Prabeer Barpanda

Energy generation and storage is a key global concern. Electrochemical energy storage forms the most pragmatic option for large-scale storage and dissemination of electrical energy. In the ever-growing quest to realize sustainable energy scenario, rechargeable batteries have seen unprecedented growth in applications ranging from small-scale consumer electronics to large-scale grid storage. Li-ion batteries are ubiquitous these days empowering electronics and automobile sectors. However, there is no one-size-fit-all strategy in the energy sector. While Li-ion batteries cater the application with weight/size restriction, some earth-abundant post Li-ion batteries are being widely pursued to serve large-scale stationary storage sector. In this scenario, sodium-ion, potassium-ion and metal-air batteries have great potential.

Focusing on secondary batteries, our group works on development of various transition metal oxide and polyanionic framework compounds for Li-ion and post Li-ion batteries. We conduct variety of solvothermal synthesis of inorganic insertion materials followed by their physical, structural and electrochemical characterization. Using various material optimization, we attempt to improve the discharge capacity and working voltage of battery electrode materials.

In addition to our major effort on batteries, we also investigate various fundamental properties (like magnetic transition, ionic conductivity, disorder-order phase transition, polymorphism) of battery insertion systems. In addition, we are also probing the possible application of battery electrode materials for realizing economic bifunctional electrocatalysts for water-splitting and metal-air batteries. Overall, we dwell on materials chemistry and energy storage devices