Dr.Sreejith Shankar P

Dr.Sreejith Shankar P

Dr. Sreejith Shankar completed his Masters with first rank in Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam in 2007. He holds a PhD (with distinction) in Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy (2011). Dr. Shankar was as a Visiting Scientist (with a Marie Curie ESR Fellowship) at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel, during 2011-2015 and a Humboldt Research Fellow at the University of Kiel, Germany, during 2015-2016. He joined CSIR-NIIST with a DST-INSPIRE Faculty Award and later migrated to the Ramanujan Fellowship in June 2017. He was appointed as a Senior Scientist at CSIR-NIIST on 29 July, 2021.

Dr. Shankar has been recognized by several awards including the Kerala State Young Scientist Award 2020, 3rd BRICS Young Scientist Award representing India at the 3rd BRICS Young Scientists Forum at Durban, South Africa (2018), Ramanujan Fellowship (DST-SERB, Government of India, 2016) and DST – INSPIRE Faculty Award (DST, Government of India, 2016).

His research interest is on the development of smart and functional materials, coatings and thin films for energy management and conservation (electrochromic and thermochromic materials), anti-counterfeiting and security, and superhydrophobic/antimicrobial applications.

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=cb1wG9kAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1158-593

Professional Experience
29 July 2021-Present: Senior Scientist
Chemical Sciences and Technology Division
CSIR - NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, India
June 2017-July 2021: Ramanujan Fellow (SERB) and Assistant Professor (AcSIR)
Chemical Sciences and Technology Division
CSIR - NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, India
Nov. 2016-June 2017: DST - INSPIRE Faculty
Chemical Sciences and Technology Division
CSIR - NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, India
Sept. 2015-Oct. 2016: Humboldt Research Fellow
Otto Diels Institute for Organic Chemistry
University of Kiel, Germany
Advisor: Prof. Rainer Herges
June-August 2015: SFB 677 Postdoctoral Fellow
Otto Diels Institute for Organic Chemistry
University of Kiel, Germany
Advisor: Prof. R. Herges
June 2014-Mar 2015: Academic Intern (Non-tenure Track)
Department of Organic Chemistry
Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
Advisor: Prof. Milko E. van der Boom
June 2011-June 2014: Visiting Scientist (Marie Curie ESR)
Department of Organic Chemistry
Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel
Advisor: Prof. Milko E. van der Boom
October 2012: Visiting Researcher
Department of Chemistry
University of Cambridge, UK
Advisor: Prof. Jonathan Nitschke)
January-May 2009: Visiting Researcher
Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine,
Vrije Universiteit, The Netherlands
Advisor: Prof. Guus van Dongen

 

Patents & Publications

Publications and Patents

2021

  • Anjali, N.; Hareesh, U. S.; Sreejith Shankar*; Ajayaghosh, A.* “Unprecedented Multifunctional Superhydrophobicity in a Metal-Organic Composite” Manuscript in preparation.
  • Indulekha, M.; Anjali, N.; Madhavan, N, D.; Sreejith Shankar*; Deb, B.; Ajayaghosh, A.* “Ligand Controlled Electrochromic Diversification with Multi-Layer Coated Metallosupramolecular Polymer Assemblies” ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2021, 13, 5245-5255.
  • Anjali, N.; Indulekha, M.; Sreejith Shankar*; Ajayaghosh, A.* “Thermochromic Color Switching to Temperature Controlled Volatile Memory and Counter Operations with Metal-Organic Complexes and Hybrid Gels” Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2021, 60, 455-465.

2020

  • Indulekha, M.; Anjali, N.; Rakhi, R. B.; Sreejith Shankar*; Ajayaghosh, A.* “Metal Ion Induced Capacitance Modulation in Near-Isostructural Complexes Derived Electrochromic Coordination Polymers” Mater. Today Chem. 2020, 16, 100260 (Invited Article).
  • Ghosh, S.; Sreejith Shankar*; Philips D. S.; Ajayaghosh A.* “Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based Functional Supramolecular Polymers: Next Generation Materials for Optoelectronic Applications” Mater. Today Chem. 2020, 16, 100242 (Invited Article).

