Material Physics

     Here are a few of our most recent material science research:

     Project 1: Development of Nanotube(CNT)/ Graphene-based nanomembranes: In this project, students are involved in developing a nanomembrane of Graphene /CNT composites. Using AFM (on-site) and off-site spectroscopic measurements in collaboration with research groups in nanotechnology at Germany, as well as some FE-SEM measurements at Georgetown University, we look at the properties of nanotube/graphene composites.

      Project 2: Developing ultrafine-SPIONs: In this project, nanocatalysts of super paramagnetic phase (SPOINS) of iron oxides in needle and spheroid shapes are synthesized in the lab. We are also involved in developing SPION particles with narrow diameters by embedding special coatings during the growth process. These SPIONS serve as excellent catalyst particles in CNT growth.

      Project 3: Spectroscopic Data Analysis from Mars: In this project, Mössbauer data from the NASA's twin rovers (Spirit and Opportunity), operating on Planet Mars are analyzed in connection with Mainz Mössbauer Group, University of Mainz, Germany. While Spirit 'died'a few years ago, Opportunity is still alive almost 15  years after its launch and continues to beam, albeit weak, data from Mars. There is a treasure trove of Mossbauer data to be analyzed, which is a part of this collaborative project


     Project 4: Engineering and Design Projects: Based on the interest of students, several design and engineering type projects are a regular feature within Materials Science disciple. Examples of such projects include design of a salt spray chamber for the production of controlled weathered coatings, low-cost high throughput magnetometer for mapping magnetic hysteresis of nanoparticles, and the design of a graphene-based nanofilter to name a few.