1.    Plasma-ElectroChemical Systems

Application of very high (~50 to 100 V) bias paves the way for “electro-thermo-chemical” strategies for generation of Hydrogen at higher rates, Biomass conversion and coal-tar valorization. We have developed approaches to decrease the limitations of mass-transfer in gas evolution electrochemical systems. The current emphasis is on accurate temperature measurements around the plasma region. Demarcation of catalysis at the electrode and in the plasma region is also being explored. In addition to chemical effects, there are circumstantial evidence that electrochemically activated low energy nuclear reactions are possible in these systems and besides, nuclear transmuation, we are establishing additional signatures of nuclear activity. Currently, the projects are predominantly experimental in this area.

2.    Solid-State Lithium-Ion-Batteries

Replacing the liquid electrolytes with solid-state electrolytes will significantly enhance the safety of Lithium-Ion-Batteries. However, electro-chemo-mechanical coupling poses challenges to the design of solid-state batteries. On the experimental front, the emphasis is on cathode design via principles of nanocrystal engineering. Many projects are being pursued on the computational front via Phase-field-modeling and quantum-chemical density functional simulations.   

3.    Magneto-ElectroChemical Systems

As Oxygen is Paramagnetic, electrochemical Oxygen evolution and reduction is expected to be affected by magnetic field. The primary emphasis on this front is to provide practical implementation of magnetic effects in electrochemical systems.  Both experiments and quantum-mechanical simulations are being pursued in this area.

4.    Photoelectrochemical Systems

Currently, most of the energy that is obtained by capturing solar energy is directly fed to the electrical grid. If this energy is to be stored in a small scale, it is usually done using batteries. Photoelectrochemical systems can be seen as an integrated methodology for capturing and storing solar energy. While these systems have given rich scientific phenomenology, their wide scale usage is limited by their cost and efficiency. Our focus in this area is not only to address the fundamental aspects of these systems, but also develop material and device configurations that can increase efficiency and decrease cost. Both experiments and computations are being pursued in this area.

5.    Electrocatalysis, Reactor and Process design

Electrochemical processes are critical in green-Hydrogen technologies, CO2 reduction, Chlor-alkali industry and production of specialty organic chemicals/pharmaceuticals. Many projects involving electrocatalysts development, design and scale-up of electrochemical reactors are being pursued. We also welcome students who are interested in developing micro-kinetic reaction engineering models for the experiments that are being conducted in our lab.

6.    Electrochemical Taste Sensors

We have developed methods to discriminate tastes via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The extensive data generated is consolidated via techniques of data sciences and machine learning. Both experimental and computational projects are being pursued in this area.