Anisotropic semiconductor nanomaterials:

The functional properties of nanomaterials are strongly governed by their structure and morphology. Anisotropic nanomaterials exhibit extended atomic periodicity along specific crystallographic directions, which can significantly enhance charge transport efficiency. As a result, such nanocrystals are highly attractive for applications in optoelectronic devices, sensors, energy storage systems, and photocatalysis. One of our current research focuses is the controlled synthesis of anisotropic semiconductor nanocrystals with tunable shape, size, and composition, and the exploration of their photocatalytic performance. 

Transition metal ion doping:

Transition-metal ion doping in semiconductor nanocrystals is a well-established strategy for inducing novel functional properties in semiconductor hosts. Appropriate host–guest combinations can give rise to emergent optical, electronic, and magnetic behaviors, offering new opportunities in optoelectronic applications. One of our current research focuses is to identify and engineer optimal host–dopant systems to develop novel functional nanomaterials with tailored properties.

Heterostructure-nanomaterials:

Integration of multiple components in a single nanocrystal induces novel properties that are not feasible with individual entity, and hence tremendous research efforts have been made to synthesize a variety of hetero-structure semiconductor nanomaterials for various applications, including solar energy harvesting, photocatalysis, opto-electronics, and so on. Typically, formation of a new interface influences the surface properties and the crystals lattice strain of the nanocrystals that has a direct impact on the behavior of the bound electron-hole pair that dictates the functional properties of the nanocrystals. One of our current research focuses is to synthesis of hetero nanostructure nanomaterials and find their applications in photo-catalysis and photo-voltaic.

Photocatalysis:

Photoinduced catalysis by semiconductor nanocrystals has emerged as a powerful platform for sustainable energy conversion, environmental remediation, and selective organic synthesis. However, the majority of reported catalytic systems are limited to ultraviolet and visible light absorption, leaving the near-infrared (NIR) region—constituting a significant portion of the solar spectrum—largely unexplored. Our research focuses on the rational design and synthesis of NIR-absorbing semiconductor nanocrystals and their integration into single-step photocatalytic organic transformations, enabling efficient and scalable routes to industrially relevant organic compounds.

Electrochemical water splitting: 

Growing energy demand, rapid fossil fuel depletion, and climate change are accelerating the global shift toward renewable energy. However, the intermittent nature of solar and wind power requires efficient energy conversion and storage solutions. Electrochemical water splitting offers a promising pathway to convert renewable electricity into clean hydrogen fuel. Our research group develops highly monodisperse metals, semiconductors, and metal–semiconductor heterostructures to advance electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water splitting. By tailoring material shape, size, morphology, and surface electronic properties, we design novel functional materials with enhanced catalytic performance.