Venkataraman Thangadurai

Dr. Thangadurai’s research interests are in the area of solid-state ionic technologies. In particular, materials development for energy conversion, storage and environmental applications that include solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), solid state batteries, sensors for chemical species (e.g., oxygen, hydrogen, ammonia, hydrocarbon), and displays. The fundamental investigation on the structure-composition-electrical transport properties relationship is required for the development of advanced solid electrolytes and electrodes with desired functional properties for the above mentioned applications.

Present research work involves the design and preparation of novel solid electrolytes exhibiting fast oxide ion, proton, lithium ion, and sodium ion conduction and mixed ionic-electronic conduction based on inorganic crystal structures (e,g., perovskite, perovskite-related layered structure, pyrochlore, garnet) and construction and characterization of SOFCs, PEMFCs, and sensors. Materials will be prepared by employing solid-state synthesis techniques that include high temperature ceramic, low-temperature chemical (e.g., precipitation, precursor, polymerization, and sol-gel) and soft-chemistry (e.g., ion-exchange) methods. These materials will be characterized by using various solid-state techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis (EDAX and ICP), thermal analysis (TGA, DTA/DSC), and physical spectroscopy. Electrical transport properties will be investigated employing AC impedance and DC polarization technique as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressures.

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