2019

  • Sreejith Shankar “Chromogenic Materials for Smart Energy Management and Utilization - An Overview” The BRICS Scientist: Science &Technology Papers, 2019, 1, 3.

2018

  • Sreejith Shankar; Krahwinkel, B.; Peters, M.; Grote, D.; Sander, W.; Steinborn, K.C.; Lohmiller, T.; Herges, R. “Light Controlled Switching of the Spin State of Iron(III)” Nature Commun. 2018, 9, 4750.
  • Ranjan, P.; Sreejith Shankar; Popovitz-Biro, R.; Cohen, S.; Kaplan-Ashiri, I.; Dadosh, T.; Shimon, L.; Visic, B.; Tenne, R.; Lahav, M.; van der Boom, M. E. “Decoration of Inorganic Nanostructures by Metallic Nanoparticles to Induce Fluorescence, Enhance Solubility, and for Bandgap Tuning” J. Phys. Chem. C 2018, 122, 6748-6759.
  • Ranjan, P.; Sreejith Shankar, Popovitz-Biro, R.; Cohen, S.; Pinkas, I.; Tenne, R.; Lahav, M.; van der Boom, M. E. “Tubular Hybrids: A Nanoparticle - Molecular Network” Langmuir 2018, 34, 2464-2470.
  • Sreejith Shankar; Chovnik, O.; Shimon, L.; Lahav, M.; van der Boom, M. E. “Directed Molecular Structure Variations of Three-Dimensional Halogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks (XBOFs)” Cryst. Growth Des. 2018, 18, 1967-1977.

2017

  • Elool Dov, N.; Sreejith Shankar; Cohen, D.; Bendikov, T.; Rehav, K.; Shimon, L.; Lahav, M.; van der Boom, M. E. “Electrochromic Metallo-Organic Nanoscale Films: Fabrication, Color Range and Solid-State Devices” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 11471-11481.

2016

  • Sreejith Shankar; Orbach, M.; Kaminkar, R.; Lahav, M.; van der Boom, M. E. “Gold Nanoparticle Assemblies on Surfaces: Reactivity Tuning through Capping Layer and Cross-Linker Design” Chem. Eur. J. 2016, 22, 1728 -1734.
  • Lahav, M.; Elool-Dov, N.; Sreejith Shankar; van der Boom, M. E. “Coordination-based Molecular Assemblies as Hhighly Efficient Electrochromic Materials” Abstracts of Papers ACS, 2016, 251, 1155

2015

  • Balgley, R.; Sreejith Shankar; Lahav, M.; van der Boom, M. E. “Rerouting Electron Transfer in Molecular Assemblies by Redox-Pair Matching” Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2015, 54, 12457–12462; Angew. Chem. 2015, 127, 12634 -12639.
  • Sreejith Shankar; Lahav, M.; van der Boom, M. E. “Coordination Based Molecular Assemblies as Electrochromic Materials: Ultra-High Coloration Efficiencies and Switching Stability” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 4050-4054.
  • Orbach, M.; Sreejith Shankar; Zenkina, O. V.; Milko, P.; Diskin-Posner, Y.; van der Boom, M. E. “Generation of Mono- and Bimetallic Palladium Complexes and Mechanistic Insight into an Operative Metal Ring-Walking Process” Organometallics 2015, 34, 1098-1106.
  • Sreejith Shankar; Balgley, R.; Lahav, M.; Cohen, S. R.; Popovitz-Biro, R.; van der Boom, M. E. “Metal Organic Microstructures: From Rectangular to Stellated and Interpenetrating Polyhedra” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 226-231.

2014

  • Boterashvili, M.; Lahav, M.; Sreejith Shankar; Facchetti, A.; van der Boom, M. E. “On-Surface Solvent-Free Crystal-to-Co-crystal Conversion by Non-Covalent Interactions” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 11926-11929.
  • Cohen, R.; Vugts, D.; Visser, G. M. W.; Stigter-vanwalsum, M.; Bolijn, M.; Spiga, M.; Lazzari, P.; Sreejith Shankar; Sani, M.; Zanda, M.; van Dongen, G. A. M S. “Development of Novel ADCs: Conjugation of Tubulysin-Analogues to Trastuzumab Monitored by Dual-Radiolabeling” Cancer Res. 2014, 74, 5700-5710.

