Research Contribution and Performance by Indian Scientists in the Field of Nanotechnology: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This paper deals with the bibliometric analysis of scientific output of nanotechnology in India. The aim of the study is to offer an overview of research trends in this field and to identify its most important aspects such as growth of literature, highly cited papers, pattern of citations, core journals and most prolific authors. The web of science core collection online database is the main source for data collection during the period 1989 - 2017.The data were further analyzed and tabulated as per the set objectives of the study to deduce it to meaningful findings and conclusion.

The study found that the growth of literature is gradual with the highest number of papers published in 2016. The citation pattern reveals that 76.60% research papers fall in the least cited category and 14.55% papers are not cited. RSC Advances journal published the highest number of papers. Benelli G is the most prolific Indian scientist but the highest citation and average citations received by Sastry M. The present study shall help the researchers in choice of core journals and prolific authors besides trends in nanotechnology. It will also aid the libraries and information centers in the collection management. The study provides quantitative information of different aspects of nanotechnology research conducted by Indian scientists and to show the progress and interest developed in nanotechnology researchers in India- being a developing country.