Materials Scientist

Overview

Green Hydrogen, in contrast to Conventional Hydrogen, offers a pathway to significantly reduce carbon emissions while also enabling long-duration energy storage.

Abhishek Arya, our next pathbreaker, Senior Materials Scientist at Cavendish Renewable Technology (Melbourne), works on new inventions in Renewable Hydrogen, including Electrolyzers, Electrolysis and related systems.

Abhishek talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about his formative years at CSIR–NPL (National Physical Laboratory, India), where he designed and developed a CVD-based carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn production system from scratch which can serve as a next-generation material for aerospace and defense (lightweight structural components), as well as energy storage

For students, never settle for the thought that you have reached your maximum possibility. Success may come early or might take time, but what matters most is the process of learning from both achievements and failures.

Career highlights and background

Abhishek, can you share your background with our young readers?

I was born and raised in Etah, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India. My father, an ex-government employee and Subject Matter Specialist in the Agriculture Department, and my mother, a homemaker, shaped my early life in a very grounded way. My father often showed me fascinating examples of applied science; biogas plants that could power buses and kitchen stoves, solar farms, and zero-energy fridges. I didn't realise it at the time, but those experiences planted the seed of curiosity that would later grow into my career in engineering and materials science.

Education and early influences

What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?

I completed my schooling in Etah and later moved to Jaipur, Rajasthan, for higher studies. At Suresh Gyan Vihar University, I earned a BTech in Mechanical Engineering followed by an MTech in Energy Engineering. Even as a student, I was far more drawn to the workshop than the lecture hall. However, I still was not sure what I should aim to become in future. I loved working on projects, building prototypes, and spending long hours in the lab. I always worked on what I loved.

DeepTech career influences

What were some of the key influences that led you to a DeepTech career in Industrial Research?

The first major turning point came during my MTech, when I undertook a thesis project on vertically aligned carbon nanotube sheets for oil and water separation at CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in New Delhi. That internship opened my eyes to the vast possibility of advanced materials research in tackling global energy challenges.

The second turning point was securing a PhD chance overseas while I was working as a Senior Research Fellow at NPL- India.

The third turning point was joining Cavendish Renewable Technology (CRT). This marked my change from academic research to leading projects in the renewable energy and CO₂ electrolysis sector.

Professional journey

I have always been self-driven and highly motivated, placing great importance on learning from my failures. I avoid comparing my journey to others' successes, focusing instead on improving myself and ensuring I don't repeat the same mistakes.

Along this journey, key individuals played a very important role in introducing me to cutting-edge new inventions. My supervisor at NPL and later my PhD supervisor at Monash became invaluable mentors, guiding me toward a career that blends engineering, materials science, and renewable energy. My father's influence, the guidance I received, and the thrill of working on breakthrough new inventions have all been defining forces in setting me firmly on this path.

Career planning and milestones

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? OTell us about your career path

I have built my career step-by-step by combining education, research, and industry experience.

As an MTech trainee at CSIR–NPL, I had my first hands-on experience in advanced materials research, working on vertically aligned carbon nanotube sheets and their uses. This experience sparked my deep interest in the field.

I continued at CSIR–NPL as a Project Fellow and later a Project Assistant. As a Senior Research Fellow at CSIR–NPL, I designed and developed a pilot-size continuous CVD system for carbon nanotube yarn, my first major engineering project. While the project was significant, I encountered career roadblocks that pushed me to seek new opportunities.

CNT yarns (carbon nanotube yarns) combine the remarkable properties of individual nanotubes, high tensile strength, flexibility, electrical and thermal conductivity, into macroscopic fibers. These can serve as next-generation materials for aerospace and defense (lightweight structural components), energy storage (supercapacitors, batteries), flexible/wearable electronics, hydrogen & fuel cell electrodes. Our objective was to optimize CVD process parameters (catalyst, temperature, precursor gas composition) and develop continuous spinning/drawing techniques for assembling CNT forests into aligned yarns.

I also worked on wind turbine blades. Here, I developed polymer composites that could withstand environmental stress and fatigue. In aerospace alloys, the focus was on high mechanical strength at high temperatures.

In fuel cell development project, at NPL, the research problem was to develop graphite bi-polar plates for achieving highest stability in corrosive environments without compromising its electrical properties under real operating conditions.