2009-2013

  • Sreejith Shankar; Bigotti, S.; Lazzari, P.; Manca, I.; Spiga, M.; Sani, M.; Zanda, M. “Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Diastereoisomers and N-Terminal Analogues of Tubulysin-U” Tett. Lett. 2013, 54, 6137-6141.
  • Sreejith Shankar, Jagodzinska, M.; Malpezzi, L.; Lazzari, P.; Manca, I.; Greig, I. R.; Sani, M.; Zanda, M. “Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of Novel Tubulysin U Analogues - Effect on Cytotoxicity of Structural Variations in the Tubuvaline Fragment” Org. Biomol. Chem. 2013, 11, 2273-2287.
  • Goss, R. J. M.; Sreejith Shankar; Fayad, A. A. “The Generation of “unNatural” Products - Synthetic Biology Meets Synthetic Chemistry” Nat. Prod. Rep. 2012, 29, 870-889. (Invited Article)
  • Cohen, R.; Vugts, D.; Sreejith Shankar; Visser, G.; Zanda, M.; van Dongen, G. A. M. S. “Radiolabeling of a Supertoxic Tubulysin Analogue and the Development of Antibody-Drug Conjugates” J. Nucl Med. 2012, 53, 1541.
  • Sreejith Shankar, Sani, M.; Saunders, F. R.; Wallace, H. M.; Zanda, M. “Total Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of an Oxazole Analogue of Tubulysin U” Synlett 2011, 12, 1673-1676.
  • Bigotti, S.; Olimpiei, F.; Sreejith Shankar; Pinna, G.; Altomonte, S.; Zanda, M. “The Trifluoroethylamine Function as Peptide Bond Replacement: New Developments and Findings” Chimica Oggi (Chemistry Today) 2009, 27(3). (Invited Article)
  • Sreejith Shankar; Sani, M.; Terraneo, G.; Zanda, M. “Studies towards a Novel Synthesis of Tubulysins: Highly Asymmetric Aza-Michael Reactions of 2-Enoylthiazoles with Metalated Chiral Oxazolidinones” Synlett 2009, 8, 1341-1345.
  • Sreejith Shankar “Martin Sulfurane - A Versatile Reagent for Organic Synthesis” Synlett 2009, 5, 850-851.

Patents

2021

  • “A Process for Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Induced Switchable Antibacterial Activity of a Smart Covalent Organic Framework” Ajayaghosh, A.; Mal, A.; Mishra, R. K.; Kumar, D. B. S.; Jacob, J.; Sreejith Shankar. Application 0021NF2021, 2021
  • “Disinfection and in situ Flocculation-Solidification Process for Pathogenic Medical Waste Disposal” Sreejith Shankar; Nair, S. S.; Radhakrishnakurup, A.; Vijayan, V.; Mohamed, P. A. A.; Hareesh, U. S.; Sukumaran, R. K.; Savithri, S.; Devi, P. S.; Ajayaghosh, A. Indian Patent Application No. Temp./E-1/24389/2021-DEL, 2021 (PCT Pending).
  • “An Improved Disinfection/Solidification Process for Pathogenic Medical Waste Disposal” Sreejith Shankar; Nair, S. S.; Suja P.; Hareesh, U. S.; Sukumaran, R. K.; Savithri, S.; Devi, P. S.; Ajayaghosh, A. Indian Patent Application No. Temp./E-1/24367/2021-DEL, 2021 (PCT Pending).
  • “Temperature Programmable Small Molecules and Prototypes for Thermoresponsive Smart Windows and Applications Thereof” Ajayaghosh, A.; Patra, D.; Sreejith Shankar. AOP Application over IN 201911052506, Application No. Temp./E-1/24366/2021-DEL, 2021 (PCT Pending).
  • “Antibacterial Multi-Charged Metal Complexes and Coatings with Metal Nanoparticles Thereof” Sreejith Shankar; Anjali, N.; Hareesh, U. S.; Pottath, S.; Vijayan, V.; Pillai, S.; Sukumaran, R. K.; Ajayaghosh, A. Indian Patent Application 202111015509, 2021 (PCT Pending).
  • “A Functional and Transparent Gel Electrolyte System and Fast Switching Electrochromic/ Electrochemical Devices Thereof” Deb, B.; Ajayaghosh, A.; Venugopal, R.; Prabhu, P. G. T.; Sreejith Shankar. PCT Application PCT/IN2021/050143, 2021.
  • “Flocculant Based Disinfection Process for Pathogenic Medical Waste Disposal” Sreejith Shankar; Hareesh, U. S.; Parameswaran, B.; Sukumaran, R. K.; Ajayaghosh, A. PCT Application PCT/IN2021/050032, 2021.

