Investigating the Effect of Length Scale in Oxide Nanowires on Energy Storage, Harvesting Multifunctional Properties

Project description

The quest for replacing fossil fuel and finding alternative cost-effective, and sustainable resources for energy is of paramount importance for all nations. Energy serves as a linchpin for both societal and emphatical advancement for overall economic development, which leads to elevated standards of human life and humanity. In the realm of scientific development, it is inevitable that advance materials and nanotechnology will have a pivotal role. Therefore, many researchers are working to solve this problem; however, the section on particularly transition metal oxide-based nanowires has been relatively unexplored in this field, especially as a catalyst material. There has been excellent research conducted in this field, but there is a huge area where we as researchers need to focus. In nanowires, some research papers suggest that there are dominant quantum phenomena, but some groups have also suggested that there would be enhancement of the properties due to core shell structure. The mathematical relationship between the length of the nanowire and its quantum confinement properties is underexplored. But we can’t deny the fact that the length scale of oxide nanowires significantly influences their performance in energy storage, harvesting, and multifunctional applications, since most of these properties are surface driven and nanowires tend to increase the surface area to volume ratio drastically. Recent research highlights how nanoscale dimensions enhance electron transport, ion diffusion, and material stability. Hence, in this research we would like to explore the unique relation of length scale and catalytic/multi-functional properties of metal oxide nanowires and their application in energy harvest/storage. The overall aims of this work are 1. Develop a strategic plan for to understand the usage of oxide nanowires in energy harvesting/storage through a comprehensive literature survey, evaluation of existing research, hypothesis development 2. Optimize the synthesis process of oxide nanowires via electrospinning, focusing on process optimization, hybrid architectural development (core shell) and basic structural and chemical analysis (XRD, SEM, TEM, RAMAN, etc.). 3. Analyse the structural features/defects of as developed oxide nanowires, like band gap, grain boundaries, vacancies etc. and their role in heat transport, triboelectric and piezoelectric responses, along with electrochemical performance, correlating with length scale. 4. Validate experimental findings with theoretical/empirical framework 5. Explore and enhance the practical applications of oxide nanowires based on the synthesized materials and developed models. Metholdogy- The scalability of complex hybrid nanowire synthesis, such as core-shell structures, remains a challenge due to high costs and environmental concerns associated with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or hydrothermal methods. Furthermore, the performance of nanowire electrodes in solid-state or flexible devices under real-world conditions remains underexplored. This research proposes investigating low-cost, sustainable synthesis methods, such as solution-based approaches like electrospinning and solution blowing, which have ability to integration of novel nanowire materials like TiO₂ or MoO₃ for flexible, high-performance energy storage systems. Followed by rigorous optimization of nanowire fabrication through electrspinning and clacination, the said products will be thoroughly characterized using various tools. Furthermore, the materials will be tested for electrical energy harvesting via impedance analysis, piezoelectric measurements, triboelectric behavior. Along with electrical characterization, the said oxide materials will be tested for electrochemical energy storage applications, especially for two-electrode systems. The same material set will be also studied under thermal loading conditions in microchannel heat sinks as nanofluids. All these properties and their applications will be correlated via their grain/grain-boundary structure and their oxygen vacancy analysis.

Outcomes

• Optimized process for the large-scale production of the oxide nanowires and hybrid nanowire arrays (core cell) • Comprehensive understanding of the nanowires’ property variation with respect to the length scale variation, which leads to more effective nanoscale manipulation. • A theoretical model predicts the properties of nanowires, such as electrochemical energy storage, triboelectric behavior, and piezoelectric behavior, based on factors like aspect ratio, grain boundaries, and the properties of oxides in the nanowires. • High-impact-factor publications in the peer-reviewed journals. • The developed material is being applied to smart energy-generating shoes and sensors.

Essential capabilities

Should have good understanding of material characterization tools and At least one peer-reviewed publication in international reputed journal (Q1) (not submitted; has to be published) during graduate/post-graduate studies

Desireable capabilities

Adept in mathematical formulation, having experience with polymers, metal oxides and electrochemical characterization tools

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

MTech/MSc in Polymers/Materials Science/Chemistry/Physics/Allied areas with CGPA >80% with B Tech/BSc (BSc in Physics/Chemistry) having CGPA >75%

Additional information for applicants

note: i-students must have own scholarship to apply (CSIR, UCG-NET, etc)