Research Area

Non-linear materials such as NaYF4 based systems are known to be one of the most efficient upconverters. These materials convert multiple low-energy photons (red wavelength) to a single high energy photon (visible). These materials can be synthesized in different ways. Our group strives to utilize the understanding of naturally occurring organics present in the leaf extracts of different plants and utilize various synthetic routes to obtain a new class of upconverting materials. Developed materials are evaluated for its phase purity, phase transformation, crystallinity, its surface functionality and its probable end application.

One such application could be in chemi/bio sensors design. Due to unique surface functionality these sensors can be used to detect of environmental pollutant, such as arsenic (III), heavy metals such as mercuric ions, chromium ions, proteins, cells etc. Using our understanding in the area of materials, our group develops nanosensors in aqueous phase, and solid-phase.

Development of water-soluble, porous, self-degradable polymeric materials for sustained drug release are of great importance. These properties can be tuned by controlling the extent of cross-linking, choosing right polymer monomers, and the chemistry involved. Our group strives to understand these parameter for the development such hydrogels and apply in biomedical area.