2020

  • “Flocculant Based Disinfection Process for Pathogenic Medical Waste Disposal” Sreejith Shankar; Hareesh, U. S.; Parameswaran, B.; Sukumaran, R. K.; Ajayaghosh, A. Indian Patent Application 202011039050, 2020.
  • “Thermoresponsive Molecules for Controlled heat and Light Transmission Windows and Applications Thereof” Ajayaghosh, A.; Das, S.; Soman, S.; Asok, A.; Sreejith Shankar. PCT Application PCT/IN2020/050884, 2020.
  • “A Superhydrophobic Composite and Multifunctional Applications Thereof” Sreejith Shankar; Anjali, N.; Hareesh, U. S.; Ajayaghosh, A. Indian Patent Application 202011038721, 2020 (PCT Pending).
  • “A Transparent Gel Electrolyte System and Fast Switching Electrochromic Devices Thereof” Deb, B.; Ajayaghosh, A.; Venugopal, R.; Prabhu, P. G. T.; Sreejith Shankar. Indian Patent Application 202011006474, 2020.

2019

  • “Thermoresponsive Molecules for Controlled heat and Light Transmission Windows and Applications Thereof” Ajayaghosh, A.; Das, S.; Soman, S.; Asok, A.; Sreejith Shankar. Indian Patent Application 201911052506, 2019.

2014-2018

  • “Preparation of Transition Metal Coordination Polymers with Adamantanetetrakispyridine” van der Boom, M. E.; Lahav, M.; Hamami, S.; Di-Gregorio, M-C.; Wan, Q.; Sreejith Shankar. US CIP Application, US 20160271582 A1 20160922, 2016. Additional Filings: (a) US 9707540B2, 2017.
  • “Metal-Based Tris-Bipyridyl Complexes and Uses Thereof In Electrochromic Applications” van der Boom, M. E.; Lahav, M.; Sreejith Shankar. WO 2015075714 A1 20150528, 2015. Additional Filings: (a) US 9847494B2, 2017, (b) EP 3072171A1, 2016, (c) CN 105793241B, 2016, (d) IL245702D0, 2016, (e) IL229525D0, 2014.
  • “Preparation of transition metal complex MOFs with polypyridyl ligands” van der Boom, M. E.; Lahav, M.; Balgley, R.; Sreejith Shankar. WO 2015008280 A1 20150122, 2015. Additional Filings: (a) US 9611218B2, 2017, (b) EP 3022250A4, 2017, (c) CN 105873587A, 2016.
Alumni
  • Ms. Anila S. (Project Assistant-II, 2018 - 2020) 
  • Ms. Nishitha Gopalakrishnan (Project Assistant-II, 2019 - 2020) 
  • Mr. Navin Jacob (Project Assistant-II, 2019 - 2020) 
  • Ms. Sarga Sunil (Project Assistant-II, 2018 - 2019) 
  • Ms. Neenu N. (Project Assistant-II, 2018 - 2019) 
  • Ms. Priya K. P. (MSc Thesis, 2019) 
  • Ms. Sruthi Krishna S. (MSc Thesis, 2019)
  • Ms. Delna T. S. (MSc Thesis, 2019) 
  • Ms. Manju Jose K (MSc Thesis, 2019) 
  • Ms. Athira K. S. (MSc Thesis, 2019) 
  • Ms. Arathi A. V. (MSc Thesis, 2019) 
  • Ms. Meera Joy (BS-MS Intern, 2019) 
  • Ms. Anagha Sree S. (Msc Intern, 2019) 
  • Ms. Gayathry T. C. (Msc Intern, 2019) 
  • Ms. Shyama S. S. (MSc Thesis, 2018) 
  • Ms. Bhavya Krishnan (MSc Thesis, 2018) 
  • Ms. Manjusha Manohar (MSc Thesis, 2018) 
  • Ms. Reshma M. K. (MSc Thesis, 2017) 
  • Ms. Anu Mohan (MSc Thesis, 2017)
Academic Qualification
2011: PhD (Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering)
Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy. (con merito, with distinction)
Advisor: Prof. Matteo Zanda.
Title of the thesis: Development of Tubulysin Analogs: Peptidomimetics Targeting Cancer and Angiogenesis through Immunoconjugates
2007: MSc Chemistry (Organic Chemistry)
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India (First Rank)
Advisor: Dr. T. K. Chakraborty (CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad).
Title of the thesis: Design and Development of Peptides and Peptidomimetic compounds - Synthesis of Homooligomers of Unusual δ-Amino Acids Derived from D-Glucose
2005: BSc (Chemistry)
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, India (Distinction)

