Venkata Siva Rama Krishna, Tandava

Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Materials Chemistry for Catalysis and CatLab, specializing in electrochemistry and materials science. Expertise includes the design and fabrication of electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 conversion and the design and deployment of electrochemical reactors. Additionally, experienced in conducting mechanistic investigations using advanced characterization techniques. Currently, actively learning the Operando investigation of electocatalysts using the X-Ray Spectroscopic investigations using the Synchrotron facilities at BESSY II Light Source @HZB.

I have a strong background in analytical chemistry, having worked as a Research Assistant at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, where I analyzed edible oils for pesticides and metal contaminants using various analytical techniques using GC, GC-MS, HPLC and ICP-OES. I hold a PhD in Materials Science from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and a Master's Degree in Analytical Chemistry f

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy (Materials Science) 2019-2024

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Electrochemistry, Materials Chemistry, Catalysis, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Scopus Publications

Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Methanol on Copper-Based Catalysts: Mechanistic Insights and Industrial Prospects
Debabrata Bagchi, Carsten Walter, Venkata S. R. K. Tandava, Yasmin Lucero Cobos‐Becerra, Jack C. Q. Fletcher, Nico Fischer, Tobias Sontheimer, Prashanth W. Menezes
Advanced Materials, 2026
Electrochemical CO 2 reduction (ECO 2 R) offers a promising route to convert CO 2 into high‐value‐added chemicals using renewable energy. Among the diverse ECO 2 R products, the selective conversion of CO 2 to methanol (CH 3 OH) holds significant industrial importance as a fuel and chemical feedstock. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in Copper (Cu)‐based catalysts for selective ECO 2 R to CH 3 OH. Key advancements in catalyst design and synthesis are discussed, followed by mechanistic insights obtained through computational modeling and advanced characterization techniques. Special focus is given to the structure‐activity relationship that controls CH 3 OH selectivity, disclosing the importance of intermediate stabilization and electronic structure tuning. Further, state‐of‐the‐art Cu‐based materials and benchmarking their performances under various operating conditions, including the role of electrolyzer configurations, electrolytes, and ion‐exchange membranes, is summarized. Moreover, we analyze challenges in upscaling, such as stability, selectivity under high current densities, and integration with renewable energy sources. Besides, the potential of tandem and hybrid systems to improve reaction pathways is also emphasized. Finally, techno‐economic considerations are explored to evaluate the feasibility of large‐scale CH 3 OH production. By combining fundamental understanding with practical implementation, this review provides strategic direction toward the rational design of Cu‐based electrocatalysts and the development of commercially viable ECO 2 R systems for sustainable CH 3 OH synthesis.
Importance of optimising electrodeposition parameters for scalable and cost-effective manufacturing of Cu catalysts for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction to renewable fuels and chemical feedstocks
Mayra S. Tovar-Oliva, Venkata S.R.K. Tandava, Franziska Bößl, Valentin C. Menzel, Josaine A. Zarco-Roldán, Rebecca Rae, Caroline Kirk, Sebastián Murcia-López, Ignacio Tudela
Materials Today Sustainability, 2025
The electrodeposition of Cu-based catalysts onto commercial gas diffusion layers (GDLs) provides a scalable approach to the manufacturing of gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for efficient electrochemical CO 2 reduction into renewable fuels and chemicals. This study investigates the influence of electrodeposition parameters on the characteristics and performance of GDEs. The effect of different process parameters on the reproducibility of the GDEs was analysed, highlighting the importance of current density in overcoming nucleation issues that could cause uneven catalyst distribution. The relationship between current density, catalyst loading and GDE performance was then evaluated, revealing the necessity of balancing these parameters to achieve uniform catalyst distribution and prevent the formation of semi-continuous films that may block the surface of the GDL, negatively affecting the performance of the GDEs. By optimising both current density (30 mA cm −2 ) and catalyst loading (1 C cm −2 or ≈ 0.33 mg cm −2 ), we prepared large GDEs (geometrical electrode active area of 5 cm 2 ) that achieved up to 70% Faradaic efficiency for the conversion of CO 2 into useful products such as C 2 H 4 , or under industrially relevant conditions (applied current density of 200 mA cm −2 during CO 2 electrolysis) while saving 50% of catalyst material and 75% of electrodeposition time when compared to other GDEs prepared under different process parameters (e.g. 15 mA cm −2 and 2 C cm −2 or ≈ 0.66 mg cm −2 ). These results illustrate how important it is to adopt a strategic approach towards developing catalysts fabricated by electrodeposition, demonstrating how it is possible to significantly reduce their material and processing costs without compromising their performance.
Modulating the surface interface of PTFE/Cu-based GDEs to boost the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to C2H4 at ultra-low overpotential
Venkata S.R.K. Tandava, Mayra S. Tovar-Oliva, Martí Biset-Peiró, Diouldé Sylla, Joan Ramón Morante, Ignacio Tudela, Sebastián Murcia-López
Applied Catalysis B Environmental, 2025
