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Hire Nalin D.

Sri Lanka

USD 50 /hr

Experienced materials scientist with extensive industry expertise in textiles, rubber, and water purification sectors.

Profile Summary

As a highly accomplished chemist with a First-Class degree in Chemistry from the University of Colombo and a Ph.D. from the prestigious University of Cambridge, along with extensive postdoctoral studies at both the University of Cambridge and Louisiana State University, I bring a wealth of expertise in molecular sciences and nanotechnology. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated leadership as the Science Team Leader at the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), where I spearheaded innovative research initiatives and fostered collaborative partnerships. With a track record of over 100 published manuscripts, four US and many local patents, I have consistently contributed to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. My present h-index is 36 with over 3700 citations. Moreover, I have a strong background in commercialization, having successfully executed projects with leading companies such as Textured Jersey, Global Rubber Industries, British Cosmetics, and MAS Active. My team was responsible for developing the Green Tyre for the Global Rubber Industries, Sri Lanka. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with a diverse range of organizations, including Haycarb, Dyna Wash, Orange Electrics, MAS Research & Innovation, Brandix, Hirdaramani, Unilever, Nike, Victoria's Secret, MAS, and many others. I have secured grants from NSF, NRC (SL), Royal Society (UK), EPSRC (UK), and University College London (United Kingdom). Additionally, my leadership experience extends to academia, where I served as the Head of the Department of Chemistry (2020-2023), driving exponential development despite minimal government funding. I take pride in introducing the first-ever fee-levying B.Sc. external degree in Applied Chemistry at the University of Colombo. Further, I was the Director of the Career Guidance Unit of the University of Colombo and was responsible for drawing up innovative programs on career guidance at the University of Colombo. Beyond my professional achievements, I am a passionate sportsman, having captained both Table Tennis and Tennis teams at the University of Colombo, and represented in other sports such as Badminton, Cricket, Swimming, and Football. I also represented the Cambridge University Table Tennis Team and played cricket as an allrounder for Cambridgeshire North Madingley Cricket Club and the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge. My commitment to excellence and innovation is further demonstrated by my role as a visiting Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman.

Subject Matter Expertise

• ☆ Chemical Reagent Development
• ☆ Surface Science
• ☆ Coordination Compounds
• ☆ Inorganic Chemistry
• ☆ Natural Product Chemistry
• ☆ Physical Chemistry
• ☆ Electrochemistry
• ☆ Agricultural Chemistry
• ☆ Organometallic Chemistry
• ☆ Photochemistry
• ☆ Thermochemistry
• ☆ Computational Chemistry
• ☆ Environmental Science
• ☆ Environmental Chemistry
• ☆ Applied Chemistry
• ☆ Drug Discovery
• ☆ Drug Target Identification
• ☆ Drug Design
• ☆ Pharmaceutical Technology
• ☆ Technical & Scientific Writing
• ☆ Journal Selection
• ☆ Experimental Protocols
• ☆ Textbook Content Writing
• ☆ Science Communication
• ☆ Scientific Proofreading & Editing
• ☆ Proofreading & Editing
• ☆ Course Content Writing

Services

• Writing

Writing Technical Writing

Work Experience

Senior Professor

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

July 1993 - Present

Visiting Professor

Sultan Qaboos University

January 2023 - January 2024

Head of Department

Department of Chemistry, University of Colombo

August 2020 - August 2023

Senior Research Consultant

Global Rubber Industries, Sri Lanka

January 2020 - January 2023

Science Team Leader

Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC)

May 2017 - March 2019

Science Team Leader

Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC)

May 2012 - March 2017

Visiting Professor

Sultan Qaboos University

September 2011 - January 2012

Senior Research Consultant

Haycarb PLC (Hayleys Group of Companies, Sri Lanka)

December 2009 - August 2010

Visiting Scholar

Louisiana state university

March 2005 - March 2007

Visiting Scholar

University of Cambridge

January 1998 - October 1998

Education

PhD in Physical Chemistry

University of Cambridge, UK

January 2024 - January 2024

B.Sc. Chemistry Honors

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

September 1987 - March 1992

Certifications

• Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC)

  Royal Society of Chemistry, UK

  June 2022 - Present

• Doctor of Philosophy

  University of Cambridge, UK

  October 1998 - Present

• BSc Honors in Chemistry (First Class)

  University of Colombo

  April 1992 - Present

Publications

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Nadeeka D. Tissera, Ruchira N. Wijesena, Natali Ludowyke, Gayan Priyadarshana, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Rohini M. de Silva, K. M. Nalin de Silva (2024). Keratin protein nanofibers from merino wool yarn: a top-down approach for the disintegration of hierarchical wool architecture to extract α-keratin protein nanofibers . RSC Advances.