 

Group
Indulekha Ms. Indulekha M.
DST-INSPIRE SRF (AcSIR PhD Candidate, with Dr. A. Ajayaghosh)
August 2017-Present
MS (Chemistry), IISER Bhopal (2016)
Email: indulekhamukkatt32[at]gmail.com
Anjali Ms. N. Anjali
Project Assistant-II (AcSIR PhD Candidate, with Dr. A. Ajayaghosh)
March 2017-Present
MSc (Chemistry), University of Kerala (2016)
Email: anjalimrv92[at]gmail.com
Swetha Dr. Swetha S.
Project Associate-I (with Dr. Biswapriya Deb)
PhD (Chemical Science, AcSIR), CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram (2020) February 2021-Present
MSc (Chemistry), Mahatma Gandhi University (2011)
Email: s.swetha06[at]gmail.com
Sruthi Ms. Sruthi S Nair
Project Associate-I (with Dr. A. Ajayaghosh)
February 2021-Present
MSc (Inorganic Chemistry), Mahatma Gandhi University (2019)
Email: sruthisnair999[at]gmail.com

 

Conference Presentations

Lectures and Conference Presentations (Selected)

  • “Biopolymers and Metallopolymers for Sustainable Energy Applications” KTU Sponsored (Online) One Week Faculty Development Programme on “Recent Development of Biopolymer and Sustainable Composites for Engineering Applications”, Sree Buddha College of Engineering, Pattoor, March 2021 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Quest for Futuristic Systems - Towards Sustainable Smart Materials and Devices” AICTE Sponsored Online Short Term Training Program (STTP) on “Smart Materials, Automation and its Future Impact on Humans” (Part: 2) SAFIH 2020, Sree Buddha College of Engineering, Pattoor, November 2020 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Smart Materials - Futuristic Roads towards Sustainability” International Webinar on Smart Functional Materials, Govt. College Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, August 2020 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Concepts and Materials for Smart and Sustainable Future” International Webinar, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, July 2020 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “The Tale of Smart Materials - Towards Futuristic and Sustainable Applications”, National Webinar, Al Ameen College, Edathala, July 2020 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Smart Materials: Perspectives Towards Sustainable and Futuristic Applications”, International Seminar on Organic and Materials Chemistry”, Kozhencherry, India, February 2020 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Multifunctional Nanoscale Electrochromic Films and Devices for Smart Energy Utilization”, 6th International Conference on Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology (ICANN 2019), Guwahati, India, December 2019 (Oral Presentation)
  • “Smart Materials for Efficient Energy Management and Utilization”, 3rd International Conference on Advanced Functional Materials (ICAFM), Thiruvananthapuram, India, December 2019 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Consumer Empowerment in the Fight Against Fakes”, Authentication Forum 2019, New Delhi, India, November 2019 (Invited Panelist)
  • “Smart Materials for Futuristic Applications”, FCBS-JNCASR Workshop for Chemistry Teachers and Students, Thiruvananthapuram, India, November 2019 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Light Controlled Switching of the Spin States in Enzyme like Iron(III) Co-ordination Assemblies” Symposium on Recent Advances in Chemical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, India, March 2019 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Electrochromism - From Molecules to Materials and Devices for Smart Energy Utilization” International Conference on Materials for the Millennium (MATCON 2019), Kochi, India, March 2019 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Chemistry in Action - A Paradigm Shift from Perception to R&D” CSIR-NIIST Science Outreach Program 2019, Thiruvananthapuram, January 2019 (Invited Oral Presentation).
  • “Chromogenic Materials for Smart Energy Management and Utilization” BRICS Young Scientists Alumni Meet, NIAS-Bengaluru, India December 2018 (Invited Oral Presentation).
