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.