Basic Info

Kalauni, Kishor M. Tech., Ph.D.

senior researcher






Projects

Project Type Duration
Self-Healing Concrete for Enhanced Carbon Capture and Storage

Program: PostdokGrant
This research proposes the development of a novel multifunctional concrete composite that combines the CO2adsorption capabilities of ZIF-8 with the self-healing properties of bio-mineralizing bacteria. The goal is to enhanceboth the environmental performance and durability of concrete by accelerating natural carbonation and increasing itscapacity for carbon sequestration. ZIF-8 will be embedded within the concrete matrix to act as a localized CO2reservoir, capturing atmospheric or point-source CO2 and concentrating it near microcracks or porous zones.Simultaneously, the incorporated bacteria will precipitate calcium carbonate upon exposure to moisture and CO2,facilitating self-healing and further CO₂ mineralization. This synergistic system leverages both physical adsorption andmicrobial mineralization to increase the rate, extent, and permanence of carbon storage in concrete. The project willinvestigate the interactions between ZIF-8 and bacterial viability, optimize material formulations, and evaluateperformance through carbonation depth analysis, mechanical testing, and microstructural characterization. Byconducting controlled experiments under varying environmental conditions, researcher will measure the differences inCO2 uptake between conventional concrete and that enhanced with self-healing agents. This comparative analysiswill provide critical data on the performance and potential of biogenic enhancement strategies. In addition toquantifying CO2 sequestration, the project also focuses on optimizing the carbonation process. This involves testingdifferent concentrations and combinations of self-healing agents, and ZIF-8 to determine the most efficient formulationfor long-term CO2 absorption. By evaluating the reduction in net carbon emissions associated with the use of self-healingagent and ZIF-8, the project will help determine its viability as a sustainable building material. The anticipatedoutcome is an environmentally beneficial solution that not only improves the durability of concrete but also activelycontributes to atmospheric CO2 reduction. These findings contribute valuable knowledge to the field of sustainableconstruction materials and provide practical guidance for future industry applications.
 national 1.1.2026 – 31.12.2027

Publications

CZIRÁK, Peter** – ČEPČIANSKA, Jana – KALAUNI, Kishor – PALOU, Martin T. – ŽEMLIČKA, Matúš. EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CURING CONDITIONS ON THE PROPERTIES OF HARDENED CONCRETE. In Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering, 2026, vol. 36, no. 2, p. 58-64. (2025: 0.6 – IF, Q4 – JCR). ISSN 1210-3896. Dostupné na: https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2026-0012 (APVV-23-0383 : Pochopenie a zlepšenie hydratačných reakcií nízkouhlíkových cementov pre vývoj nízkouhlíkového betónu vrátane zachytávania uhlíka karbonatáciou. VEGA 2/0080/24 : Hydratačné procesy a tvorba mikroštruktúry nových kompozitných cementov a ich využitie na vývoj špeciálnych betónov. APVV-19-0490 : Výskum a vývoj mnohozložkových cementových zmesí pre špeciálne konštrukčné materiály. CE0100390 : Circular and digital renewal of central Europe construction and building sector.) [ADNA]
KALAUNI, Kishor – VEDRTNAM, Ajitanshu** – PALOU, Martin T. – SOARES, Nelson. Self-healing concrete with thermal and acoustic enhancements: a comprehensive review. In Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 2026, vol. 11, iss. 5, art.no. 253. (2025: 2.8 – IF, Q2 – JCR, 0.519 – SJR, Q2 – SJR). ISSN 2364-4184. Dostupné na: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-026-02621-1 [ADMA]
NEGI, Harsha – VEDRTNAM, Ajitanshu** – KALAUNI, Kishor. A comprehensive review on natural fiber-reinforced polystyrene composites: Surface treatments, mechanical performance, and sustainable applications. In Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials, 2026, vol. 39, iss. 2, p. 443-503. (2025: 4 – IF, Q2 – JCR, 0.61 – SJR, Q2 – SJR). ISSN 0892-7057. Dostupné na: https://doi.org/10.1177/08927057251352369 [ADMA]
VEDRTNAM, Ajitanshu** – KALAUNI, Kishor – CHATURVEDI, Shashikant – SOARES, Nelson. UPCM-EQF: a theoretical framework for climate-responsive energy and comfort optimization using phase change materials. In Energy Conversion and Management: X, 2026, vol. 30, art. no. 101650. (2025: 8.8 – IF, Q1 – JCR, 1.681 – SJR, Q1 – SJR). ISSN 2590-1745. Dostupné na: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecmx.2026.101650 [ADCA]