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Novel Energy Applications of 2D layered Nanomaterials and their Metal Nanoparticles based
Nanocomposites.
Recent research has shown that in addition to the composition and arrangement of atoms in materials,
dimensionality plays a crucial role in determining their fundamental properties. This has been most strikingly
highlighted over the past few years with two-dimensional (2D) graphene, which exhibits exotic condensedmatter phenomena that are absent in bulk graphite. The rapid pace of progress in graphene and the
methodology developed in preparing ultrathin layers has led to exploration of other 2D materials.
Graphene, while being fundamentally and technologically interesting for a variety of applications, is
chemically inert and can only be made active by functionalization with desired molecules, which in turn
results in the loss of some of its exotic properties. In contrast, single-layered 2D TMDs — whose generalized
formula is MX2, where M is a transition metal of groups and X is a chalcogen— exhibit versatile chemistry.
This offers opportunities for fundamental and technological research in a variety of fields such as high-speed
electronics and optical devices, energy generation and storage, hybrid materials, chemical sensors, chemical
and photo catalysis, and even DNA sequencing. Also special applications such as topological insulators and
superconductors have been explored.
Today we stand in an era where energy has become the need of the hour for sustainable development.
Energy not only needs to be produced but also needs to be stored in order to maintain ecological balance in
coming future and to reduce the pressure on the exhaustive resources. For example, MoS2, one of the
members of MX2 layered family has been actively utilized in Hydrogen evolution reaction and solar cells, the
former an energy production system and later involving energy storage.
The Internship projects would be related to synthesizing such novel 2D layered nanomaterials and their
hybrids with metal nanoparticles and with themselves (2-D heterostructures) for energy applications. Thus
as a test to appreciate the internee's motivation in this field, the problem statement would require the
student to present a 10 minutes presentation in front of the internship provider himself, who is well
renowned in the area of carbon nanomaterials and 2D layered nanomaterials from past 15 years. The
presentation should comprise of the following points:
 Summarize in best possible way about peculiar properties found in 2D layered nanomaterials.
 Summarize the actively used 2D layered nanomaterials in energy domain.
 Give a glimpse of various synthesis used for such layered nanomaterials (no expertise is required,
although experience in some techniques such as CVD, PVD would be appreciated and given
preference. But surely motivation is must).
 Provide evidence of competency in understanding the characterizing techniques involved in such
2Dlayered nanomaterials (e.g. XRD, Raman spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, etc). No
expertise required; student will be trained to interpret such results during the course of internship.
Finally, a second short problem statement would be released as the second round and a one day
preparatory time would be provided. By way of example, this statement could go like: Develop a protocol on
paper you would follow to develop next generation solar cells. Here the student would be expected to list
the possible materials, then state the characterization required, substrates to be used would and the plan to
test the solar cells.
Remember, “Research is never about winning or losing, your attitude and motivation is important to get you
a start here and then it’s your habit which keeps you going”. So keep motivated and work hard.