Dr. John Philip FNASc.
Emeritus Professor,
Department of Physics, Cochin University of Science and Technology(CUSAT), Kochi-22.
Former Associate Director, MCG & Head, SMARTS & Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute,
Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research,
Kalpakkam-603 102, TN, India
E-Mail: jphilip@cusat.ac.in or jphilip.smarts@gmail.com
Editor: Hybrid Advances, International Journal of Ceramic Engineering & Science (ACeS), Frontiers in Nanotechnology
Editorial: Infrared Physics &Technology, J.Mag.Mag.Mat, Smart Materials in Medicine, Materials Futures, IJEMS
Dr. John Philip earned his PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, in 1992. Subsequently, he conducted postdoctoral research for five years at CNRS in France and the University of Hull in the UK. Dr. Philip was the former Associate Director at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Department of Atomic Energy, under the Government of India till May 2024. He also held a professorship at the Homi Bhabha National Institute. He is an elected fellow of the esteemed National Academy of Sciences. He presently holds the title of emeritus Professor in the Department of Physics at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
He has made significant contributions to his field through his research and publications. He has six patents and over 330 papers published in top international journals. His H-index is 71, with over 21000 citations and a cumulative impact factor of ~ 1350. Since 2019, his name has been consistently listed in both the career-long and single-year categories of the World’s top 2% of scientists list, which is published by Stanford University, USA, and Elsevier.
He has given 210 invited talks in India and abroad and has been the chief guest at 27 events. He has received several prestigious awards, including the Science and Technology Excellence Award (received from Dr. APJ.Abdul Kalam), INS Medal, NDT Man of the Year Award, MRSI Gold Medal, Ron Halmshaw Award from the British Institute of NDT, Distinguished Faculty Award, and the Homi Bhabha Science and Technology Award (the highest award of DAE). He has received prestigious international fellowships from Japan, Switzerland, France, and Sweden. His groundbreaking research has been highlighted by major media outlets like Nature, Nanotech Web UK, The Hindu, and Indian Express.
He is the recipient of the highest BRNS prospective research grant of 5.6 crores, which he used to start a vibrant activity on ferrofluid in 2000. He has established state-of-the-art nanofluid research facilities, started eight new research topics, and has carried out path-breaking fundamental and applied research in the field of ferrofluids. His research activity on ferrofluids has grown and flourished in many directions, with stellar accomplishments in basic and applied fields. His work and ideas have enormously impacted the science and technology of ferrofluids and have high visibility nationally and internationally.
He was the founding editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nanofluids, published by American Scientific Publishers. He serves as an editor and is on the editorial boards of several international academic journals. He was previously a research council member at ARCI (DST), Hyderabad, and two other CSIR National laboratories, Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of SHRI under the Department of Science & Technology. He was also an academic council member at Hindustan University and a member of the Bureau of Indian Standards.
He has supervised 24 doctoral theses.
With Dr.Abdul Kalam
With Dr.Anil Kakodkar, AEC and Dr.Baldev Raj
Research highlights of publications in Nature, Nanotechweb, Hindu etc.
American Institute of Physics (AIP, USA) Scilight
https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.5119366
26 JULY 2019
Research enhances cancer therapy applications of phosphate-coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles
Anashe Bandari
In situ orientation of chain-like structures of phosphate-coated iron oxide nanoparticles in a static magnetic field increases their heating efficiency, suggesting a way to improve magnetic hyperthermia-based cancer therapy.
http://nanotechweb.org/cws/article/tech/70773
A community website from IOP Publishing
Nanotechweb (2018)
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Jan 4, 2018
Simple spectroscopic technique to study polymer behavior at interfaces
Researchers in India say they have discovered a new and simple way to probe how polymers behave at interfaces under different conditions. Their technique, which relies on magnetically polarizable nanoemulsions and visible spectroscopy, could benefit scientists working on developing colloidal formulations for improved food and cosmetic materials, drug-delivery systems and anti-bacterial surfaces, to name but a few.
Belle Dumé is contributing editor at nanotechweb.org
Spotting urea in the flash of an eye
R. Prasad
JANUARY 14, 2018 00:00 IST
A urea test in progress, using the probe (at right in each picture frame).
The IGCAR-developed optical probe detects urea across a very broad range
Data on the concentration of urea in blood and urine helps in diagnosing renal and liver diseases. In a development that can enhance this, researchers at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, near Chennai, have now developed an inexpensive, highly sensitive optical probe that can almost instantaneously detect the presence of urea across a very broad range (0.003 to 334 grams per litre).
https://journosdiary.com/2018/01/14/igcar-probe-urea-serum/
IGCAR’s optical probe quickly detects urea in serum, environment
PRASAD RAVINDRANATH POSTED ON JANUARY 14, 2018
It takes less than a second for the spacing between the droplets to change when urea is added to the emulsion, say John Philip (right) and Zaibudeen.
Published in The Hindu on January 13, 2018
doi:10.1038/nindia.2017.158 Published online 22 December 2017
Magnetic nanosensor for detecting urea in human blood
Researchers have invented a fast, sensitive optical sensor that can be used to detect urea in human blood and various environmental samples1.
1. Zaibudeen, A. W. et al. Magnetic nanofluid based non-enzymatic sensor for urea detection.Sensor. Actuator. B. Chem. 255, 720-728 (2018)
R. PRASAD
Team at IGCAR makes visual monitoring of body temperature possible
Visual, non-invasive monitoring of body temperature of patients without using a thermometer may become a reality soon, thanks to the work carried out by a team of scientists led by John Philip, head of the smart materials section at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, near Chennai.
ElsevierWhen the temperature rises, the particles in Philip and Zaibudeen's emulsion squeeze closer together, changing the overall colour – in this case from orange to yellow.
Credit: J. Philip and A. W. Zaibudeen/Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR)
Zaibudeen, A. W. and Philip, J.: "Thermally tunable grating using thermo-responsive magnetic fluid," Optical Materials (2017)
http://www.natureasia.com/en/nindia/article/10.1038/nindia.2014.140
Nature (2014)
doi:10.1038/nindia.2014.140 Published online 27 October 2014
Research highlight
Magnetic nanoemulsions make glucose sensor
Researchers have fabricated a sensitive, enzyme-free sensor that can rapidly measure low concentrations of glucose1. They made the sensor using surfactant-containing magnetic nanoemulsions. It is potentially useful for measuring glucose levels in diabetic patients, foods and biochemical samples.
References
1. Mahendran, V. & J.Philip, Non-enzymatic glucose detection using magnetic nanoemulsions. Appl. Phys. Lett. 105, 123110 (2014)
http://nanotechweb.org/cws/article/tech/58705
Nanotechweb (2014)
Sep 26, 2014
Magnetic nanoemulsion measures blood glucose
A new type of glucose sensor that works using a magnetically polarizable nanoemulsion could help change the way blood sugar is measured. The new device does not rely on glucose oxidase enzymes, unlike conventional glucometers, but instead simply changes colour when it comes into contact with glucose.
A team of researchers, led by John Philip at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in India, made the new sensor using a magnetically polarizable oil-in-water nanoemulsion of droplets that have a radius of around 100 nm. They made the emulsion by mixing together ferrimagnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide (around 10 nm across) with oil, a surfactant and water.
Belle Dumé is contributing editor atnanotechweb.org
http://www.nature.com/nindia/2013/130312/full/nindia.2013.35.html
Nature (2013)doi:10.1038/nindia.2013.35; Published online 12 March 2013
Research highlight
Researchers have invented a novel, fast and ultrasensitive magnetic-nanofluid-based optical sensor that changes colour on exposure to extremely low concentrations of ammonia 1. The sensor will be useful in detecting minute traces of ammonia in industrial and environmental samples.
1. Mahendran, V. et al. An optical technique for fast and ultrasensitive detection of ammonia using magnetic nanofluids. Appl. Phys. Lett. 102, 063107 (2013)
http://nanotechweb.org/cws/article/tech/52633
A community website from IOP Publishing
Nanotechweb (2013)
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE Mar 7, 2013
Colour changing nanofluid senses ammonia
Researchers at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in India have made a new type of optical sensor from magnetically polarizable nanofluids and have used the device to detect tiny amounts of ammonia in solution. The sensor, which quickly changes colour in the presence of the analyte, could come in useful for many practical applications, such as monitoring pollution levels in rivers around industrial plants.
The team, which has published its results in Applied Physics Letters, now hopes to further improve the sensitivity of its sensor and use it to detect other toxic analytes. Another important goal is to make the sensor in a reusable thin film form, adds Philip.
About the author
Belle Dumé is contributing editor at nanotechweb.org
R. PRASAD
Special Arrangement Test specimens with two circular defects – one big and one small (right) and a rectangular and a circular defect (left) imaged using nanofluid optical sensor developed by Dr. John Philip, IGCAR, Kalapakkam
Defective regions produce magnetic resistance, which in turn leads to leakage of magnetic flux
Detecting and imaging structural defects like cracks, holes etc, present in components made of ferromagnetic materials like pipelines, railway tracks and tubes has now become easy with optical sensors. These sensors were developed by Dr. John Philip and his team at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam near Chennai. The results of their work were published recently in the Applied Physics Letters journal.
http://www.nature.com/nindia/2012/120215/full/nindia.2012.21.html
doi:10.1038/nindia.2012.21; Published online 15 February 2012
Research highlight
NATURE (2012)
Sensor detects cracks in magnetic matter
Researchers have developed a new kind of optical sensor from an emulsion of magnetic nanofluid containing droplets of iron oxide nanoparticles1. The sensor could be used to image defects such as cracks, corrosion and erosion buried in rail tracks, pipelines and tubes.
References
Mahendran, V. & John Philip, Nanofluid based optical sensor for rapid visual inspection of defects in ferromagnetic materials. Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 073104 (2012)
http://nanotechweb.org/cws/article/tech/48783
IOP A community website from IOP publishing, UK
Nanotechweb (2012)
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Feb 27, 2012
Nanofluid sensor images defect
A new optical sensor that can image internal defects in ferromagnetic materials has been invented by researchers in India. The photonic eye, as it has been dubbed, is based on a magnetically polarizable nano-emulsion that changes colour when it comes into contact with a defective region in a sample. The device might be used to monitor structures such as rail tracks and pipelines.
The sensor will be able to locate defects and discontinuities such as fatigue, cracks, corrosion pits, metallic inclusions and abrasion in ferromagnetic components and structures, says team leader John Philip of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Tamilnada. It might also be used to inspect magnetic materials used in the aircraft industry, such as those used to make turbines, for example.
The current work is detailed in Applied Physics Letters.
About the author
Belle Dumé is contributing editor at nanotechweb.org
http://www.nature.com/nindia/2011/110926/full/nindia.2011.136.html
doi:10.1038/nindia.2011.136; Published online 26 September 2011
Research highlight
NATURE (2011)
Researchers have produced a new viscous nanofluid containing magnetic nanoparticles that conducts heat efficiently when under an intense magnetic field1. This magnetic nanofluid could be useful as a super-coolant or for damping unwanted vibrations in optoelectronic devices.
"This magnetic nanofluid could be used to design multifunctional smart materials for cooling-cum-damping applications," says lead researcher John Philip. Such fluids can also be used to improve the heat transfer of solar collectors used to harness solar energy, he adds.
References
Shima, P. D. & J.Philip Tuning of thermal conductivity and rheology of nanofluids using an external stimulus. J. Phys. Chem. C doi:10.1021/jp204827q (2011)
http://nanotechweb.org/cws/article/tech/47381
NANOTECHWEB (2011)
Technology update
Sep 30, 2011
"Intelligent" nanofluids could cool computer chips
Certain nanofluids can be made to conduct heat extremely well when a magnetic field is applied to them, says a duo of researchers at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research in Tamilnadi, India. The phenomenon may be used to cool down miniature devices like micro- and nano-electromechanical systems, and computer chips.
"Nanofluids could be ideal coolants for future electronic devices but for such applications, the fluids need to have large thermal conductivities," explained team leader John Philip. "This is why we need to develop novel nanofluids." The materials studied by the researchers are a colloidal suspension of single-domain superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles between 3 and 10 nm in size that are magnetically polarizable – that is, they respond to a weak magnetic field.
The current work is reported in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C.
About the author
Belle Dumé is contributing editor at nanotechweb.org
https://www.nature.com/articles/nnano.2008.38
Published online: 8 February 2008 | doi:10.1038/nnano.2008.38
Nature Nanotechnology (2008)
Magnetic nanofluids: Chain reaction
Adarsh Sandhu
Abstract
Fluids containing magnetic nanoparticles can display potentially useful thermal properties
Introduction
Colloid suspensions containing magnetic nanoparticles are known to exhibit higher thermal conductivities than liquids with larger particles or no particles at all. The enhanced thermal conductivity of these magnetic nanofluids could have applications in controlling the flow of heat in various devices if it can be controlled in a reversible manner.
Now, John Philip and colleagues1 of the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research have demonstrated such control over a suspension of hexadecane containing 6.7-nm superparamagnetic particles. When a magnetic field of 101 Gauss is applied to a nanofluid that contains 4.5% nanoparticles by volume, the thermal conductivity was enhanced by 216%. The magnetic field caused the nanoparticles to form chains in the direction of the magnetic field, with the chains falling apart when the field was switched off.
Evidence that this mechanism is indeed responsible for the enhanced thermal conductivity was provided by measurements showing that the efficiency of heat flow along the chains increased in the presence of the magnetic field.
REFERENCE
1. Philip, J., Shima, P. D. & Raj, B. Nanofluid with tunable thermal properties. Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 043108 (2008).
Nanotechweb (2008)
TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Apr 4, 2008
Nanofluid could cool tiny electronic devices
Researchers in India have shown that the thermal properties of a magnetic nanofluid can be tuned by applying a magnetic field. The effect comes thanks to the magnetic particles lining up in chains when the field is applied. The nanofluid, which is made from a colloidal suspension of magnetite nanoparticles, could find use in a variety of technology applications, including "smart" cooling devices.
Philip and co-workers developed a stable colloidal suspension of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, with an average diameter of 6.7 nm. "The observed reversibly tunable thermal property of our nanofluid may find many technological applications in nanoelectromechanical and microelectromechanical-based devices," Raj told nanotechweb.org. "For example, depending on the cooling requirement, the magnetic field can be precisely programmed to obtain the desired level of thermal conductivity enhancement or cooling," added Philip.
The work was published in Applied Physics Letters.
About the author
Belle Dumé is contributing editor at nanotechweb.org