Our research efforts in
recent years have focused on the
topics related to semiconductor & metal nanoclusters,
photoresponsive organic-inorganic hybrid nanoassemblies, fuel cells,
environmental remediation and
surface photochemistry and radiation chemistry. The main emphasis of
our
research is to elucidate the mechanistic and kinetic details of charge
transfer processes in heterogeneous assemblies with an objective to
improve energy conversion efficencies. Our recent work in the area of
chromophore functionalized metal nanoparticles
and improved catalytic activity of semiconductor-metal composites is a
significant contribution towards the development
of novel heterogeneous systems for light energy conversion.
Nanoparticles and Advanced Materials. Metal and semiconductor nanostructures, Molecular Clusters & Carbon Nanotubes - Synthesis, characterization, and surface functionalization, Optical properties, Photoelectrochemistry; and Sensor applications.
Light Energy Conversion.
Design of inorganic-organic nanoassemblies for light energy
conversion.
Carbon nanostructures
(Carbon nanotubes and fullerenes) and metal
nanoparticles for the developement of next generation solar cells and
semiconductor metal composites for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Chemical Processes in Heterogeneous Media.
Surface photochemical processes, molecular clusters,
ultrafast
photophysical
and photochemical events in oxides and polymers, mechanism and kinetics
of
photoeffects at semiconductor/electrolyte interface.
Environmental
Science. Advanced oxidation processes for treating organic
wastes from
water - use of metal oxide
semiconductors such as TiO2,
SnO2 and
ZnO to sense and
degrade haloaromatics and azo dyes. Simultaneous
sensing and destruction of low level toxic
organics.
