists in the world. In the same year, the Clarivate Web of Science included him in the Highly Cited Researchers 2020 list. "I understand that I am one of the top cited persons in materials science research at Unisa," he says.

Kasinathan completed his master’s degree in physics at Loyola College, India, and his PhD in physics at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, India, in 2014. Before moving to South Africa in 2016, he was an assistant professor at Sri Sankara Arts and Science College, which is affiliated with the University of Madras, India. 

"My contribution in the field of functional materials for energy, biocatalysis and supercapacitor applications has generated new knowledge, and led to 185 peer reviewed publications and 40 oral or invited presentations at international conferences," says Kasinathan. "I have also published two textbooks and seven book chapters, and I have filed three provisional patent applications." His research excellence is evident: his Google Scholar profile had an h-index of 55; an i10-index of 125; and a total citation of 8 200 in April 2021.

Design and development of advanced materials for low carbon emission technologies

Kasinathan’s research is directed primarily at the design and development of advanced materials for low carbon emission technologies, which play a key role in mitigating climate change. "My goal is to understand how to design and control the nanoscale organisation of macromolecular nanomaterials and their nanocomposites to achieve improved structure, properties and functionality," he says. Kasinathan is also developing materials for a hydrogen-based economy.

Through his research, he strives to enhance scientific outputs, research and development. In addition, he focuses on human capital development for Unisa students. He has mentored 14 PhD candidates, focusing on specialised skills and innovative research. "I want to enhance scientific visibility in the cross-border landscape of nanosciences and nanotechnology, with Unisa as the central platform," he says.

Journal articles

Inorganic nanomaterials are of much interest to Kasinathan because they have superior material characteristics. "The metal oxide NPs including transition semiconductors have found their applications in the field of drugs and medicine," he says. "The extensive use of these nanoparticles in the field of medicine can be ascribed to their high compatibility, high conductivity and functionality."

Kasinathan has published research articles in reputable journals in his field, including the following:

• Journal of Materials Today Communications
• Journal of Alloys and Compounds
• Journal of Environmental Research
• Journal of Surfaces and Interfaces

* Compiled by Mpho Moloele, PR and Communication Assistant, Department of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation