Analytical Chemistry/Environmental Chemistry:
Potential hazards and health effects posed by trace level organic pollutants has increased awareness, and an urgent need to establish new analytical methods to quantify these compounds and correlate their presence in the environment with human health impact has been recognized. Lack of data from complex environmental samples for these contaminants indicates that there is a shortage of suitable, simple analytical techniques for their quantification. We are developing simple analytical techniques using novel materials for complex environmental samples. The novel microextraction techniques are more advantageous than conventional procedures in that they are more efficient when used for complex environmental matrices, consume less sample and solvents, and therefore generate much less waste.
Reaction Engineering:
New concepts of chemical synthesis have led to an increasing demand for miniaturization and more complex systems. Microreaction technology opens completely new possibilities for chemical engineering, combinatorial chemistry, and biotechnology. We are designing and developing micro-total analytical systems for reaction engineering.
Development of Novel Materials and its Analytical Applications:
Our current interests are focused on developing simple and miniaturized analytical techniques in association with novel nanomaterials such as functionalized nanoparticles, nanorods, nanoporous membranes, sol-gel coatings using rice husk ash, functionalized carbon-based materials and biocompatible nanomaterials. We are exploring analytical applications of these materials in the petrochemical and energy and environmental remediation areas.
