Research
Novel Photovoltaic Absorber Materials
Silicon is a universal well-known PV absorber used in currently commercialized solar panels show superior efficiencies (27.6%). But, the cost and material utilization of silicon solar cells are quite high. To resolve this issue, thin film absorbers which have ~1/100th material usage than that of Si gained research interest and materials like CuInS2, CdTe, CuInxGa1-xSe2 (CIGS), Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 CZTS are discovered. Among the materials, synthesis of materials having direct bandgap of 1.0 – 1.5 eV with low cost, earth abundant constituents can pitch a material towards marketability in the PV sector. I have research experience on materials like CZTS, CIGS etc. through both vacuum and non-vacuum routes. At present, I am working on the synthesis and fabrication of chalcogenide perovskites like BaZrS3 for Photovoltaic applications.
Photocatalysis of Industrial wastes
Utilization of ecofriendly materials that can aid in the breakdown of industrial wastes, which are destroying the ecosystem will be my ancillary research area. Semiconductors such as TiO2, ZnO, ZnS, core shell structures of these materials and their composites with graphene can help in the above-mentioned process because the bandgap of these materials exist in UV, Visible and NIR regions. Hence, utilizing the generated charge carriers in such materials towards decomposition of industrial dyes (Methyl orange, Methylene blue and other organic materials), petroleum cracking etc. have significant research importance. Recently, Multicomponent High Entropy Oxides has proven to be the efficient for such applications. Presently, I am working on the synthesis of phase pure high entropy oxides and utilization of such materials towards photocatalytic applications.