national institute of technology, calicut, kerala school of nano science and technology
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National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kerala
School of Nano Science and Technology
ProfileSNST was established as an independent School at NITC in
2009
The School functions in collaboration with the other
departments of the institute through academic courses,
interdisciplinary student research projects and collaborative
research with faculty members.
The school has ongoing collaborative research with
prominent universities and institutes at the international level.
The School of Nano Science and Technology (SNST) at
National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC), India, fosters a
scientific community dedicated to higher learning and research
in Nanotechnology.
Academic ProgramsDoctoral Degree ProgramCandidates with Master’s degree in various streams of science and engineering can perform research leading to Ph.D. degree at the School. The Doctoral research scholars are Master’s degree holders in different Engineering branches, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Physics and Chemistry. Being an interdisciplinary School, there is large flexibility in the background disciplines of the candidates. All selectedresearch scholars are entitled to fellowships from the Government of India. Master of Technology ProgramThe Master of Technology (M.Tech.) program in Nanotechnology is designed to impart state-of the art knowledge, and has an objective of training the students to make them capable of addressing the challenges of the emerging technological field of Nanotechnology. The program consists of two semesters of course work and two semesters of project work. The study materials include subjects such as Physics of Materials, Thermodynamics of Nanomaterials and Systems, Microscale and Nanoscale Heat Transfer, Nanosized Structures, Experimental Techniques in Nanotechnology,Computational Nanotechnology and MEMS. Laboratory courses dealing with production, characterization and application of nanoparticles, nanofluids and nanocomposits as well as giving exposure to discrete computational analysis of nanoscale phenomena are also offered as part of the curriculum.
Laboratories and Facilities Nanotechnology Research Laboratory:
Focuses on Nanofluids, Thermal engineering applications, Thermophysical
property measurement, Carbon Nanotechnology.
Nanoscience Research Laboratory:
Involved in research on Bio-sensors, Targeted drug delivery systems,
Environmental problems.
Fuels and Combustion Research Laboratory:
Dedicated to research on the application of nanotechnology in fuels, leading to
efficient combustion and reduction of emission, Nano lubricants, Nanocoolants.
Nano and Display Research Laboratory:
Carries out research in nanopatterning, Non-linear optics applications and Liquid
crystal Displays.
Computational Nanotechnology Laboratory:
Focuses on discrete computational methods for the simulation and analysis of
nanoscale phenomena.
The Microscopy Center
Microscopy Center houses a high resolutionScanning Electron Microscope and
an Atomic Force Microscope.
Nanotechnology Research Laboratory
Nanofluids and Engineering Applications Research involves studies on convection loops with nanofluids, application of nanoparticles in lubricating oils and refrigerents, measurement of thermophysical properties of nanofluids, preparation of stabilized nanofluids and their characterization,heat transfer phenomena in nanofluids . Molecular dynamic simulation and multi-scale modeling of thermal phenomena Optical measurements Microchannels and micro heat pipes,
The research work is primarily focused on optimizing the process of CVD synthesis, based on the results of the theoretical model. Chemical kinetics modeling to predict the deposition parameters, Molecular modeling to simulate the deposition process of CNT.
Carbon Nanotube Synthesis
Chemical Vapor DepositionOf CNT
Measurement of thermalconductivity of nanofluids
Nanoscience Research Laboratory
Research work is in progress to develop sensitive, reproducible, selective and low cost biosensor
surfaces using different nanostructures like gold nanoparticles, gold nanorods, silver nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes.
A novel electrochemical sensor surface with enhanced sensitivity for the detection of hydrogen peroxide based on the layer-by-layer assembly of mercapto propionic acid cyclic bisureas, gold nanoparticle and Horseradish peroxidase has been developed.
Tumor targeting strategies, to target tumors and deliver therapeutics to specific locations in the body, are being developed and investigated, focusing on gold nanoparticle as vectors for drug delivery. 3 different sized gold nanoparticles suitable for drug delivery applications, ranging from 10-60 nm, have been obtained .
Development of Biosensors using Engineered Nano particulate Systems
Targeted Drug Delivery
Gold nanoparticles
Photocatalytic degradation of a textile dye using titaniumoxide nanoparticles under ultraviolet radiation
Fuels and Combustion Research Laboratory The aim of the research is to obtain results that will
help in understanding the effect of nanoparticle additives on Diesel and Biodiesel in improving the energy conversion capability and reducing the level of harmful emissions from the engine.
The use of certain oxide catalysts in the nanopowder form is found to enhance the combustion phenomenon, while considerably reducing emissions.
