(4he) Leveraging Polymer Physics and Engineering for Developing Sustainable Electronics and Energy Storage Devices, Membrane Separations, and Preventing Plastic Pollution

Research Interests: Polymer Physics and Engineering, Energy Storage, Electronics, Membrane Separations, Plastics Pollution, Carbon Capture

Abstract:

Since the discovery of the existence of polymers (macromolecules) in 1920 by Staudinger, polymers have become an important part of human life with applications ranging from electronics, energy storage and generation devices, separations, drug delivery, sensors, healthcare devices, packaging materials, etc. As part of my research, we delve into the understanding of polymer physics and engineering to develop advanced materials and devices with applications focused on the sustainable development of humanity including highly efficient electronics and energy storage devices, membrane-based separations, and tackling nanoplastics and microplastics pollution.

As part of my Ph.D. research, I have studied thermodynamics and kinetics of self-assembly of block copolymers, the stability of polymer thin films under electric fields, the use of polymer and polymer nanocomposites films for high energy density dielectric capacitors, polymer membranes for ultrafiltration and nanofiltration applications including protein separation, oil-water separation, and Li extraction. Furthermore, I have used ethylene and acrylate-based block copolymers to develop high ionic conductivity polymer electrolytes for use in high-power density batteries and supercapacitors.

As part of my postdoctoral training, I am working on understanding the mechanisms behind plastic fragmentation into nano and microplastics (NMPLs). The nano and microplastics have recently gained the attention of the research community and it has been observed that the NMPLs accumulate in human heart tissues, seminal fluid, and other parts of the body and cause adverse effects such as stroke, etc. As part of my current research, we are trying to understand the pathways of the NMPL generation and develop plastics that are not prone to the formation of NMPLs. Parallelly, I am working on the use of polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGNPs) based membranes for carbon capture and separation applications.