Nanomaterials and nanostructures play a critical role in the recent advancement of some of the key technologies associated with energy conversion and storage. Nanomaterials differ from micro sized and bulk materials not only in the scale of their characteristic dimensions, but also in the fact that they may possess new physical properties and offer new possibilities for various technical applications. Nonetheless, the reduction of electrode particle size to nano regime (few nm) in batteries leads to tremendously improved intercalation kinetics and ultimately enhances the overall degree of intercalation. This will also help to miniature the size of batteries.
- C-MET, Pune has established a large-scale production of nano powders using transferred/non-transferred arc plasma reactor for the need of VSSC/ISRO.
- Development of quantum dots of semiconductors and metals in glass, polymer matrices for optoelectronics and electronics
- Development of polymer nanocomposites
- Development of nanomaterials for photonics and electronics
- C-MET Thrissur focuses on synthesis of nanotubes of piezoelectric materials. Applications of these 1D materials for energy harvesting applications are being carried out.
- C-MET Thrissur is engaged in the development of low loss plasmonic materials and devices based on transparent conducing oxide films for various sensing applications. The centre is also engaged in the development of simple chemical routes such as spray coating for potential transparent heater films for defrosting and anti-icing applications.