Electroctalytic properties of two dimensional materials as quantum dots

Almost all  2-D materials possesses similar  interlayer spacing  which could be engineered by using various anions, cations and even dual ions   for various applications.   For example, both  Graphene, Phosphorene, g-carbon nitride  and their variants either in a pristine or doped forms  have been functionalized in a controlled way to enhance this to even to  triple before complete exfoliation  are useful for  many technologies like  energy storage, nanoelectronics, sensing, communications, optoelectronics, and electrocatalysis. We discuss a unique electrochemical approach to not only reveal  the introduction of multiple hetero atoms at room temperature but also modulates the van der Waals gaps between the layers, which could have significant implications for the electrocatalytic  properties by considering few model reactions like oxygen and carbon dioxide  reduction. This study provides a new avenue for developing advanced materials based on 2-D materials and highlights the importance of van der Waals gap engineering in optimizing nano-based materials.

Prof. Vijayamohanan K. Pillai assumed charge as Director, CSIR-CECRI on April 24, 2012 and continued as Director, CSIR-CECRI till October 23, 2018. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science, Dr. Pillai's research work of more than 20 years is primarily focussed on batteries, fuel cells, bio-electrochemistry, electrochemical sensors, chemically modified electrodes, anodization, electro-deposition, electro-organic synthesis, etc. Dr. Pillai has more than 220 research papers and 20 patents to his credit. Under his guidance, 17 students have received Ph.D. degrees. He is a recipient of many presitigious awards including Medals of the MRSI and CRSI. He is a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and Affiliate Member of the IUPAC. He is also in the editorial boards of several prestigious journals.

As the helmsman at CSIR-CECRI, Dr. Pillai strives to make the institute an internationally renowned place for electrochemistry.

In addition to CSIR - CECRI, Prof. Vijayamohanan K Pillai held the additional charge as Director, CSIR-NCL from 01/06/2015 to 29/02/2016.