We combine experimental investigations with process/phenomenological/CFD/population balance modelling in our research efforts. Discrete simulations and solution of population balance equations are allied interests
Our research areas include not only the classical topics in Chemical Engineering but also, diverse multidisciplinary areas where most recent and challenging problems are being addressed. Many unsolved problems in various disciplines require substantial knowledge of chemical engineering. Combined with our rigourous course work students are motivated to learn many new topics and thereby enhanced their problem solving skills from a scientific and engineering perspective.
Our research interests are in the field of colloids and interfaces, specifically in nanoparticle synthesis, microfluidics, liquid-liquid dispersions, foams, and energy storage systems.
We combine experimental investigations with process/phenomenological/CFD/population balance modelling in our research efforts. Discrete simulations and solution of population balance equations are allied interests
Quantitative understanding of particle synthesis routes and using the insights obtained to devise processes/reactors for their continuous manufacture is an ongoing activity in the group.
The first step of the synthesis process—nucleation of clusters that grow into seeds and then particles is of significant interest, in the context of the inability of the classical mechanisms to explain the observations.
Energy storage in flow batteries and super-capacitors is receiving our significant attention.
Our interest is in soluble lead redox flow battery. We find that the loss of lead ions to electrodes in the charge cycle and their release in the discharge cycle induces strong enough natural convection to even dominate over the effect of external flow on transport of ions near electrodes. Our focus is on developing battery designs that harness natural convection advantageously. Supercapacitors with high surface area in pores are promising for recovering energy wasted in bursts such as when a vehicle comes to a stop, and delivering it in bursts such as to crank an engine. The efforts are underway in the group to address the limiting factor—rapid transport of ions in porous materials.
Foams are encountered both in industrial processes, modern foods, and household products. Flow of foams is important.
Additionally, a number of their attributes are yet not accessible quantitatively. Work is in progress in our group on both the fronts. We find through simulations that the bubbles lined up near a wall move forward similar to a procession of tanks on road, in bumper to bumper configuration, and explains how foam appears to slip past a wall, yet the observed pressure drops are quite low.