Research

Overview

Our research focuses on the engineering of nanomaterials, spanning fundamental studies on nanoparticle formation mechanisms, shape and size control, and colloidal/interfacial phenomena, along with their translation into functional applications. We work extensively on magnetic and metal-oxide nanoparticles, heterostructured catalysts, and polymer-stabilised nanocarriers, integrating experiments, modelling, and simulations. These insights drive the development of advanced systems for drug delivery, cancer therapy, catalysis, energy storage, environmental remediation, and adsorption processes. In parallel, we employ computational chemistry and molecular modelling to design drug molecules, predict molecular interactions, and investigate biomolecular interfaces. Overall, our work bridges materials synthesis, mechanistic understanding, and application-driven design.

Current Research Directions

1. Nanoparticle Formation Mechanisms, Morphology Control & Growth Models

Understanding how nanomaterials nucleate, grow, and evolve across different synthesis routes is central to our research. We primarily investigate bottom-up approaches such as thermal decomposition, coprecipitation, and solvent-less synthesis to gain mechanistic insights into nucleation pathways, metastable intermediates, prenucleation clusters, and shape evolution. Our work integrates experimental studies with reaction mechanism analysis, thermodynamic modeling, and Monte Carlo simulations to elucidate particle–particle interactions, aggregation dynamics, and the energy landscapes governing nanoparticle shape and size.

Selected Publications:

• Ravikumar C. Unveiling the Formation Mechanism of Polydisperse Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Coprecipitation Route. J. Crystal Growth, 2023 DOI.

• Singapati A.Y., Ravikumar C. Mechanism of Nanoparticle Formation in Liquid-Phase Thermal Decomposition. Langmuir, 2023 DOI.

• Narnaware P.K., Ravikumar C. Influence of Solvents, Reaction Temperature and Aging on Iron Oxide Morphology. Inorg. & Nano-Metal Chem., 2022 DOI.

• Narnaware P.K., Ravikumar C. Mechanistic Insight into Anisotropic Wüstite–Spinel Core–Shell Formation. J. Phys. Chem. C, 2020 DOI.

• Ravikumar C., Bandyopadhyaya R. Magnetite Nanoparticle Formation in Thermal Decomposition & Coprecipitation. J. Phys. Chem. C, 2011 DOI.

• Ethayaraja M., Ravikumar C., et al. CdS-ZnS Core–Shell Nanoparticle Formation. J. Phys. Chem. C, 2007.

• Ravikumar C., Bandyopadhyaya R. Formation of Nanoparticles via Water-in-Oil Microemulsions. J. Phys. Chem. C, 2010 DOI.

• Ravikumar C., Ethayaraja M., Bandyopadhyaya R. Hybrid Simulation of Monodisperse Nanoparticle Formation. Int. J. Chemical Sciences, 2007 DOI.

2. Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery, Cancer Therapy & Biological Interfaces

We develop polymer-coated, shape-controlled, and functionalized magnetic and metal-oxide nanoparticles for targeted therapy, enhanced cellular uptake, and improved intracellular delivery. Our computational–experimental workflows evaluate membrane deformation energies, receptor interactions, PEG-dependent stability, and drug-nanocarrier synergy.

 Selected Publications:

• Singapati A.Y., Kuthe A.M., Ravikumar C. Influence of the Molecular Weight of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) on the Aqueous Dispersion State of Magnetic Nanoparticles: Experiments and Monte Carlo Simulation. J. Cluster Science, 2023 DOI.

• Rarokar N.R., Ravikumar C., et al. Pteroyl-γ-l-glutamate/Pluronic® F68 modified polymeric micelles loaded with docetaxel for targeted delivery and reduced toxicity. J. Mol. Liquids, 2023 DOI.

• Rarokar N., Ravikumar C., Gurav S., et al. Meloxicam encapsulated nanostructured colloidal self-assembly for evaluating antitumor and anti-inflammatory efficacy in 3D printed scaffolds. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. A, 2021 DOI.

• Sreekumar S., Kuthe A.M., Ravikumar C. Integrated computational approach towards identification of HSPG and ACE2 mimicking moieties for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition. J. Mol. Liquids, 2022 DOI.

• Patil U., Ravikumar C. A thermodynamic model to predict the minimum energy required for engulfment of linearly aggregated spherical nanoparticles by tubular vesicles. Materialia, 2023 DOI.

3. Catalysis & Energy-Relevant Nanomaterials

This theme focuses on the design of heterostructured metals, Pd/Magnetite hybrids, metal oxide nanomaterials, and nano-hybrid composites for catalytic oxidation, hydrogen generation, and CO₂ capture. Our work includes morphology tuning, facet engineering, and structure–performance correlations, integrating experiments with modelling for improved functionality.

Selected Publications:

• Narnaware P.K., Manwar A.S., Wasewar K.L., Sarker D., Ravikumar C. Pd/Magnetite Heterostructures for Formic Acid Electro-oxidation. Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 2024 DOI.