  • “Nanoscopic Molecular Assemblies for Smart and Multifunctional Applications” Calicut University: Refresher Course in Nanoscience, Kozhikkode, India, December 2018 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Adventures and Tales in Chemistry - Dare to Dream”, Morning Star College, Angamali (Kerala), India, September 2018 (Invited Oral Presentation).
  • “Smart Management in Indoor Energy Utilization - Electrochromism and its Perspectives" 3rd BRICS Young Scientists Conclave, Durban, South Africa, June 2018 (Invited Oral Presentation).
  • “Electrochromism - From Molecules to Assemblies, Materials and Devices” National Convention of Electrochemists (NCE20), VIT, Vellore, India, June 2018.
  • “Electrochromism - From Molecules to Assemblies, Materials and Devices” Colloquium on Smart Materials, SRIBS (KSCSTE), Kerala, November 2017 (Invited Oral Presentation).
  • “Research as a Career in Chemistry - Opportunities and Challenges” Prof. Varghese Paul Endowment Lecture, Sacred Heart College, Thevara, September 2016 (Invited Oral Presentation).
  • “Coordination-Induced Dynamic Supramolecular Architectures: Molecule-based Materials in-Solution and on-Surface” Institute for Materials Science, University of Kiel, June 2016 (Invited Oral Presentation)
  • “Iron (III) Porphyrins - Towards the First Iron-based Light Driven-Coordination Induced Spin State Switch” AvH Network Meeting, Düsseldorf, Germany, February-March 2016 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Pyridine derived Molecular Assemblies - Designing Molecule-based Materials” SFB 677 Summer School, Schleswig, Germany, August 2015 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Metal Organic Frameworks for Clean Energy Applications” Israel-Greece Joint Meeting on Nanotechnology & Bionanotechnology, Israel, October 2014 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Homogeneously Crystalline Metal-Organic Microstructures” Dutch-Israeli Chemistry Meeting, Twente, The Netherlands, May 2014 (Poster Presentation)
  • “Surface Confined Metal-Organic Architectures as Efficient Electrochromic Materials” Dutch-Israeli Chemistry Meeting, Twente, The Netherlands, May 2014 (Poster Presentation)
  • “Metal Organic Frameworks for Clean Energy Applications” AERI Symposium (Sustainable Energy 2013-14), Israel, February 2014 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Morphology Control in MOFs - From Spheres to Bricks and Stellated Polyhedra”, Joint ReAD-DYNAMOL Meeting and Centre of Systems Chemistry Symposium, Groningen, The Netherlands September, 2013 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Surface Confined Metal Organic Assemblies as Efficient Electrochromic Materials”, NCMST-2013, IIST Thiruvananthapuram, July 2013 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Surface Confined Redox Active Metal-Organic Architectures” DYNAMOL Meeting, Barcelona, Spain, April, 2013 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Dynamic Metal-Organic Supramolecular Architectures” Annual Meeting of Israel Chemical Society, Tel Aviv, Israel, February 2013 (Poster Presentation), Chair of the session on Supramolecular Chemistry.
  • “Dynamic Metal Organic Supramolecular Assemblies”, November 2012, CSIR-NIIST Thiruvananthapuram, India (Oral Presentation).
  • “Metal Directed Coordination Chemistry of Polypyridyl Ligands and Complexes” DYNAMOL Review Meeting, Cambridge, UK, September 2012 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Homogeneously Micro-structured Metal-Organic Coordination Polymers” From Molecules to Materials –Advances and Challenges, Israel, July 2012 (Poster Presentation), Member of the organizing committee.
  • “Homogeneously Micro-structured Crystalline Nickel-Organic Coordination Polymers” DYNAMOL Meeting, Champery, Switzerland, March 2012 (Oral Presentation).
  • “Scientific Principles of Management in Pharmaceutical Industry” PUMBA, University of Pune, India, August 2010 (Invited Oral Presentation).
Projects

