Our research spans across diverse multi-interdisciplinary fields, focusing on tackling the latest and most challenging problems. Research areas within the Chemical and Materials Engineering programme include:

Functionalized Nanostructured Materials

  • Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications of various Functionalized Nanostructured Materials
  • 2D materials: Graphene derivatives
  • Materials: Gold and Silver Nanoparticles
  • Applications in Biology (Cell and Bacteria Culture)

Chemical Engineering

  1. Soft Matter: Gels, Polymers, Surfactants
  2. Active Matter/ Active Colloids: Electric / Magnetic Field driven Colloids
  3. Colloidal Assembly Techniques: Dip Coating, Convective Evaporation, Spin Coating
  4. Micro Robotics of Active Structures: Colloidal Chains
  5. Electrocatalysts for water electrolysis to produce green hydrogen
  6. Investigation of redox mediators to decouple water electrolysis
  7. Electrolytes for redox flow battery (RFB)
  8. Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction for green ammonia synthesis
  9. Synthesis and characterization of various nanomaterials for electrochemical processes

Dr. Kedar Joshi

SAIL- Soft-matter Assembly, Interactions, and Locomotion Laboratory,
Academic Block-2, IIT Goa
Research topic: Self-Assembly and Collective Behaviour in Soft Matter and Colloidal Systems Description: This research area focuses on understanding how microscopic particles suspended in fluids interact, move, and organize into complex structures.
At the core of our work lies a simple yet profound idea: all bulk materials are composed of molecules/atoms, and their organization and interactions govern the material’s macroscopic properties.
Our research aims to uncover how complex material properties emerge from microscopic interactions, particularly through engineered colloidal systems that serve as model building blocks. These interactive particles allow us to probe fundamental questions related to self-organization, dynamics, and responsiveness in soft materials.

Dr. Seenivasan Selvaraj

SCALE – Surface Chemistry and Advanced Layer Engineering laboratory,
PG Block, IIT Goa
Research topic: Sustainable electrode materials for green energy generation and storage Description:
SCALE – Surface Chemistry and Advanced Layer Engineering Lab focuses on the design and development of next-generation materials for sustainable energy applications. Our research integrates surface chemistry, electrochemistry, and thin-film engineering to understand and control interfacial phenomena at the nanoscale. We develop advanced electrode materials for green hydrogen production, energy storage systems including supercapatteries and supercapacitors, and catalytic processes for efficient energy conversion. Emphasis is placed on scalable synthesis, functional coatings, and structure–property relationships to enable high-performance and durable materials. By combining fundamental insights with applied engineering, SCALE aims to address critical challenges in clean energy generation and storage.

Dr. Ravi Sankannavar

Ecel – ElectroChemical Energy Laboratory,
PG Block, IIT Goa
Research topic: Developing cost-effective, durable materials and electrochemical systems for energy conversion and storage. Description:
The ElectroChemical Energy Laboratory (Ecel) focuses on energy and environmental sustainability, with an emphasis on developing cost-effective, durable materials and electrochemical systems for energy conversion and storage. Key research areas include alkaline water electrolysis for green hydrogen, decoupled electrolysis using redox mediators, seawater electrolysis with chlorine suppression, electrolytes for redox flow batteries, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) for hydrogen storage. The group also works on the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for electrocatalysis and the integration of electrochemical devices for practical applications.

Dr. Satyaprakash Ahirwar

Nano Materials Laboratory,
PG Block, IIT Goa
Research topic: Functionalized Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications, Cancer Therapy and Antibacterial Activity using Nanomaterials. Description:
The Carbon Quantum Dot Derivatives are excellent candidates for Cancer Therapy (Cancer Therapy: Photodynamic Therapy, Photothermal Therapy, Targeted Therapy and Photocatalytic Therapy) and Antibacterial Activity. Our research work focuses on Carbon Quantum Dots Synthesis, Characterization and Applications (Cancer Therapy and Antibacterial Activity).

Materials

  1. Nanomaterials: Carbon/Graphene Quantum Dot derivatives (CQDs / GQDs, GOQDs, Nitrogen/Sulfur/Phosphorus/Boron doped CQDs / GQDs), Gold and Silver Nanoparticles.
  2. 2D Materials: Graphene derivatives.
Applications
  1. Healthcare:NanoBiotechnology
  2. Cancer Therapy:Photodynamic Therapy, Photothermal Therapy, Targeted Therapy and Photocatalytic Therapy
  3. Antimicrobial/Antibacterial Activity: Microbial Pigments and their Antimicrobial/Antibacterial Applications