National Center for Nanotechnology

Development of Porous Anodic Alumina (PAA) and Its Applications

Porous anodic alumina with ordered porosity, controlled interpore distance, highly parallel aligned pores and smooth pore walls has been developed in our laboratories. This high quality PAA may be used as template for growth of high aspect ratio ordered nanostructures as well as in optical devices. Electrodeposition of magnetic metal nanowires using PAA as template has been successfully demonstrated. Formation of carbon nanowires through graphitization of PVC, PVA and chitosan infiltrated inside the nanopores / nanochannels of PAA has also been achieved. Through thickness porous anodic alumina was also developed which showed quite interesting photoluminescence properties.

Materials for High Density Data Storage Devices

Nickel nanoparticles were formed by electrolysis of alcogel containing nickel salts. Electrolytic reduction of nickel salt inside the gel resulted in the formation of nickel nanoparticles embedded in silica matrix. Such structures are useful for high density data storage devices.

Wear Resistant Nanocomposite Coatings

Nanocomposites have been developed by gas carburizing of electrodeposited alloys of iron group elements (IGEs) with tungsten resulting in the formation of tungsten carbide precipitates inside IGE-W alloy. These nanocomposite coatings may be employed for high wear resistance applications.

Biocompatible Ceramic Nanocomposites for Dental Applications

High toughness ceramic nanocomposites, consisting of yttria stabilized zirconia reinforced with alumina nanowhiskers, have been developed. The biocompatibility of these nanocomposites was enhanced by the incorporation of hydroxyapatite and in vitro studies proved very good biocompatibility after hydroxyapatite incorporation while keeping good mechanical properties. These nanocomposites can be used as dental implant materials.

Corrosion Resistant Nanocrystalline Coatings

Nanocrystalline Zn-Ni coatings were developed and evaluated for their corrosion resistanct properties. These coatings show very good protecting capability against chloride environments and may be employed as better sacrificial coatings for steels.

Nanomaterials for Optoelectronic Devices

ZnO nanostructures have been developed by electrochemical techniques. The morphology of these nanostructures has been controlled through the control of synthesis parameters that result in tuning their optoelectronic properties.

Nanomaterials for Optoelectronic Devices

Irradiated chitosan has been employed for the reduction of silver and gold from their aqueous solutions resulting in the formation of silver and gold nanoparticles. These particles show varying absorption spectra within visible light range depending on their sizes. They can be used for antibacterial applications.

Nanomaterials for Solar Applications

SnO nanocrystalline films and multilayers of Ge-TiO2 nanocrystalline films have been developed by physical vapor deposition techniques. These films show interesting properties for solar cell.

Micro and Nano Devices Laboratories

Synthesis of Nanostructures

Nanostructures are synthesized using chemical rout, electrospinning and inert gas condensation techniques. The main aim is to develop new nanomaterials for applications in sensing, photodetection, photocatalysis and nanoelectronics.

Electron Transport in Nanostructures

It is extremely important to understand electron transport in nanostructures (nanowires, nanoparticles, thin films, etc.) for application of these nanostructures as functional components in nano and optoelectronic devices. Therefore, AC and DC electron transport properties of nanostructures are investigated in detail.

Photodetectors and Gas Sensors

Semiconductor nanostructrues are utilized to prepare sensing elements for photodetectors and gas sensors. These sensing detectors and sensors are then tested and evaluated in the laboratory. The main purpose of the research is to develop low cost and efficient photodetectors and sensors based on semiconductor nanostructures.

Materials modeling

Static lattice simulations and density functional theory is used to predict and study materials properties. Intelli Suite software is used to design and analyze MEMS.

Powder Metallurgy Laboratories

Synthesis and Characterization of non-ferrous alloys

Non ferrous alloys such as AZ31 and Al 6063 have been developed and the effect of alloying additions and thermo-mechanical treatments on the properties including texture was also studied.

Synthesis of Advanced Materials by Powder Metallurgy

Quasicrystal reinforced aluminum matrix composites, interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs), high entropy alloys (HEAs) and metallic glasses are being synthesized by high energy planetary ball milling and sol-gel processing followed by shaping through compaction and sintering.

Powder Characterization

Characterization of the powders has been performed to measure their surface area, volume & shape of porosity, powder size analysis and density of green and sintered compacts.

Powder Injection Molding

Polymeric and ceramic parts including those of alumina, polypropylene and polyethylene have also been prepared by injection molding process.

Advanced Polymer Laboratories

Polymeric hydrogels for controlled drug delivery
Natural polymers as post harvest preservative and plant growth promoters
Radiation resistant polymeric materials
Polymer nanocomposites for high strength and high impact
Flame retardant polymeric materials
Modification of polymers using ionizing rays
Recycling of polymeric waste
Biodegradable polymeric composites
Development of antimicrobial hydrogels
Development of silicaones and silanes

Last Updated: 19 May 2014