Projects

  • Dynamic Molecular, Supramolecular and Surface Chemistry for Spatiotemporal Modulation of Smart Advanced Functional Materials, DST-SERB (Ramanujan Grant), Principal Investigator, 2017-2022 (On-going)
  • Composite Materials for Flexible Electrochromic Devices, CSIR Mission Mode Project, Co-Principal Investigator, 2020-2023 (On-going)
  • Flocculant based Disinfection Systems for Pathogenic Medical Waste Disposal, CML Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Angamaly (Industry Consultancy Project), Co-Principal Investigator, 2021-2022 (On-going)
  • Fluorescent Pigments for Currency Application, CSIR FTC Project, Co-Investigator and Team Member, 2020-2022 (On-going)
  • Translating Electrochromic Devices to 1’ × 1’ Dynamic Windows: Towards Industrial Smart Glass Technologies, CSIR FTC Project, Co-Principal Investigator, 2020-2022 (On-going)
  • Chromogenic Materials and Inks for Smart Coating and Printable Applications, CSIR NCP, Co-Principal Investigator, 2020-2023 (On-going)
  • Fluorescent Materials for Security Applications, CSIR FTT Project, Co-Investigator and Team Member, 2018-2020 (Completed)
  • Electrochromic Devices for Efficient Energy Management and Utilization, CSIR FTT Project, Co-Principal Investigator, 2018-2020 (Completed)
  • Chromogenic Materials for Smart Coating Applications, CSIR NCP, Co-Principal Investigator, 2018-2020 (Completed)
Research Areas

Research activities in our group are focused on the development of functional materials in an attempt to afford performance chemicals for smart applications using conventional wet chemical synthesis. The solution and surface chemistries of these smart materials are investigated for efficient energy materials and energy management applications and for smart coating and formulations. Most of our research activities are aligned to the missions of Government of India (Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Smart City Mission, Digital India, Skill India etc.) and are in accordance with the sustainability development goals.

Our group aims at building an expertise that spans basic organic synthesis, coordination chemistry, surface chemistry, electrochemistry and coating formulations. While focussing our thrust expertise on fundamental research to a priori design molecule-based materials with a set of predetermined properties and/or functions, we also partner with industries aiming at bridging the valley of death in translational research and transforming the acquired fundamental knowledge to demonstrate technologically relevant and marketable products. Therefore, we have initiated cross-sector partnerships with various industries in the field and it is our mission to utilize the already developed expertise and materials towards applications that are societally and industrially relevant.

I. Chromogenic Materials and Devices (Electrochromic/Thermochromic)

Performance chemicals for smart applications is a huge market that remains largely untapped in India. We are interested in the development of cost-effective and scalable smart materials that change their color, transparency and light/heat throughput depending on applied voltage (electrochromic) or temperature (thermochromic). The applications of these smart materials include smart windows and smart glasses for industrial, domestic, architectural and automobile sectors, non-emissive displays, energy storage, supercapacitors, sign boards and indicators, etc. We work on organic and metal-organic coordination assemblies with high optical contrast and stability, fast response time, high energy efficiency, reversibility and facile processability. These smart prototypes show 3-6 oC reduction in indoor temperature as compared to simple glass installations, apart from ensuring need-based privacy. We also investigate the multifunctional applications of these smart systems including proof-of-concept energy storage devices, multi-state volatile memory and logic operators. These smart systems can be integrated with other clean energy technologies to provide access to a complete building integrated solution. Concomitant with the synthetic development of these materials, we also strive to address the major challenges in the fundamental understanding of smart thin films and coatings in terms of their photophysical mechanism, controllable thickness, optical density, and electron and mass transfer characteristics via selective fabrication processes.

