Design and development of 2D nanocomposite materials (Graphene, Borophene, h-BN, etc.)
A simple, cost-effective and green chemical approach for the synthesis of fine and uniform metallic/bimetallic/metal oxide/metal sulfide nanoparticles as well as single atom catalyst (SAC) onto graphene-derived nanomaterials and other 2D materials such as borophene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) are explored. The novel 2D nanocomposite materials are used as efficient materials for diverse applications like organic catalysis, photocatalytic degradation, removal of pollutants from water, sensors, etc.
2D nanocomposite materials as efficient Nanozymes and their sensing application
The 2D nanocomposite materials are established as nanozyme and utilized towards the colorimetric detection of the biomolecules, toxic metal ion in water, pesticides and other water pollutants, etc.
Photocatalytic removal of water pollutants
The photocatalytic degradation phenomenon under the irradiation of natural sunlight is successfully demonstrated for the removal of model organic pollutants like phenolic compounds, pesticides, etc. and photoreduction of toxic heavy metal Cr(VI) ion in aqueous medium using 2D nanocomposite materials
Biomedical applications of 2D nanocomposite materials
A 2D nanocomposite of bimetallic nanoparticles decorated on the functionalized graphene sheets was employed for photothermal therapy under the irradiation of near infrared (NIR) laser sources of wavelength 915 nm. The temperature rises nearly 51 ± 3 °C within 3 min of irradiation NIR laser light resulting in the ablation of model cancer cells like HeLa and MDAMB-231 cells with very low concentration.
Fabrication of the microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) for sensing application
Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) were designed using commercial CAD software and the laser engraving technique; and employed for nanozyme-based sensing applications.
Graphene-based nanocomposite as a highly efficient catalyst for the electrochemical hydrogen generation
Platinum (Pt) and Pt- group metals are well recognized as the most powerful catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. However, the high cost of Pt and its limited supply make the search for alternatives an important target. With this idea in mind, we have successfully designed bimetallic nanoparticles and metal sulfide on the graphene and other 2D nanomaterials and established as highly efficient electrocatalyst for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction.