These projects gave me exposure to both fundamental material science and applied engineering problems. I believe this broad, hands-on research and my background in publishing research articles laid the groundwork for my selection at Monash.

From PhD to industry

These years were formative; they shaped me into a focused scientist and helped me identify my core interests. I was determined to pursue a PhD from one of the top 100 universities worldwide, but coming from a private college meant I had to work harder to prove myself and compete on a global level.

After an intense process involving nearly 400–500 emails and applications, I received two PhD offers: one from a joint program between Monash University–Australia and IIT Bombay–India program, and another from a university in Japan. I chose the Monash–IITB program, a decision that became an important moment in my professional growth.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, I completed my research project at Monash University and could not attend IIT-B. During my PhD at Monash University, I researched graphene coatings for corrosion resistance, developing expertise in electrochemistry, materials study, and project supervision. Alongside my research, I managed lab safety operations, taught engineering courses, and built strong leadership and mentoring skills.

Current role at CRT

After my PhD, I joined Cavendish Renewable Technology as a Materials Scientist, where I worked on large size electrolysers for green hydrogen generation, ammonia crackers, and CO₂ electrolysis systems. Later, I got promoted to senior scientist and site manager. My approach has always been to upskill, take on projects that bridge research and real-world uses, and learn from diverse sources.

At CRT, I work on developing advanced materials and part designs that improve the efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen production by various methods of electrolysis and CO₂ electrolysis systems. This includes solving technical challenges such as high-temperature corrosion, catalyst degradation, and scaling manufacturing processes from lab to pilot size. I also address integration challenges to ensure materials can withstand large-size operating conditions.

Conventional hydrogen is produced mainly through steam methane reforming (SMR) or coal gasification, both of which are carbon intensive.

In contrast, green hydrogen is produced by splitting water using an electrolyser powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydro. This offers a pathway to significantly reduce carbon emissions while also enabling long-duration energy storage.

The challenge is that green hydrogen today is 2–4 times more expensive than conventional hydrogen, has lower efficiency, and requires major infrastructure upgrades.

At CRT, we are working on breakthrough solutions to improve efficiency and bring down the cost of green hydrogen, making it a practical and scalable alternative for the energy transition.

Skills, learning and daily work

What skills are needed for your role? How did you learn skills?

I have developed strong technical skills in material science, electrochemistry, and manufacturing processes, along with excellent communication and analytical problem-solving abilities. These skills were built through my university studies, research experience, and PhD, and always refined by working on diverse projects in both team member and leadership roles. I have further improved my abilities through conference presentations, technical reporting, and cross-team working together.

My innovation abilities have sharpened through constant experience working on emerging clean energy technologies, new inventions and R&D challenges.

A typical day and motivation

What's a typical day like?

My day usually starts with reviewing project priorities and checking progress on experiments or manufacturing trials. I spend part of the day in the lab guiding or conducting experiments, and part of it in meetings with engineers, suppliers, or external partners. I also work on data analysis, technical reports, and future project planning. As a project leader, I balance hands-on R&D with big picture decision-making.

What is it you love about this job?

I enjoy the mix of scientific creativity, technical problem-solving, and the challenge of bringing new ideas from ideas to real-world application.

Impact and advice

How does your work benefit society?

I develop renewable hydrogen, CO2 electrolysis, new inventions that reduce emissions, support clean energy adoption, and promote a sustainable future.

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

One of my most memorable projects was developing a CVD-based carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn production system from scratch during my time at NPL. I thought of the idea, designed the idea, and built a working setup that could always produce CNT yarn directly from the reactor. It was incredibly satisfying to see the yarn emerge in real time, knowing its enormous possibility in uses ranging from advanced composites and aerospace materials to energy storage and electronics. I still have a deep passion for this work and would love to revisit the system to solve remaining experimental challenges and size the technology for large scale production.

Student guidance and future plans

Your advice to students based on your experience?

I believe challenges are unique to every individual. The key is to stay strong during tough times and to keep improving and learning during your best times. Never settle for the thought that you have reached your maximum possibility. Success may come early or take time, but what matters most is the process of learning from both achievements and failures.

Future Plans?

Over time, I aim to build a strong portfolio of intellectual property and later on establish my own company in India to commercialise new inventions, creating sustainable solutions and contributing to the country's clean energy growth.

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