The Electrodics and Electrocatalysis (EEC) Division, a vital constituent of CSIR-CECRI contributing significantly to both basic and applied research. Electrodics, electrocatalysis, electroanalysis, novel electrode/electrolyte materials, sensors and devices are the thrust areas of research in this division. Advancement of electrochemical science through fundamental investigations is the major goal. Nevertheless, applied and technological aspects also receive an equally important emphasis. Our research is mainly focused on studying the mechanisms and kinetics of the electrode process for developing electrochemical sensors, electrochromic devices and electrocatalysts. Electrochemistry based hyphenated techniques such as spectroelectrochemistry, scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM), electrochemical atomic force microscope (EC-AFM), electrochemiluminescence (ECL), electrochemical surface/tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (EC-SERS/TERS) also have been pursued for fundamental understanding of electrochemical processes. We also have expertise on fabricating miniaturized electrodes and multiplexed platforms such as ion-selective electrodes (ISE), microelectrodes for intracellular electrochemistry and liquid-liquid interfaces, flexible printed electrodes, multi-analyte electrode arrays, chemiresistors and electrochemical transistors.

Our strengths

Electrocatalysis

Understanding the fundamental electrochemical reaction at the electrode surface is essential for developing energy efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion, storage and sensing. The major focus is given on understanding the fundamentals of the electrocatalytic systems to design novel and effective electrocatalyst materials to be integrated into the renewable energy conversion and storage devices.

Research Highlights

·         Hydrogen Evolution Reactions (HER)

·         Oxygen Evolution Reactions (OER)

·         Oxygen Reduction Reactions (ORR)

·         Nitrogen Reduction Reactions (NRR)

·         Carbon di-oxide Reduction Reactions (CRR)

·         Biomass Valorisation

·         Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage

Biosensors and bio-imaging  

The advantages of electrochemical tools have been utilized to fabricate sensing devices for Healthcare, Environment and Agriculture Sector. Our research concentrates on modifying the electrode surfaces with nanostructures, self-assembled monolayers, polymeric materials, and biological macromolecules to fabricate sensors and devices to be used for various applications. We also develop functionalized materials and methods for bioimaging of molecular signatures and cellular events.

Research Highlights

·         Enzymatic/non-enzymatic sensors

·         Affinity sensors such as immunosensors and aptasensors

·         Molecularly imprinted polymer based sensors

·         Environmental sensors for air and water quality assessment

·         Optical sensors and bioimaging

Bioelectrochemical systems

Studying the biological aspects of electrochemistry and electron transport properties of redox proteins important in understating the signal transduction and bioenergetics of biologically important macromolecules. Our studies in this front, is focused on understanding the processes of electron transfer reactions between the electrodes and biological molecules, such as redox proteins, membranes, and whole cells.

Research Highlights

·         Understanding the electron transfer reactions of biological molecules

·         Investigating the thermodynamic and kinetic information of biological electron transfer reaction.

·         Studying protein-drug interaction

·         Microbial fuel cells