Research Profile - Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy ...

R Vasant Kumar
Senior Lecturer
BTech IIT Bombay
PhD McMaster University
+44 (0) 1223 334327
rvk10@cam.ac.uk
www.msm.cam.ac.uk/djf/
Materials Chemistry
Energy devices
We are advancing innovative approaches to develop the next
generation of ultra-high-energy and power-density batteries
based on novel Li chemistries, new electrolytes and specially
engineered electrodes. Research on solid-oxide fuel cells
is based on optimizing the atomic architecture of the solid
electrolytes to improve conductivity and stability for lowtemperature
applications. A novel method of doping
electrolytes and electrodes has also been developed.
Sensors
Investigation into operating solid-state ionic sensors in
electrochemically active mode has led to many practical
applications such as on-board diagnostics in gas sensing,
self-cleaning chemical sensors and mixed potential sensors
for industrial usage. We have also pioneered the use of
electrochemical chains by interfacing several solid-state ionic
systems in series or parallel for responding to molecular species
such as SO x
, NO x
, H 2
S, HCl, H 2
O, CO, CO 2
and many others.
We are also working on: achieving smart sensors that can selfactuate
and self-tune; miniaturization; bio-sensing; safety; energy
reduction; and solving many environmental problems.
Recycling and sustainability
New strategies for recycling lead-acid batteries have been
developed and patented such that precursors for battery plates
are directly produced in an environmentally sound process
that is sustainable with respect to both materials and energy.
Using MATLAB, modelling work has been used to advance
environmentally friendly processes using low-energy and low
C-print for metal production, refining and recycling.
B Khoshandam, RV Kumar & E Jamshidi, “Producing chromium carbide
using reduction of chromium oxide with methane” AIChe. J. 52, 1094–1102
(2006).
RV Kumar & VP Kotzeva, “Measuring carbon monoxide with a solid
electrolyte system” British Patent Application, GB 0520779.0 (2005).
MP Hills, C Schwandt & RV Kumar, “An investigation of current reversal
mode for gas sensing with a solid electrolyte” Int. J. Appl. Ceram. Technol.
3, 200–209 (2006).
Hydrogen probe in plant trial
RV Kumar, “Electrical conducting properties of rare earth doped
perovskites” J. Alloys Comp. 408, 463–467 (2006).
RV Kumar, S Sonmez & VP Kotzeva, “Lead Recycling” British
Patent Application 2006, GB0622249.1; PCT Application No. PCT/
GB2007/004222
Schematic diagram of an HCl gas sensor fabricated
by screen printing
26 Research Profile