• Akshay B., Faisal S.S.M., Vishnu B.R., Mohan M., Ravikumar C. Graphene–Ag Hybrid PCM for Battery Thermal Management. J. Energy Storage, 2024.

• Madan S.S., Wasewar K.L., Ravikumar C. Adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and equilibrium of α-toluic acid onto calcium peroxide nanoparticles. Adv. Powder Technol., 2016 DOI.

• Suganya S., Senthil Kumar P., Saravanan A., Ravikumar C., et al. Computation of adsorption parameters for the removal of dye from wastewater by microwave assisted sawdust: Theoretical and experimental analysis. Environ. Toxicol. Pharmacol., 2017 DOI.

4. Colloids, Interfacial Science & Nanoparticle–Membrane Interactions

We explore aggregation physics, polymer-mediated stability, colloidal interactions, Monte-Carlo simulations, and membrane deformation due to nanoparticle engulfment. This thread provides fundamental insights into colloidal states relevant to drug delivery and dispersion stability.

Selected Publications:

• Ravikumar C., Kumar S., Bandyopadhyaya R. Aggregation of dextran coated magnetic nanoparticles in aqueous medium: Experiments and Monte Carlo simulation. Colloids & Surfaces A, 2012 DOI.

• Kumar S., Ravikumar C., Bandyopadhyaya R. State of dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles in an aqueous medium: experiments and Monte Carlo simulation. Langmuir, 2010 DOI.

• Patil U., Ravikumar C. A thermodynamic model to predict the minimum energy required for engulfment of linearly aggregated spherical nanoparticles by tubular vesicles. Materialia, 2023 DOI.

• Singapati A.Y., Muthuraja V., Kuthe A.M., Ravikumar C. Influence of the Molecular Weight of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) on the Aqueous Dispersion State of Magnetic Nanoparticles: Experiments and Monte Carlo Simulation. J. Cluster Science, 2023 DOI.

5. Applied Nanotechnology: Environmental Remediation, Wastewater Treatment & Sustainable Materials

We apply nanomaterials to address environmental issues related to dye adsorption, pollutant removal, pyrolysis, and nanofluid heat transfer. These studies integrate experimental analysis, kinetic modelling, and thermodynamic interpretation.

Selected Publications:

• Ravikumar C., Senthil Kumar P., et al. Microwave assisted fast pyrolysis of corn cob, corn stover, saw dust and rice straw: Experimental investigation on bio-oil yield and high heating values. Sustainable Mater. & Tech., 2017 DOI.

• Tharaneedhar V., Senthil Kumar P., Saravanan A., Ravikumar C. Prediction and interpretation of adsorption parameters for the sequestration of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution using microwave assisted corncob activated carbon. Sustainable Mater. & Tech., 2017 DOI.

• Madan S.S., Wasewar K.L., Ravikumar C. Optimization of adsorptive removal of α-toluic acid by CaO2 nanoparticles using response surface methodology. Resource-Efficient Technologies, 2017 DOI.

• Anuj Khekde, Ashwini S. Thakre, C. Ravikumar, Diwakar Z. Shende.  Comparative Experimental Study of Natural Non-Toxic Solvents for Sustainable Gallic Acid Separation.  Hungarian Journal of Industry and Chemistry, 2026.

6. Computational Chemistry & Molecular Modelling for Drug Discovery

We utilize molecular docking, dynamics simulations, QSAR principles, and in-silico screening for evaluating estrogen receptor inhibitors, tamoxifen/fulvestrant analogues, and receptor mimicry against viral proteins.

Selected Publications:

• Dashputra A., Therkar Y., Patil G.C., Kuthe A.M., Tripathi S.C., Kannaiyan S., Ravikumar C. Evaluation of tamoxifen analogues as potential estrogen receptor alpha inhibitors for breast cancer treatment: A computational approach. J. Mol. Liquids, 2024 DOI.

• Balpande A., Khanwani N., Dashputra A., et al., Ravikumar C. Identifying Potent Fulvestrant Analogues to Inhibit Estrogen Binding to Breast Cancer Cells: A Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. Steroids, 2024.

• Sreekumar S., Kuthe A.M., Ravikumar C. Integrated computational approach towards identification of HSPG and ACE2 mimicking moieties for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition. J. Mol. Liquids, 2022 DOI.

7. Multiphase Systems, Energy Storage & Functional Composites

Includes hybrid nanomaterials for phase-change materials, thermally enhanced composites, and fluid-based energy systems.

Selected Publications:

• Akshay B., Faisal S.S.M., Vishnu B.R., Mohan M., Ravikumar C. Graphene–Ag Hybrid PCM for Li-ion Battery Cooling. J. Energy Storage, 2024.

• Ravikumar C., Bandyopadhyaya R. Controlled Magnetite Nanoparticle Morphology for Better Cellular Uptake. AIChE Annual Meeting Proceedings, 2012.