1. A short presentation on some of my Research Interests
Dr. H. Narayan
Topics:
A brief outline of the research I am involved in
About some short-term projects (mini-projects)
Ideas about some possible full-length projects

2. Research 1: Summary
Synthesis and characterization of doped TiO2 nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications
TiO2 nanocomposites doped with rare-earth ions have been synthesized (Chemistry) for the first time
Characterization: SEM/TEM, Raman, IR-Spectroscopy (in Collaboration)
Structure and particle size determined from XRD data (Physics)
Photocatalysis experiment to check degradation of Congo red dye in water solution (Chemistry)
Data analysis (Physics) >>
Visible light photocatalysis made possible with doped TiO2
Smaller particle size leads to better degradation (close to 100%)
Promising material for the treatment of wastewater under sunlight

3. Research 1: Results

4. Research 2: Summary
Synthesis, characterization and electrical-conductivity measurements of polyaniline based composites
Polyaniline based composites doped with fly-ash/clinkers (waste products) have been synthesized (Chemistry)
Characterization: SEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, TGA, DSC
Collaboration with Universidad Industrial de Santander, Colombia & University of Western Cape, South Africa
Detailed structural analysis from XRD data (Physics)
Conductivity measurements: DC (Physics), AC (in Collaboration)
Data analysis (Physics) >>
Potential re-use of waste materials
DC Conductivity: Quasi 1D variable range hopping (VRH)
AC Conductivity: Classical hopping

5. Research 2: Results

6. Research 3: Recent, unpublished
Synthesis, characterization and electrocatalytic properties of K4Fe(CN)6.3H2O (KFCN) based composite materials
Rare earth ions (Y, Gd, Yb) doped KFCN nanocomposites have been synthesized (Chemistry)
Yb doped KFCN synthesized for the first time
XRD done, data analyzed (Physics) >>
Crystal structure of Y and Gd doped KFCN solved
Crystal structure of Yb doped KFCN established (New)
Other characterization, electrocatalysis results awaited!!!

7. Research 3: Results SAMPLE a (Å) b (Å) c (Å) α β γ Symmetry
Volume (Å3)
Comments
TiO2
3.7851
9.5137 90
Tetra.
136.30
Our analysis
3.7849
9.5149
136.29
Reported
K4Fe(CN)6.3H2O
9.3790
9.3919
90.0
Pseudo-Tetra.  -
KYFe(CN)6.3H2O
9.2749
8.6292
Ortho.  
KGdFe(CN)6.3H2O
12.632
13.618
7.2249  
7.3106  
KYbFe(CN)6.3H2O
7.2032  

8. Short Projects
Data collection and analysis on Shimadzu XRD6000 machine
Experimental project (suitable for a group of 4-5 students)
Basic training on powder-sample preparation
Data collection & analysis (using the built-in software)
6-8 months >> Elementary knowledge on running the machine
…OR…
Crystal structure from XRD data
Theoretical project
Basic training on powder-sample preparation & data collection
Detailed analysis of data using FullProf Software Suite
6-8 months >> Crystal structure
Particle size from XRD data
Basic training on sample preparation & data collection
Detailed analysis of data using Origin Software
6-8 months >> Particle size of sample

9. Ideas for Full Projects- 1 (Not suitable for P436)
1. Determination of unknown crystal structure
Involves both experiment & theory
Sample preparation (Chemistry),
XRD data collection
Detailed analysis using FullProf Software Suite
12-18 months >> Crystal structure from scratch
Could be a part of bigger research project

10. Ideas for Full Projects- 2 (Not suitable for P436)
2. Treatment of wastewater under sunlight
Experimental
Thin film samples of TiO2 doped with rare-earth ions
Characterization & photocatalytic investigations
Fabrication of a continuous-flow photo-reactor
24-36 months >> Continuous treatment of wastewater under sunlight
A complete (full-time) research project that would require a lot of funding!!! >> Probably a doctorate!
Thank You!!!