RESEARCH
GRAPHENE
Synthesis and Band-gap Engineering
Graphene, the revolutionary one atom thick 2D semi-metal has opened up many applications in nanotechnology owing to its fascinating electrical and thermal properties. My research focuses on the low-temperature synthesis of Graphene (Mono/Bi/Multi layer) using Camphor as a natural precursor. The objective of the research also extends to opening up the band-gap of the semi-metal by In-situ doping which could pave ways for applications as transparent conducting layers in optoelectronic sensors.
SERS
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering
The structural detection of analytes at low concentration is possible with a highly sensitive yet powerful vibrational spectroscopy technique called Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering. In this project, I am developing novel SERS substrates and thereby improving the enhancement factor by exploiting the synergistic effect of plasmonic metal nanoparticles with various nanostructures. The outcome of this research could help in the development of various sensors for the detection of food adulteration, narcotics and biological analytes.
GERS
Graphene Enhanced Raman Scattering
Graphene can provide significant Raman signal enhancement of the immobilized analyte molecules. The delocalised π-π bonds by each sp2 hybridised Carbon atom allow exceptional adsorption of the analyte molecules, thereby improving the overall enhancement of the Raman signals. In this project, I am developing a highly sensitive hybrid heterostructure by incorporating Graphene with metallic nanoparticles for Graphene Enhanced Raman Scattering (GERS). The scope of the work involves the detection and segregation of low-concentration biomolecules.
Theoretical studies
Ab-initio principles
In recent times, the understanding of various properties of a molecule using theoretical models is especially important along with the experimental findings. In my research, I'm implementing Density Functional Theory (DFT) as well as Semi-Empirical models (eg. Extended Hückel) of various molecules to understand their electronic properties such as bandstructure analysis, Total Energy calculations, vibrational spectrums and Projected Density of States (PDOS).
