Advanced Materials Lab

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of drug-metal complexes using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques to confirm their structures and compositions. The complexes are evaluated for their stability, solubility, and physicochemical properties, which are crucial for potential therapeutic applications. Biological studies, including antimicrobial and cytotoxic assays, are conducted to assess the enhanced or altered bioactivity of the drug upon metal coordination. The results demonstrate that metal complexation can improve drug efficacy and selectivity against specific biological targets. These findings highlight the potential of drug-metal complexes as promising candidates for the development of novel pharmaceutical agents.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses significant challenges to electronic device performance and human health due to increased electromagnetic pollution. Conducting polymer nan composites have emerged as promising materials for EMI shielding owing to their tunable electrical conductivity and strong microwave absorption capabilities. Incorporating nanoparticles into conducting polymers enhances their shielding efficiency by improving electrical, mechanical, and absorption properties. These nanocomposites, based on polymers like polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene, offer flexile, lightweight, and robust solutions for shielding in telecommunications, aerospace, and military applications. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing composite microstructures and filler interactions to develop next-generation EMI shielding materials with superior performance and multifunctionality

Conducting polymer composites have emerged as promising materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in satellite applications due to their lightweight, flexibility, and high shielding effectiveness. Recent advances focus on synthesizing composites with multilayer or three-dimensional conductive networks, which significantly enhance EMI shielding by promoting both absorption and reflection of electromagnetic waves. The incorporation of conductive fillers such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, or metallic nanowires into polymer matrices enables the formation of efficient conductive pathways, crucial for high-performance shielding. These materials offer advantages over traditional metal-based shields, including corrosion resistance, ease of processing, and design versatility, making them ideal for aerospace and satellite environments. Despite their potential, challenges remain in optimizing the interface compatibility and mechanical durability of layered structures for reliable long-term operation in demanding satellite conditions.

Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE) measurement setups typically use two antennas placed on opposite sides of the test sample—one as a transmitter connected to a signal generator, and the other as a receiver to measure the attenuated signal. Advanced setups may utilize vector network analysers for precise and rapid characterization. These methods enable reliable assessment of shielding materials for applications sensitive to electromagnetic interference.

The proposed diagnostic tool utilizes a piezoelectric sensor to detect mechanical vibrations, pressure variations, or other physical signals from the target system. The piezoelectric sensor converts these physical changes into corresponding electrical signals. A microcontroller is used to acquire, process, and analyze the sensor signals to identify characteristic patterns and possible abnormalities. The processed information can be displayed through an LCD or mobile interface, with suitable alerts generated when abnormal conditions are detected. The system aims to provide a low-cost, portable, real-time, and non-invasive solution for early diagnosis and condition monitoring.

The proposed system is designed to recharge a mobile phone while walking by converting the mechanical energy generated during walking into electrical energy. A piezoelectric or electromagnetic energy-harvesting mechanism can be integrated into footwear or a wearable device to capture energy from footsteps. The generated electrical energy is then rectified, regulated, and stored in a rechargeable battery or power bank. A suitable charging circuit is used to provide a stable output voltage for charging the mobile phone. This system offers an eco-friendly and portable approach to harvesting human mechanical energy for low-power electronic applications.

The proposed project focuses on the fabrication of low-cost sensors for monitoring important agricultural parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, pH, and nutrient levels. Suitable sensing materials and electronic components are integrated to develop sensors capable of detecting changes in soil and environmental conditions. The sensor outputs are processed using a microcontroller and can be displayed through a digital interface or transmitted wirelessly. The system can provide real-time information to farmers for efficient irrigation, crop monitoring, and resource management. This technology aims to support precision agriculture, improve crop productivity, and reduce the unnecessary use of water and fertilizers.

The proposed project aims to generate electrical energy while simultaneously treating wastewater using a microbial fuel cell (MFC). In the MFC, microorganisms break down organic matter present in wastewater and release electrons during their metabolic activity. The generated electrons flow through an external circuit, producing electrical power, while the wastewater undergoes reduction in organic pollutants. The system can be designed with suitable electrodes, a proton exchange membrane, and an external electrical circuit to improve energy generation and treatment efficiency. This technology offers an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for wastewater treatment coupled with renewable bioenergy production.

The proposed project focuses on the synthesis and characterization of coordination metal complexes using suitable metal ions and organic ligands. The synthesized complexes will be characterized using techniques such as FTIR, UV–Visible spectroscopy, NMR, elemental analysis, XRD, and thermal analysis to determine their structural and physicochemical properties. Their molecular structures and coordination geometries will be investigated based on the experimental characterization results. Molecular docking studies will be performed to evaluate the interaction of the synthesized complexes with selected biological target proteins and identify their possible binding modes. The study aims to correlate the structural features of the metal complexes with their potential biological activity and provide insights for the development of promising bioactive coordination compounds. (Research Work supported by PESUIRF)

The proposed project focuses on the design and synthesis of novel heterocyclic compounds with potential biological significance. The synthesized compounds will be characterized using advanced spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as FTIR, NMR, UV–Visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and, where applicable, X-ray diffraction. Their biological activities will be evaluated using suitable antimicrobial, antioxidant, or other relevant biological assays to assess their potential efficacy. Computational investigations, including molecular geometry optimization, molecular docking, frontier molecular orbital analysis, and molecular electrostatic potential studies, will be performed to understand their structural, electronic, and molecular interactions. The study aims to establish structure–activity relationships and identify promising heterocyclic compounds for potential pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

The proposed project focuses on the synthesis and characterization of spinel-based metal oxides and their composites for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and the antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin. The synthesized materials will be characterized using techniques such as XRD, FTIR, UV–Visible spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and thermal analysis to understand their structural, morphological, optical, and physicochemical properties. Their photocatalytic performance will be evaluated under suitable light irradiation by monitoring the degradation of selected organic dyes and ciprofloxacin in aqueous solutions. The effects of catalyst dosage, initial pollutant concentration, pH, irradiation time, and other experimental parameters will be investigated to optimize the degradation efficiency. The study aims to develop efficient, reusable, and environmentally friendly photocatalytic materials for the treatment of dye- and pharmaceutical-contaminated wastewater.

The proposed project focuses on investigating the hot corrosion and thermal cycling behaviour of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) for high-temperature applications. Suitable ceramic-based coating materials will be deposited on metallic substrates using appropriate coating techniques and evaluated under simulated high-temperature and corrosive environments. The coatings will be characterized for their phase composition, microstructure, surface morphology, adhesion, and thermal properties using techniques such as XRD, SEM/EDS, and thermal analysis. Hot corrosion and thermal cycling tests will be conducted to assess coating degradation, crack formation, delamination, and changes in performance under repeated heating and cooling conditions. The study aims to develop durable and thermally stable TBCs with improved resistance to corrosion and thermal degradation for applications in gas turbines, aerospace, and other high-temperature engineering systems.