Nadeera Dilshan Wickramasinghe, A. H. Janaka Sampath, Chandrika M. Nanayakkara, K. M. Nalin de Silva, Rohini M. de Silva (2024). Ilmenite-derived titanic acid species: exploring their outstanding light-independent antibacterial activity . RSC Advances.

T.A.N.R. Gunaratna, P.K. Prajapati, K.M. Nalin de Silva, W. Rohini M. de Silva (2023). Comparision of traditional and laboratory methods of sulphur processing . Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.

A. H. Janaka Sampath, Nadeera Dilshan Wickramasinghe, K. M. Nalin de Silva, Rohini M. de Silva (2023). Methods of Extracting TiO2 and Other Related Compounds from Ilmenite . Minerals.

Nalin De Silva, Janaka Sampath, Nadeera Dilshan Wickramasinghe, Rohini De Silva (2023). Methods of Extracting TiO₂ and Other Related Compounds from Ilmenite . Minerals.

Vihanga K Munasinghe, Dilhan Manawadu, Rohini M de Silva, K M Nalin de Silva (2023). Impact of active sites on encapsulation of curcumin in Metal Organic Frameworks . Materials Research Express.

M. Shanika Fernando, A. K. D. V. K. Wimalasiri, Karolina Dziemidowicz, Gareth R Williams, K. Rasika Koswattage, D. P. Dissanayake, K. M. Nalin De Silva, Rohini M. De Silva (2023). The blending effect of natural polysaccharides with nano-zirconia towards the removal of fluoride and arsenate from water . Royal Society Open Science.

Enhancement of Release and Solubility of Curcumin from Electrospun PEO–EC–PVP Tripolymer-Based Nanofibers: A Study on the Effect of Hydrogenated Castor Oil <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Refresh" CONTENT="0;URL=/servlet/useragent"> </head> . ACS Omega.

Induni W. Siriwardane, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Rohini M. de Silva, Gareth R. Williams, Sebastian J. Gurgul, Karolina Dziemidowicz, K. M. Nalin de Silva(2021). Nanomagnetite- and Nanotitania-Incorporated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers for Simultaneous Cd(II)- and As(V)-Ion Removal Applications . ACS Omega. American Chemical Society ({ACS})

A. K. D. Veromee Kalpana Wimalasiri, M. Shanika Fernando, Karolina Dziemidowicz, Gareth R. Williams, K. Rasika Koswattage, D. P. Dissanayake, K. M. Nalin de Silva, Rohini M. de Silva(2021). Structure–Activity Relationship of Lanthanide-Incorporated Nano-Hydroxyapatite for the Adsorption of Fluoride and Lead . ACS Omega. 6. (21). p. 13527--13543. American Chemical Society ({ACS})

Lahiru A. Wijenayaka, Ruchira N. Wijesena, Nadeeka D. Tissera, W. R. L. Nisansala Bandara, Gehan J. Amaratunga, K. M. Nalin De Silva (2021). Infrared absorbing nanoparticle impregnated self-heating fabrics for significantly improved moisture management under ambient conditions . Royal Society Open Science.

