Prof Kedar Singh of Jawaharlal Nehru University

Functional nanomaterials are materials that have been engineered at the nanoscale to possess specific properties or functionalities that can be applied in various fields, including medicine, electronics, energy, and environmental science. These materials typically have unique physical, chemical, and biological properties compared to their bulk counterparts due to their small size, high surface area, and quantum effects that arise at the nanoscale.

Here are some examples of functional nanomaterials:

Nanoparticles (NPs):

Metal Nanoparticles: These include gold, silver, and platinum nanoparticles, which are used in sensors, catalysis, and drug delivery due to their enhanced chemical reactivity and surface area.

Semiconductor Nanoparticles (Quantum Dots): These are used in optoelectronics, imaging, and sensors due to their size-dependent electronic and optical properties.

Magnetic Nanoparticles: Used in biomedical applications like MRI imaging, targeted drug delivery, and magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment.

Carbon-based Nanomaterials:

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): These materials have exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal properties, making them useful in electronics, energy storage, and nanocomposites.

Graphene: A single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, graphene exhibits extraordinary electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal properties. It's used in various applications like sensors, flexible electronics, and energy storage.

Nanocomposites:

These are materials composed of nanoparticles incorporated into a matrix material (metal, polymer, or ceramic) to enhance their mechanical, electrical, or thermal properties. They are used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

Nanostructured Thin Films:

These are thin layers of nanomaterials engineered to have specific properties, such as superhydrophobicity, transparency, or electrical conductivity. They are used in applications like solar cells, sensors, and coatings.

Polymeric Nanomaterials:

Polymeric Nanoparticles: These are used in drug delivery systems, where the nanoparticles are designed to release drugs in a controlled manner. They can also be used in tissue engineering.

Nanogels: Crosslinked polymer networks that can hold a large amount of water or bioactive agents, used for drug delivery and tissue repair.

Nanostructured Catalysts:

Nanomaterials are often used as catalysts due to their high surface area and ability to enhance reaction rates. They are widely applied in energy conversion, pollution control, and industrial chemical processes.

2D Materials (e.g., MXenes, Transition Metal Dichalcogenides):

These materials have unique properties like high conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and the ability to intercalate ions, making them suitable for applications in energy storage devices, sensors, and electronics.

Biography:

Prof. Kedar Singh is currently a professor and serves as the dean of the School of Physical Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University. He is an expert in the field of experimental condensed matter physics. He has successfully supervised 10 Ph.D. students, with 5 currently under his supervision, and he is mentoring 2 postdoctoral fellows. He is a recipient of the Raman Fellowship for postdoctoral studies in the U.S. and a BOYSCAST Fellowship at Florida State University, USA. He is a member of various societies, including the Microscope Society of India. He has successfully completed 7 research projects as the principal investigator. He has published more than 200 research papers and a book chapter.

Email:

Address:Centre/School/Special Centre School of Physical Sciences Room No 104 Off. Phone 011-26738934 Residence 8318360128(M), , new delhi, India, 110067