Research areas

Research Overview

Research in our lab is focused on controlling the forces at the nanoscale to impart newer as well as improve the existing properties of nanomaterials. This “interplay of forces” can be achieved by decorating the surface of a nanoparticle with the ‘ligand of choice’. Our group strongly believes that the concept of “ligand-directed interplay of forces” is one way to realize distinct and specific functions from a limited set of nanomaterials. The journey has been rewarding so far in terms of achieving many important feats in nanoscience, such as self-assembly under equilibrium and nonequilibrium regimes, outplaying ligand poisoning in nanocatalysis, channelizing the flow of energy and electron in donor–acceptor systems, multicolour photopatterning using a single nanohybrid system, and so on. More details about the impact of controlling interparticle-interactions on the specific areas of nanoscience can be found below.

Plasmonic photocatalysis

In this research domain, we have been working to synthesize different plasmonic nanomaterials, used for enhancing solar-driven photocatalytic processes due to their strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). We are exploring its applications in terms of green energy productions, water splitting, and CCU processes.

Optoelectronic Carbon based Nanomaterials

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as one of the most versatile and ignited domains, balancing the fundamental as well as applied research on a single podium. We have synthesised CQDs from biomass waste. We are working on zero-dimensional (0D) particles like non-metal-CDs and CQDs with brilliant fluorescence and their applications for bioimaging, sensors, catalysis and energy productions.

MOF based photocatalysis

In this area, we are working on MOF (Metal–organic frameworks) as high-performing engineering heterogeneous photocatalysts due to their ease of designability in organic linker/metal cluster choice and their well-ordered, high surface area structure. MOF-based photocatalysts in the field of CO2 reduction, pollutant sensing, energy production and pollutant degradation are also exploring.

Photoelectrochemical Systems:

Energy production

We develop photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems as PEC device to offer a promising approach to harness solar energy for producing essential chemicals and sustainable fuels. This perspective highlights their potential for generating green hydrogen (H2) as energy and carbon-based fuels.

Development of fluorescent active Chemosensors

In this present work. we basically, design different organic chemosensors molecules that can selectively recognize and signal the presence of a specific analyte. This is one of the main achievements of supramolecular chemistry and quite a number of reports indicate the great attention devoted to fluorescent chemosensors.

Biomass conversion: Renewable chemical and fuel production

Photocatalytic processes have recently gained popularity as a sustainable and energy-efficient method for converting biomass. The work delves into the assessment of diverse biomass sources and their preparation techniques, in addition to the synthesis of plasmonic nanoparticles as photocatalysts from biomass, offering a thorough examination.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs):

Water purification

(AOPs) are used for in situ generation of highly reactive radicals for the oxidative degradation of contaminants. The major radical formed in most AOPs is the hydroxyl radical (•OH). Besides the •OH, reactive oxygen species (ROS) including singlet oxygen and superoxide, radicals derived from persulfate, carbonate or nitrate, other dissolved inorganic constituents, and solvated electrons may be involved in AOPs and affect process kinetics, reaction mechanisms, and product formation.

Polymer composite films:

Packaging applications

In the present work, corn starch was grafted with oleic acid in the presence of redox initiators. Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) were synthesized using acid hydrolysis method and nanocomposite films were prepared by incorporation of SNCs into polyvinyl alcohol/starch (PVA/S) and PVA/grafted starch (PVA/GS) matrix, separately. The tensile strength of the nanocomposite films increased significantly with the reinforcement of SNCs into PVA/S matrix.

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