The extensive investigation involves preparation of the catalytic nanoparticles by chemical and physical synthesis methods, their characterization, blending and stabilization in fuels, quantification of the modified fuel in engines, fundamental analysis of the combustion flames using optical measurements, study on impact on engine parts, and toxicological effects on the emissions.
Major Equipment : Dynamic Light Scattering system
Application of Catalytic Nanoparticles in Hydrocarbon Fuels
Flame Pyrolysis of catalyticnanoparticles
Dynamic Light Scattering system
Nano and Display Research Laboratory
The key areas of work in the laboratory are: Berkovich nano-indentation on polymer-CNT nanocomposites to study the stressstrain behavior of thin films. Miropatterning of transparent electrodesusing laser ablation for in-plane switchingliquid crystal displays Development of thermotropic liquidcrystals for non-linear optics. Investigations on pressure sensor basedPiezoresistive behaviour of Polysiliconfilm on Si <100> for MEMS devices.
Investigations on Micropatterning and Liquid Crystals
Polarized optical microscopy images ofdifferent liquid crystals
Simulated results for stress analysis on thediaphragm and fabricated array of bulkmicromachined diaphragms on silicon
Computational Nanotechnology Laboratory
Direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) analysis of solid rocket motor (SRM) exhaust
Thermal modeling of carbon nanotube based electronic devices
Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation of gas-surface interaction at nanoscale
Molecular Dynamics simulation of transport properties, and transport through nanostructures
MD simulation of gas-surface interactions
Simulation of Nanoscale Phenomena
MD simulation of Nanojets
MD simulation of gas-surface interactions
Our main area of work is to understand the phenomenon occuring at nanoscale by employing atomistic simulation techniques like Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo. This helps in the design and optimization of functional systems at the molecular scale.
Scanning Probe Microscopy CentreThe centre is equipped with Park XE-100 Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).Specifications: • Decoupled XY & Z Scanners • Scan range of XY-scanner: 5 μm and 100 μm • Working distance of Z-scanner: 12 μm or 25 μm • Sample size:Up to 100 mm × 100mm, 20 mm thick, and up to 500 g Supported Modes True Non-Contact Mode Contact Mode Force - distance Spectroscopy/F-d volume imaging Phase imaging of True Non-Contact, FMM, MFM Conductive AFM Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Magnetic Force Microscopy Electric Force Microscopy Scanning Thermal Microscopy Nanolithography Nanoindentation
Scanning Electron Microscopy centreThe centre is equipped with Hitachi SU6600 VariablePressure Field Emission Scanning Electron MicroscopeTHE MAIN FEATURES OF SU 6600-FESEM Electron gun: Tungsten Schottky emission electron
source Resolution: 1.2 nm/30 kV, 3.0 nm/1 kV Probe current: 1pA~200nA Specimen chamber pressure : 10-4Pa (high vacuum), 10~300Pa (low vacuum) Specimen Size: Max 150 mm dia.×40 mm H Magnification: 500,000 x IMAGING TECHNIQUES
Secondary Electron Imaging (SE) Backscattered Electron Imaging (BSE) Environmental Secondary Electron Detector (ESED) Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (Horiba, EMAX, 137 ev) For analysis, mapping & Point ID The ESED mode allows the operator to change Vacuum conditions in the sample chamber from high vacuum to
low vacuum.
Major Equipments/Facilities• Dynamic Light Scattering System (DLS)• UV-VIS Spectrophotometer• Vacuum coating Apparatus• Chemical Vapour Deposition Apparatus (CVD)• Electrochemical Workstation• Rotek Fume exhaust hood• Trinocular Research Microscope• KD2 –Thermal Property Analyzer• Rheometer• Fluke Infrared Thermometers• Deep freezer, Centrifuge,Oven• Interferometric/Schliern set up
Funded Research ProjectsHolographic Studies on Mini Channels for Optimal Thermal Design of Microelectronic Systems”, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India [20 lakhs] - CompletedExperimental studies on convective heat transfer performance of water-basednanofluids in liquid loops, Board of Research in Nuclear Science, Government of India [20 lakhs] - CompletedDesign, development and optimization of miniature and micro heat pipes forthermal management of avionic devices, Aerospace Research and Development Board, Government of India [10 lakhs] - Ongoing Development and application of waterbased nanofluids as coolants for steelindustry, Tata Steel, India [20 lakhs] - Ongoing Investigations on the application of catalytic nanoparticles as diesel and biodiesel additives: Funded by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Government of India [120 lakhs] - OngoingMultifunctional Plasmonic Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites for Targeted Drug Delivery: Synthesis, Evaluation and Toxicological Studies, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India [45 lakhs] - OngoingEnhancement of the sensitivity of peptide nanotube based biosensors using metal nanoclusters, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India [19.14 lakhs] - Ongoing DSMC Simulations of Solid Rocket Exhaust Plumes, Government of India, Aerospace Research and Development Board, Government of India. [20 lakhs] - Ongoing
Recent Publications
Year Journals Conferences
International National International National
2011 - 2012 8 -- 8 --
2010 - 2011 5 -- 6 1
2009 – 2010 3 -- 6 1
Patents filed
1. Title of the patent applied : A system for determining Material surface erosion caused by impingement of Nanofluids on pipes carrying Nanofluids.
