Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy: Investigator Profiles

Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy

Vasant Kumar

Vasant Kumar portrait

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 low-temperature 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 SOx, NOx, H2S, HCl, H2O, CO, CO2 and many others. We are also working on: achieving smart sensors that can self-actuate 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.

 

Schematic diagram of an HCl gas sensor fabricated by screen printing
Schematic diagram of an HCl gas sensor fabricated by screen printing
  • 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).
  • 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.

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