Research Expertise

• Research expertise on Design and Synthesis of Nanoscale Materials and Their Characterization:

The field of nanomaterials research pertains to the investigation and examination of the characteristics, production, analysis, and practical uses of substances at the nanometer scale. Presented below is an exposition of research proficiency in the domain of nanomaterials. 

Proficiency in the development and synthesis of nanomaterials is demonstrated through the utilization of various techniques, including sol-gel, chemical vapor deposition, electrochemical methods, and self-assembly. 

The ability to manipulate the size, shape, composition, and surface characteristics of nanomaterials in order to attain particular functionalities.

The individual possesses proficiency in utilizing sophisticated characterization techniques to examine and comprehend the structural, morphological, optical, electrical, magnetic, and mechanical attributes of nanomaterials. The aforementioned methodologies, namely transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman), and thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), may be employed for this purpose.

The individual possesses a comprehensive understanding of the process of designing and engineering nanostructured materials, encompassing various forms such as nanoparticles, nanocomposites, nanowires, nanotubes, and nanofibers. Comprehending the methods of synthesis, surface functionalization, and customization of said materials to attain improved characteristics and utilization in diverse domains.

• Research expertise on Materials for energy storage

Research expertise in materials for energy storage focuses on studying and developing advanced materials that can store and release energy efficiently. Here is a description of my research expertise in the field of materials for energy storage:

Battery Materials: Proficiency in the design, synthesis, and characterization of materials for rechargeable battery systems such as lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or beyond. Knowledge of electrode materials (e.g., cathodes, anodes), electrolytes, and interfaces to enhance battery performance, energy density, cycle life, and safety.

Supercapacitor Materials: Expertise in developing materials for supercapacitors, which store energy through electrostatic double-layer capacitance or pseudo-capacitance. Understanding the design and synthesis of high surface area electrodes, conductive additives, and electrolytes to optimize energy storage capacity, power density, and cycling stability.

Energy Storage Systems: Knowledge of materials and technologies for emerging energy storage systems like redox flow batteries, metal-air batteries, solid-state batteries, or hybrid systems. Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling up these systems for grid-level energy storage or specific applications.

Functional Materials: Profound understanding of functional materials, such as transition metal oxides, sulfides, phosphides, carbon-based materials, polymers, or nanomaterials, that exhibit desirable properties for energy storage applications. Expertise in tailoring their composition, morphology, surface chemistry, and structure to optimize performance.

Electrochemical Characterization: Proficiency in employing electrochemical techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), or in-situ/operando characterization methods, to analyze the electrochemical behavior and performance of energy storage materials. Ability to interpret and correlate electrochemical data with material properties.

Materials Integration and Engineering: Knowledge of materials integration and engineering principles to enhance the performance, stability, and safety of energy storage devices. Understanding the interfaces, interfacial phenomena, and interplay between materials and device components.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Awareness of the environmental impact and sustainability aspects associated with energy storage materials. Knowledge of green synthesis methods, recycling strategies, and life cycle assessments to minimize the environmental footprint of energy storage technologies.

Collaboration and Funding: Demonstrated experience in collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams, and industry partners, and securing research grants or funding from governmental agencies or private organizations to support energy storage research.

Publications and Patents: Track record of publishing research findings in reputable journals and contributing to patents or intellectual property related to energy storage materials and technologies.

• Research expertise in Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis 

Research expertise in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis involves the study and development of materials and processes for efficient energy conversion and chemical transformations. Here is a description of my research expertise in the fields of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis:

Electrocatalysis:

1. Catalyst Design: Proficiency in designing and synthesizing electrocatalysts that can enhance electrochemical reactions, such as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), or various other redox reactions. Knowledge of structure-property relationships to optimize catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.

2. Reaction Mechanisms: Understanding the fundamental mechanisms and kinetics of electrochemical reactions occurring at the catalyst-electrolyte interface. Profound knowledge of electrochemical techniques and in-situ characterization methods to investigate reaction pathways, intermediates, and surface reactions.

3. Catalyst Characterization: Expertise in employing advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning probe microscopy (SPM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), or spectroscopic methods, to analyze the morphology, composition, electronic structure, and surface properties of electrocatalysts. Ability to correlate catalyst structure with electrochemical performance.

4. Electrocatalyst Testing: Proficiency in performing electrochemical measurements, including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, impedance spectroscopy, or rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments, to evaluate the catalytic performance of materials. Knowledge of data analysis techniques to extract information on catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability.

Photocatalysis:

1. Photocatalyst Development: Expertise in designing and synthesizing semiconductor-based photocatalysts, such as metal oxides (e.g., TiO2, ZnO), metal chalcogenides (e.g., CdS, CuInS2), or organic-inorganic hybrid materials. Knowledge of bandgap engineering, surface modification, and co-catalyst strategies to enhance light absorption, charge separation, and photocatalytic activity.

2. Reaction Mechanisms: Understanding the fundamental mechanisms and kinetics of photocatalytic processes, including light absorption, charge generation, transfer, and surface reactions. Profound knowledge of transient spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and other in-situ characterization techniques to study reaction intermediates and dynamics.

3. Photocatalyst Characterization: Proficiency in utilizing characterization techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to analyze the structure, morphology, composition, surface properties, and band structure of photocatalysts. Ability to correlate these properties with photocatalytic performance.

4. Photocatalytic Testing: Experience in performing photocatalytic measurements, such as degradation of pollutants, water splitting, or CO2 reduction experiments, to evaluate the efficiency and selectivity of photocatalysts. Knowledge of control experiments, reaction kinetics, and quantification methods to assess photocatalytic performance.

5. Materials Integration: Understanding the integration of photocatalysts into various configurations, such as thin films, nanocomposites, or heterostructures, to optimize light absorption, charge separation, and reaction efficiency. Knowledge of fabrication techniques and device engineering for practical applications.

6. Collaboration and Funding: Demonstrated experience in collaborating with interdisciplinary research teams, industry partners, and securing research grants or funding from governmental agencies or private organizations to support research & development in electrocatalyst subject.