DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

The properties and performance of materials - whether physical or biological or hybrid - are dictated by complex atomic and nanoscale architecture and associated phenomena. Our research is geared towards not only their understanding but manipulation and tailoring to yield favorable response and behavior. Such materials include nanostructures, especially inorganic/organic hybrids, and phenomena often revolve around various defects and their dynamic behavior. Thus, the core theme in Dravid group is the paradigm for "Form-Function" and "Structure-Property" relationship in diverse materials; it spans fundamental and basic science of materials as well as their technological implications and applications.

On one front, we are investigating the patterning and characterization of complex multicomponent nanostructured materials such as metal/alloy nanocrystals, biomolecular nanopatterns (DNA/proteins), interfaces between inorganic nanostructures and biomolecules, etc. These structures possess unique and novel morphologies and chemistry, and their electronic structure also depends on size and shape. We are exploring applications of such structures, including drug delivery, bio-diagnostics and bio-chem sensing.

Dravid group is also involved in atomic-scale structure-property relationship for internal interfaces, domains and mosaics. In a large number of material systems, such as electroceramics, semiconductors, superlattices, and structural composites, the property and performance of the bulk material are intimately connected to the structure, chemistry, and electronic structure of interfaces.

More recently, Dravid group has diversified to water-related research, especially with OHM sponge and related concepts for recovery of oil, nutrients, heavy metal and related contaminants from water.

The philosophy of our approach is based on sound fundamental foundation of complex phenomena, liberal use of advanced instrumentation and techniques and quest for proof-of-concepts for devices as well.