Research Areas

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs): Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline coordination polymers, built from the connectivity of organic linker ligand and metal ions/metal clusters (secondary building units, SBUs). MOFs present unprecedented topological richness because the geometric regularity of high symmetry cluster binding to organic linkers allows topology-directed synthesis. The hybrid nature of MOFs, tunable pore surface, and high dispersion of components, all point at applications of MOFs in heterogeneous catalysis. The catalytic properties of MOFs arise from both metals and linker-based chemical functionality. The unique opportunity with MOFs is their “tunability,” i.e., the ability to modulate their properties by modifying the organic linker or metal ion while maintaining the basic topology. Our research efforts are directed in harnessing this unique opportunity and develop versatile class multifunctional catalysts for fine chemical synthesis and biomass conversion.

PROJECT GRANTS

1) DST-SERB core research grant: ) DST SERB -Core research grant (2020-2023) on going: Stabilization of Single Metal Atoms/Clusters over Redox Active Two Dimensional Conductive Crystalline Frameworks for Chemiresistive Hydrogen Gas Sensing, Role: PI, Funding: Rs.49 lakhs

2)DST-INSPIRE grant (2010-2020): Transformative Crystalline Hybrid Porous Materials: Chemical Synthesis and Applications, Role: Principle investigator, Funding agency: Department of Science and technology, Government of India

3) DST-Early carrier grant (2016-2019): Design and Development Stable Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with Multiple Functional Sites for Catalysis, Role: Principle investigator, Funding agency: Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India