Research

SK Mohonta, N Sapkota, R Podila. Broad Redox Density of States and S–O Functionalities Drive Stable Pseudocapacitive Behavior in Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) Cathodes. Advanced Science, e11459 (2025).  https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202511459

SM Francis, SK Mohonta, S Chiluwal, B Sharma, R Rao, P Puneet, Y Gong, R Podila. Quantum Interference and localization in disordered graphene. (Under review: ACS Nano)

SK Mohonta, SM Francis, A Ferebee, G Bohara, P Puneet, Y Ding, R Podila. Polymer-BN Composites as Thermal Interface Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery Modules: Experimental and Simulation Insights. Batteries 2025, 11(12), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11120431

The objective of this project is to explain the fundamental origin of triboelectrification in terms of the following: 1) differences in spatial distribution of the chemical potential and 2) transient electron localization between different or identical materials. It has been suggested that H+ and OH‑ ions from adsorbed water could facilitate charge transfer between surfaces. Given the considerable influence of environment on triboelectricity (e.g., relative humidity, temperature), a major challenge in analyzing the existing triboelectric data is the lack of experiments within the same controlled environment. Accordingly, we will perform triboelectric charging experiments with different configurations and material pairs in an inert glovebox at controlled temperatures.