Development of Multifunctional Polymeric Systems for Energy, Healthcare, and Sustainable Applications
Next-Gen Energy Dissipative Polymer Design
This research area focuses on the development of next-generation polymeric materials that combine energy dissipation with multiple advanced functionalities. The designed polymers integrate dynamic non-covalent interactions, enabling excellent mechanical toughness while maintaining adaptability.
Key multifunctionalities include:
• Stimuli-free self-healing at ambient conditions
• Strong adhesion to diverse surfaces
• Reusability without loss of performance
• Scalable synthesis, suitable for large-scale applications
• Efficient energy dissipation for vibration and impact resistance
Development of Soft Ionically Conductive gel for battery
This research area focuses on the development of soft gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) that combine multiple advanced functionalities to meet the demands of next-generation energy storage systems. Unlike conventional electrolytes, these soft gels provide both mechanical adaptability and electrochemical stability.
Key multifunctional features include:
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Flame retardancy for enhanced safety
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Stimuli-free self-healing to extend operational lifetime
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Broad temperature tolerance for reliable performance in extreme environments
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High ionic conductivity ensuring efficient ion transport
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Wide electrochemical potential window suitable for high-energy devices
These multifunctional soft gels are being designed specifically for gel polymer electrolyte applications, offering a safer, more durable, and scalable alternative for advanced batteries and supercapacitors.
Development of Stimuli-Responsive Polymer for Drug Delivery
This research area involves the development of advanced polymeric systems for safe and efficient therapeutic delivery. Two complementary strategies are being explored:
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Amphiphilic Polymers – Designed to self-assemble into micelles and nanostructures for encapsulating hydrophobic drugs. By integrating redox-sensitive S-S linkages, pH responsiveness, and fluorescent activity, these systems enable controlled release, real-time imaging, and targeted delivery.
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Biodegradable Polymeric Gels – Engineered as injectable and biocompatible platforms that allow sustained drug release at the target site. Their stimuli-responsive behavior provides tunable release profiles, while biodegradability ensures safety and clearance from the body.
Together, these approaches create a versatile platform for cancer therapy, precision medicine, and theranostics, bridging material science and healthcare.
Development of Polymer-based sensor for pollutant sensing
This part of the research focuses on the design of sensor polymers for the detection of hazardous organic pollutants in water. By incorporating fluorescent and responsive units into polymer backbones, these systems can provide:
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High sensitivity and selectivity toward specific pollutants
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Fluorescent or optical signals for rapid detection
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Potential for real-time and on-site monitoring
Such materials act as early-warning systems, helping to identify contamination before it reaches harmful levels.
Development of Polymer-based adsorbent for Pollutant Removal
In parallel, polymeric adsorbents have been developed to efficiently remove organic pollutants from water. A key focus is on gel-based adsorbents, which provide:
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High surface area and tunable chemistry for strong pollutant capture
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Reusability over multiple adsorption–desorption cycles
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Scalable synthesis for large-scale water purification applications
These systems offer a sustainable approach to environmental remediation, combining effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and adaptability.
Sustainable Upcycling of PET Waste
This research area explores sustainable strategies to upcycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste into high-value polymeric materials. Instead of conventional downcycling into low-grade products, the focus is on transforming PET into functional and reusable materials with enhanced performance.
Key directions include:
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Chemical depolymerization of PET into reactive building blocks
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Repolymerization and functionalization to create advanced materials
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Incorporation into hybrid systems for improved mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties
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Designing upcycled products for advanced applications.
This approach not only addresses the global plastic waste challenge but also contributes to the circular economy by converting discarded plastics into sustainable, multifunctional materials.
Related Ref:
Environ. Sci. Technol. 2025, 59, 30, 15766–15776. read more