Solid State Chemistry

This group focuses on synthesis and characterization of functional transition metal oxides with interesting properties and applications. Typically, we investigate perovskite oxides (ABO₃) for their potential applications in spintronics, thermoelectric devices, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and photocatalysis for environmental remediation. Samples are synthesized by the conventional solid state chemistry and other soft chemistry methods, and characterized by the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) etc. Physical properties such as magnetic, electronic transport, thermal transport etc. are measured by the available facilities at SBASSE and through collaborations with various national and international research groups. Properties of these materials are correlated with their chemical nature and crystal structures, and various strategies are devised to fine tune and optimize their properties.