The electrochemical CO 2 reduction to multi-carbon products has received significant attention with the successful implementation of gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) in flow electrolysers. In this work, we present the convenience of systematically modulating the surface interface of copper-based catalyst layers. Tailored GDEs fabricated by sputtering copper on polytetrafluoroethylene porous membranes and applying additive layers prove to be very effective in boosting selectivity towards C 2 H 4 and other C 2+ products. A comparative study of sputtered copper with additive layers (i.e. carbon black and/or catalyst-ionomer) allows to understand the role of the catalyst/catalyst-additive heterojunction. The additive layer aids not only in tuning the selectivity towards C 2 H 4 as the prime product, but also significantly lowers the cathodic overpotential required to achieve high current densities. PTFE/Cu GDE with an appropriate additive layer loading (i.e. mixed copper oxide in a carbon black matrix) converts CO 2 to C 2 H 4 with a faradaic efficiency of ≥ 70 % (combined faradaic efficiency of ≥90 % for C 2+ products) at industrially relevant current density of 250 mA·cm −2 with an iR -corrected potential of −0.55 V vs RHE. The PTFE/Cu/Cu x O-C GDE exhibits excellent stability, delivering a consistently high yield of C 2 H 4 over 25 h while effectively suppressing the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. • PTFE/Cu-based GDEs for electrochemical CO 2 reduction have been developed. • Add-layers control the *CO/H 2 O ratio in the interface tuning the selectivity to C 2+ . • Combined Cu and Cu x O/C layers steer the selectivity to C 2 H 4 at low overpotentials. • Up-scaled electrode structures maintain the excellent performance.
Hydrothermal Fabrication of Carbon-Supported Oxide-Derived Copper Heterostructures: A Robust Catalyst System for Enhanced Electro-Reduction of CO2 to C2H4
Venkata S. R. K. Tandava, Maria Chiara Spadaro, Jordi Arbiol, Sebastián Murcia‐López, Joan Ramón Morante
Chemsuschem, 2023
Anthropogenic CO2 can be converted to alternative fuels and value‐added products by electrocatalytic routes. Copper‐based catalysts are found to be the star materials for obtaining longer‐chain carbon compounds beyond 2e− products. Herein, we report a facile hydrothermal fabrication of a highly robust electrocatalyst: in‐situ grown heterostructures of plate‐like CuO−Cu2O on carbon black. Simultaneous synthesis of copper‐carbon catalysts with varied amounts of copper was conducted to determine the optimum blend. It is observed that the optimum ratio and structure have aided in achieving the state of art faradaic efficiency for ethylene >45 % at −1.6 V vs. RHE at industrially relevant high current densities over 160 to 200 mA ⋅ cm−2. It is understood that the in‐situ modification of CuO to Cu2O during the electrolysis is the driving force for the highly selective conversion of CO2 to ethylene through the *CO intermediates at the onset potentials followed by C−C coupling. The excellent distribution of Cu‐based platelets on the carbon structure enables rapid electron transfer and enhanced catalytic efficiency. It is inferred that choosing the right composition of the catalyst by tuning the catalyst layer over the gas diffusion electrode can substantially affect the product selectivity and promote reaching the potential industrial scale.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Methanol on Copper‐Based Catalysts: Mechanistic Insights and Industrial Prospects
D Bagchi, C Walter, VSRK Tandava, YL Cobos‐Becerra, JCQ Fletcher, ...
Advanced Materials, e14994 , 2026
2026
Citations: 5
Importance of optimising electrodeposition parameters for scalable and cost-effective manufacturing of Cu catalysts for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction to renewable …
MS Tovar-Oliva, VSRK Tandava, F Bößl, VC Menzel, JA Zarco-Roldán, ...
Materials Today Sustainability 31, 101116 , 2025
2025
Citations: 4
Modulating the surface interface of PTFE/Cu-based GDEs to boost the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to C2H4 at ultra-low overpotential
VSRK Tandava, MS Tovar-Oliva, M Biset-Peiró, D Sylla, JR Morante, ...
Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy 371, 125276 , 2025
2025
Citations: 12
Supporting Information Hydrothermal Fabrication of Carbon-Supported Oxide Derived Copper Heterostructures: A Robust Catalyst System for Enhanced Electro-Reduction of CO2 to C2H4
VSRK Tandava, MC Spadaro, J Arbiol, S Murcia-López, JR Morante
Wiley-VCH , 2023
2023
Hydrothermal Fabrication of Carbon‐Supported Oxide‐Derived Copper Heterostructures: A Robust Catalyst System for Enhanced Electro‐Reduction of CO2 to C2H4
VSRK Tandava, MC Spadaro, J Arbiol, S Murcia‐López, JR Morante
ChemSusChem 16 (19), e202300344 , 2023
2023
Citations: 10
Two-dimensional Metal Oxide Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 Into Energy-rich Chemicals
A Das, L Devi, V Tandava, S Manchala
2022
A Novel Strategy for Sustainable Synthesis of Soluble‐Graphene by a Herb Delphinium denudatum Root Extract for Use as Light‐Weight Supercapacitors
S Manchala, V Tandava, D Jampaiah, SK Bhargava, V Shanker
ChemistrySelect 5 (9), 2701-2709 , 2020
2020
Citations: 9
Fabrication of a novel ZnIn 2<//sub> S 4<//sub>/gC 3<//sub> N 4<//sub>/graphene ternary nanocomposite with enhanced charge separation for efficient …
S Manchala, V Tandava, LR Nagappagari, SM Venkatakrishnan, ...
Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences 18 (12), 2952-2964 , 2019
2019
Fabrication of a novel ZnIn 2 S 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /graphene ternary nanocomposite with enhanced charge separation for efficient photocatalytic H 2 evolution under solar …
S Manchala, V Tandava, LR Nagappagari, SM Venkatakrishnan, ...
Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences 18 (12), 2952-2964 , 2019
2019
Citations: 59
Novel and highly efficient strategy for the green synthesis of soluble graphene by aqueous polyphenol extracts of eucalyptus bark and its applications in high-performance …
S Manchala, V Tandava, D Jampaiah, SK Bhargava, V Shanker
ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 7 (13), 11612-11620 , 2019
2019
Citations: 119

