Redox Flow Battery
We are working on sustainable energy storage technology to meet ever-increasing energy demand, with a focus on redox flow batteries. The PI of the group reported many redox-active systems from lab–scale to prototype (kW power range). We mainly focus on next-generation all-vanadium redox flow batteries, aqueous-based metal-ion redox (Zn-X: X = Br2, I2, Fe, Mn, V, Sn, Ce, etc.). We aim to obtain low-cost, sustainable, high-energy RFBs for off-grid applications.
Key Focus: Cell design, new electrolyte development, electrode modification, and membrane development.
Li-ion and Beyond Li-ion batteries
Development of high-voltage, high-capacity cathode materials (Cobalt Free).
We are expanding our focus beyond Li-ion technologies to include K-ion, Zn-ion (aqueous), and Na-ion batteries for high energy density.
Supercapacitor: Currently, we are working on aqueous-based symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors for wearable and hybrid electric vehicle applications. As of now, we are achieving an energy density of around 13 Wh kg-1 for the supercapacitor (EDLC, Symmetric Capacitor) and 25-40 Wh kg-1 for an asymmetric capacitor after ⁓100000 cycles, with coulombic efficiency and retention of 99% and 76%, respectively.
Key focus: Positive Electrode: Metal oxides, Metal hydroxides, chalcogenides; Carbon-based composites for positive and negative electrodes. Electrolytes: Aqueous and organic polymer gel electrolytes. Cell Design
Hybrid Capacitor
We also focus on aqueous electrolyte-based electrochemical energy storage systems (ESS) to enhance the energy density of capacitors for portable applications (Electric Vehicles) and innovative gadgets.
Key Focus: Battery-type layered hydroxides, electrolyte, and new cell design
Towards Sustainability: Waste into Wealth.
Our group is focusing on recovering metals using an eco-friendly, green, zero-waste approach to extract key components from dead batteries, solar cells, and other electronic components. Our process is entirely solvent-based and free of pollutants.
Electro-Catalyst
Metal nano electro-catalyst are attractive and play an essential role in improving the redox kinetics of the redox reactions. In our group, we focused heavily on metal nanocatalysts to enhance the electrochemical performance of the redox flow cell. In addition, we are focusing on various carbonaceous electrocatalysts to enhance redox reactions, particularly in acidic electrolytes.
Key Focus: Carbon Quantum Dot, metal, metal oxide, and bimetal electrocatalyst for alkaline, acid, and neutral electrolyte medium
Zinc-Ion Batteries (ZIBs)
Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), have gained attention due to the high theoretical specific capacity of the zinc anode (~820 mAh g⁻¹), along with excellent safety, environmental friendliness, and natural abundance. Despite these advantages, key challenges still limit their practical development. Our research targets advanced dual-ion configurations that integrate carbon-based cathodes with halide-based electrolytes, where halide ions actively participate in charge storage through reversible intercalation and redox reactions. By optimizing the concentration and combinations of halide species, we aim to enhance specific capacity, minimize IR drop, and improve overall electrochemical performance, thereby developing efficient zinc-based hybrid energy storage systems. In parallel, we explore high-performance cathode materials such as MnO₂, or manganese-based compounds, which offer multiple redox states and fast ion diffusion pathways. Through material design, structural tuning, and electrolyte–electrode interface optimization, our work aims to achieve high capacity, long cycle life, and improved rate capability in next-generation zinc-based energy storage devices.
Key Focus: Metal oxide cathodes, hybrid systems, carbon based cathodes, Halide-based aqueous systems, dual-ion configuration, redox-active electrolytes, Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode, Ion Intercalation, Electrochemical Stability; Low IR Drop, Electrode–electrolyte interface engineering
Organic Redox Flow Batteries (ORFB)
Organic redox species offer numerous benefits for molecular engineering, including better solubility and voltage, multiple electron transfer, and electrochemical stability using affordable and simple synthetic techniques. Because of the great structural diversity and tunability, electrochemical properties such as cell voltage, capacity, and cycling stability are highly designable. We are currently focusing on molecules such as lawsone and TEMPO derivatives.
Key Focus: Novel organic redox molecules, Aqueous electrolyte formulations.