Materials Preparation Laboratory

History:

The experimental research activities depend on the synthesis of new materials. This is achieved by various methods such as solid state reactions in air and vacuum using furnaces, arc melting, manipulating air and moisture sensitive compounds by a glove box, handling of hazardous solvents and chemical reactions in a fume hood, hydrothermal synthesis by autoclaves and electrochemical synthesis by anodization technique. All these preparation facilities have been established over the years through funding from individual projects, schemes like DST-FIST as well as University funding.

Research areas:

Presently synthesis covers the following research areas:

Intermetallic alloys, martensitic and half Heusler compounds

Lithium and sodium-ion electrolytes

Quantum dot and nanomaterials

Anodization of Ti and Al substrates

Growth of Single crystals

Resources and facilities:

Three programmable Carbolite box furnaces (max. temperature – 1600 °C, 1475 °C and 1200 °C) and two muffle furnaces (max. temperature – 1000 °C)

Tri Arc Furnace and Vacuum (< 10-5mbar) sealing facility

Glove box and Fume hood

Anodization setup (DC power supply & chiller (-10°C to 150 °C)

Hot air ovens

Achievements:

Majority of compounds are synthesized in the materials preparation laboratory and these instruments play a vital role in the preparation process.

Contact persons: Dr. Bholanath Pahari/ Dr. Rajeshkumar S. Hyam/ Dr. Venkatesha R. Hathwar