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

Novel and highly efficient strategy for the green synthesis of soluble graphene by aqueous polyphenol extracts of eucalyptus bark and its applications in high-performance …
S Manchala, V Tandava, D Jampaiah, SK Bhargava, V Shanker
ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 7 (13), 11612-11620 , 2019
2019
Citations: 119
Fabrication of a novel ZnIn 2 S 4 /g-C 3 N 4 /graphene ternary nanocomposite with enhanced charge separation for efficient photocatalytic H 2 evolution under solar …
S Manchala, V Tandava, LR Nagappagari, SM Venkatakrishnan, ...
Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences 18 (12), 2952-2964 , 2019
2019
Citations: 59
Modulating the surface interface of PTFE/Cu-based GDEs to boost the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to C2H4 at ultra-low overpotential
VSRK Tandava, MS Tovar-Oliva, M Biset-Peiró, D Sylla, JR Morante, ...
Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy 371, 125276 , 2025
2025
Citations: 12
Hydrothermal Fabrication of Carbon‐Supported Oxide‐Derived Copper Heterostructures: A Robust Catalyst System for Enhanced Electro‐Reduction of CO2 to C2H4
VSRK Tandava, MC Spadaro, J Arbiol, S Murcia‐López, JR Morante
ChemSusChem 16 (19), e202300344 , 2023
2023
Citations: 10
A Novel Strategy for Sustainable Synthesis of Soluble‐Graphene by a Herb Delphinium denudatum Root Extract for Use as Light‐Weight Supercapacitors
S Manchala, V Tandava, D Jampaiah, SK Bhargava, V Shanker
ChemistrySelect 5 (9), 2701-2709 , 2020
2020
Citations: 9
Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Methanol on Copper‐Based Catalysts: Mechanistic Insights and Industrial Prospects
D Bagchi, C Walter, VSRK Tandava, YL Cobos‐Becerra, JCQ Fletcher, ...
Advanced Materials, e14994 , 2026
2026
Citations: 5
Importance of optimising electrodeposition parameters for scalable and cost-effective manufacturing of Cu catalysts for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction to renewable …
MS Tovar-Oliva, VSRK Tandava, F Bößl, VC Menzel, JA Zarco-Roldán, ...
Materials Today Sustainability 31, 101116 , 2025
2025
Citations: 4
Supporting Information Hydrothermal Fabrication of Carbon-Supported Oxide Derived Copper Heterostructures: A Robust Catalyst System for Enhanced Electro-Reduction of CO2 to C2H4
VSRK Tandava, MC Spadaro, J Arbiol, S Murcia-López, JR Morante
Wiley-VCH , 2023
2023
Two-dimensional Metal Oxide Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 Into Energy-rich Chemicals
A Das, L Devi, V Tandava, S Manchala
2022
Fabrication of a novel ZnIn 2<//sub> S 4<//sub>/gC 3<//sub> N 4<//sub>/graphene ternary nanocomposite with enhanced charge separation for efficient …
S Manchala, V Tandava, LR Nagappagari, SM Venkatakrishnan, ...
Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences 18 (12), 2952-2964 , 2019
2019