II. Materials for Smart Formulations and Coatings

The control over the wettability of any surface fundamentally determines its interaction with water. In this regard, artificial surfaces with high water repellency - superhydrophobic surfaces - have been of particular interest. A part of the research activities in our group is aimed at developing composite materials and formulations such that they (a) have high apparent contact angles with non-wetting and self-cleaning properties, (b) are cost effective, (c) are durable, (d) have anti-biofouling properties, (e) are ice-repellant, (f) are anti-microbial, (g) are anti-reflective and transparent for specific applications. Suitable chemical modification of these materials also impart additional properties such as fluorescence, conductivity and color tenability, leading to multifunctional coatings with profound applications in paint industry, solar coatings, automobile and marine sectors. Our group also work on the development of coordination based materials with inherent anti-microbial activity for application in biomedically relevant formulations and coatings. The development of such indigenous materials will deliver critical information on the design and development of new and high performance formulations and coatings beyond academic interest, thereby catering to the scientific pursuit of developing efficient and multifunctional coatings with specific industrial requirements.

III. Energy and Energy Materials

Metal-organic systems including coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks have attracted immense attention across different fields of science as materials with numerous functional applications. Such materials are shown to have applications in catalysis, separation, sorption, mass transport, sensing, host-guest interactions, etc., of which energy storage and conversion has been of tremendous interest. 2D hybrid materials with an inherent porous architecture are potential candidates for electrochemical energy storage and conversion, especially as electrode materials in devices like supercapacitors and batteries. Until recently, carbon-based materials were exclusively used as active electrode materials in these devices. Out of all non-carbon materials, metal-organic systems are one of the relatively less investigated class of electrode materials, generally as pyrolytic precursors for carbon. We are interested in developing redox active metal-organic materials with combined electro-optical properties of metals and conjugated organic ligands possessing a unique coherance of stability and desirable properties as energy materials. The combination of high surface areas, extended ordering, crystallinity, high packing density and favorable morphological features along with several tunable properties makes this class of materials promising candidates for non-carbon energy materials with excellent performance especially in electrochemical energy storage systems.

Honors and Awards

Awards and Recognition

  • Kerala State Young Scientist Award, KSCSTE, Govt. of Kerala (2020)
  • DST selection for 3rd BRICS Young Scientist Conclave, Durban, South Africa (2018)
  • Ramanujan Fellowship, SERB, India (2016-2022)
  • DST – INSPIRE Faculty Award, Department of Science and Technology, India (2016)
  • Prof. Varghese Paul Endowment Lecture, S H College (Thevara, Kerala), India (2016)
  • Humboldt Fellowship, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany (2015 – 2016)
  • SFB 677 Research Fellowship, SFB 677 and University of Kiel, Germany (2015)
  • Fellowship from NOFAR Grant, Israel Ministry of Trade and Industry (2014 – 2015)
  • Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher Fellowship (2011 – 2014)
  • Borsa di Studio (PhD), Government of Italy (2008 – 2010)
  • First Rank – M.Sc. Chemistry (Organic Chemistry), M G University, India (2007)
  • Summer Research Fellowship, Indian Academy of Sciences (2007)
  • Summer Research Fellowship, JNCASR, India (2007)
  • Prof. P. J. Joseph Award, S H College, India (2005)
  • Prof. Fr. George Kallarackal Award, S H College, India (2005)
  • Prof. M. V. Varghese Endowment, S H College, India (2005)
  • Prof. Sitarama Iyer Award, S H College, India (2004)