Inventors :• Mr.Gibin George, NIT Calicut• Mr.Shijo Thomas, Asst. Professor, SNST, NIT Calicut.• Dr.C.B.Sobhan, Professor, SNST, NIT Calicut.• Dr.Sajith.V, Asst. Professor, SNST, NIT Calicut. • Mr.Hanas T, Asst. Professor, SNST, NIT Calicut.• Mr.Krishna Sabareesh. R, TATA Steel Ltd, , Jamshedpur.
• Jamshedpur.Mr.Sumitesh Das, TATA Steel Ltd, Jamshedpur.
Patents filed
2. Title of the patent applied : A process for determining Lubricant composition in Vapour Compression Refrigeration System to enhance the Coefficient of Performance.
Inventors :• Mr.Gopinath, NIT Calicut• Dr.Sajith.V, Asst. Professor, SNST, NIT Calicut.• Mr.Shijo Thomas, Asst. Professor, SNST, NIT Calicut.• Dr.C.B.Sobhan, Professor, SNST, NIT Calicut.• Mr.Hanas T, Asst. Professor, SNST, NIT Calicut.• Mr.Krishna Sabareesh. R, TATA Steel Ltd, , Jamshedpur.
• Jamshedpur.Mr.Sumitesh Das, TATA Steel Ltd, Jamshedpur.
Faculty Development Programmes
1. "Trends and Techniques in Nanotechnology", July 4-17, 2010Sponsored by MHRD-AICTECoordinators: Dr.C.B.Sobhan, Hanas T., Shijo ThomasNo: of Participants: 40
2. "Advanced Nanomaterials: Process, Characterisation and Applications", July 6-12, 2011Sponsored by MHRD-AICTECoordinators: Dr.N Sandhyarani, Dr. Soney VargheseNo: of Participants: 70
FacultyC. B. Sobhan, Ph. D., ProfessorCoordinator, Nanotechnology Research LaboratoryPh. D. Mechanical Engineering (Heat Transfer), IIT Madras, IndiaPost Doctoral Research: Purdue University, USAVisiting Fellowships/Visiting Faculty Positions: NTU Singapore, University of
Wisconsin, USA, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, University of Colorado, USA, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Research Areas: Microscale and Nanoscale Heat Transfer, Thermal Phenomena in Nanofluids,
Optical Measurements, Molecular Dynamics modeling, Carbon Nanotubes
N. Sandhyarani, Ph.D., Associate ProfessorCoordinator, Nanoscience Research LaboratoryPh. D. Chemistry (Nanomaterials), IIT Madras, IndiaPost Doctoral Research: University of Notre Dame, USA, Cornell University, USAVisiting Fellowship : Pohang University of Science and Technology, South KoreaResearch Areas: Surface Chemistry, Bio-nanotechnology, Nano-enabled Sensors, Targeted
Drug Delivery SystemsSarith.P.Sathian, Ph.D., Assistant ProfessorCoordinator, Computational Nanotechnology LaboratoryPh.D. Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, IndiaVisiting Fellowships:RWTH, Germany, Russian Academy of SciencesResearch Areas:Micro flows and nano flows, Rarefied gas flows, Multiscale modelilng
Soney Varghese, Ph.D., Assistant ProfessorCoordinator, Nano and Display Research LaboratoryPh.D. Chemistry (Nanofabrication) University of Eindhoven,The NetherlandsResearch Areas:Characterization, Nanopatterns, Liquid Crystal Display, Conducting Polymers
V. Sajith, Ph.D., Assistant ProfessorCoordinator, Fuels and Combustion LaboratoryPh.D. Mechanical Engineering (Optical Measurements), NIT Calicut, IndiaVisiting Assignments:Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, University of Colorado, Boulder, USAResearch Areas:Optical Measurements, Microchannel flows, Nanofluids, Nanotechnology in Combustion
and Fuels, IC Engines
T. Hanas, Assistant ProfessorPh.D. Materials Science (ongoing), NIT Calicut, IndiaResearch AreaPolymer Nanocomposites
Shijo Thomas, Assistant ProfessorPh.D. Mechanical Engineering (ongoing), NIT Calicut, IndiaResearch Areas:Heat Transfer in Nanofluids, Carbon Nanotube Synthesis
Faculty