M. Shanika Fernando, A. K. D. V. K. Wimalasiri, Karolina Dziemidowicz, Gareth R. Williams, K. R. Koswattage, D. P. Dissanayake, K. M. Nalin de Silva, Rohini M. de Silva(2021). Biopolymer-Based Nanohydroxyapatite Composites for the Removal of Fluoride, Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic from Water . ACS Omega. 6. (12). p. 8517--8530. American Chemical Society ({ACS})

I. W. Siriwardane, N. P. W. Rathuwadu, D. Dahanayake, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Rohini M. de Silva, K. M. Nalin de Silva(2021). Nano-manganese oxide and reduced graphene oxide-incorporated polyacrylonitrile fiber mats as an electrode material for capacitive deionization (CDI) technology . Nanoscale Advances. Royal Society of Chemistry ({RSC})

D. C. Manatunga, V. U. Godakanda, H. M. L. P. B. Herath, Rohini M. de Silva, Chen-Yu Yeh, Jiann-Yeu Chen, A. A. Akshitha de Silva, S. Rajapaksha, Renuka Nilmini, K. M. Nalin de Silva(2020). Nanofibrous cosmetic face mask for transdermal delivery of nano gold: synthesis, characterization, release and zebra fish employed toxicity studies . Royal Society Open Science. 7. (9). p. 201266. The Royal Society

Chatura Goonesinghe, Mohamed Shaik, Rivi Ratnaweera, K. M. Nalin De Silva, Rohini M. De Silva(2020). A magnetically retrievable air and moisture stable gold and palladium nanocatalyst for efficient C−C coupling reactions . Royal Society Open Science. 7. (9). p. 200916. The Royal Society

Ruchira N. Wijesena, Nadeeka D. Tissera, V.W.S.G. Rathnayaka, H.D. Rajapakse, Rohini M. de Silva, K.M. Nalin de Silva(2020). Shape-stabilization of polyethylene glycol phase change materials with chitin nanofibers for applications in “smart” windows . Carbohydrate Polymers. 237. p. 116132. Elsevier {BV}

Ruchira N. Wijesena, Nadeeka D. Tissera, V.W.S.G. Rathnayaka, Rohini M. de Silva, K.M. Nalin de Silva(2020). Colloidal stability of chitin nanofibers in aqueous systems: Effect of pH, ionic strength, temperature & concentration . Carbohydrate Polymers. 235. p. 116024. Elsevier {BV}

Maheshika Perera, Lahiru A. Wijenayaka, Kumudu Siriwardana, Damayanthi Dahanayake, K. M. Nalin de Silva (2020). Gold nanoparticle decorated titania for sustainable environmental remediation: green synthesis, enhanced surface adsorption and synergistic photocatalysis . RSC Advances.

J. M. A. R. B. Jayasinghe, Rangika T. De Silva, K. M. Nalin de Silva, Rohini M. de Silva, Vinod Asantha Silva (2020). Titanium carbide ceramic nanocrystals to enhance the physicochemical properties of natural rubber composites . RSC Advances.

G. T. D. Chandrakumara, D. M. S. N. Dissanayake, M. M. M. G. P. G. Mantilaka, R. T. De Silva, H. M. T. G. A. Pitawala, K. M. Nalin de Silva(2019). Eco-Friendly, Green Packaging Materials from Akaganeite and Hematite Nanoparticle-Reinforced Chitosan Nanocomposite Films . Journal of Nanomaterials. 2019. p. 1--11. Hindawi Limited

Anoja Senthilnathan, D. M. S. N. Dissanayake, G. T. D. Chandrakumara, M. M. M. G. P. G. Mantilaka, R. M. G. Rajapakse, H. M. T. G. A. Pitawala, K. M. Nalin de Silva(2019). Akaganeite nanorices deposited muscovite mica surfaces as sunlight active green photocatalyst . Royal Society Open Science. 6. (3). p. 182212. The Royal Society

S.P. Ratnayake, M.M.M.G.P.G. Mantilaka, C. Sandaruwan, D. Dahanayake, E. Murugan, Santhosh Kumar, G.A.J. Amaratunga, K.M. Nalin de Silva(2019). Carbon quantum dots-decorated nano-zirconia: A highly efficient photocatalyst . Applied Catalysis A: General. 570. p. 23--30. Elsevier {BV}

D. M. S. N. Dissanayake, M. M. M. G. P. G. Mantilaka, T. C. Palihawadana, G. T. D. Chandrakumara, R. T. De Silva, H. M. T. G. A. Pitawala, K. M. Nalin de Silva, G. A. J. Amaratunga(2019). Facile and low-cost synthesis of pure hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles from naturally occurring laterites and their superior adsorption capability towards acid-dyes . RSC Advances. 9. (37). p. 21249--21257. Royal Society of Chemistry ({RSC})

