We develop structurally ordered and highly reinforced functional nanocomposites in the form of films, fibers, and hydrogels for structural, barrier, environmental, energy, and biomedical applications. We work on inorganic-organic hybrid materials prepared by biomimetic pathways while addressing critical points like interfacial interactions, surface engineering, and mechanical synergy. 

Research  Project Executed  

1. “Metal-Organic-Framework-based Electrochemical Sensors Incorporated on a Paper Scaffold for the Detection of Heavy Metal Ions in Water” funded by- SERB (SERB-POWER Research grant), Project amount- Rs. 50,26,164/-, Role– PI, Project duration: 3 years, 2023, Status – Ongoing.

2.  “Development of Environmentally Friendly Controlled-Release P-fertilizer and its Evaluation with Plant Growth Promoting Microbes on Soybean Productivity and Soil Microbial Health” funded by – DBT, Project amount- Rs. 38,94,981 of a total award amount of Rs. 96,93,369/-, Role– PI and Project coordinator, Project duration: 3 years, 2023, Status – Ongoing. 

3. “Synthesis of Biomass-derived Carbon-based Gas Diffusion Layers (GDLs) for Application in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel cells and Electrolyzers”, funded by – CSIR (CSIR-ASPIRE Call 2023), Project amount – Rs. 17,06,112/, Role – Co-PI, Project duration – June 2024 – June 2026, Status: Ongoing. 

4. “Fabrication of mechanically robust bio-inspired bouligand cellulose nanocrystals-based nanocomposites via self-assembly and their engineering applications”, funded by – SERB-SRG, Project amount- Rs. 27,19,790/-, Role – PI, Project duration: 2 years (2019 – 2021), Status – Completed 

5. “Bioinspired Mechanically Robust Functional Nanocomposites via Self-Assembly”, Institute Seed Grant, funded by – IISER Bhopal. Project amount- Rs. 40,00,000/-, Role – PI, Project duration: 2 years (2018 – 2020), Status – Completed.