J.&#160;M. A. R. B. Jayasinghe, R. T. De Silva, Rohini M. de Silva, K. M. Nalin de Silva, M. M. M. G. P. G. Mantilaka, Vinod Asantha Silva(2019). Effect of networked hybridized nanoparticle reinforcement on the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of natural rubber composites . RSC Advances. 9. (2). p. 636--644. Royal Society of Chemistry ({RSC})

Nadeesha Maduwanthi Hettiarachchi, Rangika Thilan De Silva, M. M. M. G. Prasanga Gayanath Mantilaka, Pooria Pasbakhsh, K. M. Nalin De Silva, Gehan A. J. Amaratunga(2019). Synthesis of calcium carbonate microcapsules as self-healing containers . RSC Advances. 9. (41). p. 23666--23677. Royal Society of Chemistry ({RSC})

M. Shanika Fernando, A. K. D. V. K. Wimalasiri, S. P. Ratnayake, J. M. A. R. B. Jayasinghe, Gareth R. William, D. P. Dissanayake, K. M. Nalin de Silva, Rohini M. de Silva(2019). Improved nanocomposite of montmorillonite and hydroxyapatite for defluoridation of water . RSC Advances. 9. (61). p. 35588--35598. Royal Society of Chemistry ({RSC})

Adheesha N. Danthanarayana, Danushika C. Manatunga, Rohini M. De Silva, N. Vishvanath Chandrasekharan, K. M. Nalin De Silva(2018). Magnetofection and isolation of DNA using polyethyleneimine functionalized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles . Royal Society Open Science. 5. (12). p. 181369. The Royal Society

Rangika Thilan De Silva, Ranga K. Dissanayake, M. M. M. G. Prasanga Gayanath Mantilaka, W. P. Sanjeewa Lakmal Wijesinghe, Shehan Shalinda Kaleel, Thejani Nisansala Premachandra, Laksiri Weerasinghe, Gehan A. J. Amaratunga, K. M. Nalin de Silva(2018). Drug-Loaded Halloysite Nanotube-Reinforced Electrospun Alginate-Based Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Sustained Antimicrobial Protection . ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 10. (40). p. 33913--33922. American Chemical Society ({ACS})

Danushika C. Manatunga, Rohini M. de Silva, K.M. Nalin de Silva (2018). The state of nanomedicine in Sri Lanka: challenges and opportunities . Journal of Interdisciplinary Nanomedicine.

Yasun Y. Kannangara, Ruchira Wijesena, R. M. G. Rajapakse, K. M. Nalin de Silva(2018). Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of toluene in static environment employing thin films of nitrogen-doped nano-titanium dioxide . International Nano Letters. 8. (1). p. 31--39. Springer Science and Business Media {LLC}

Danushika C. Manatunga, Rohini M. de Silva, K. M. Nalin de Silva, Nuwan de Silva, E. V. A. Premalal(2018). Metal and polymer-mediated synthesis of porous crystalline hydroxyapatite nanocomposites for environmental remediation . Royal Society Open Science. 5. (1). p. 171557. The Royal Society

Nadeeka D. Tissera, Ruchira N. Wijesena, Chanaka S. Sandaruwan, Rohini M. de Silva, Ajith de Alwis, K.M. Nalin de Silva(2018). Photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticle encapsulated poly(acrylonitrile) nanofibers . Materials Chemistry and Physics. 204. p. 195--206. Elsevier {BV}

Lakshitha R. Pahalagedara, Induni&#160;W. Siriwardane, Nadeeka D. Tissera, Ruchira N. Wijesena, K. M. Nalin de Silva(2017). Carbon black functionalized stretchable conductive fabrics for wearable heating applications . RSC Advances. 7. (31). p. 19174--19180. Royal Society of Chemistry ({RSC})

W. R.&#160;L. Nisansala Bandara, Rohini M. de Silva, K. M. Nalin de Silva, Damayanthi Dahanayake, Sunanda Gunasekara, Kulatheepan Thanabalasingam(2017). Is nano ZrO2 a better photocatalyst than nano TiO2 for degradation of plastics? . RSC Adv. 7. (73). p. 46155--46163. Royal Society of Chemistry ({RSC})