Research Projects

This project aims to develop a scalable, carbon-negative process to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂)—a major greenhouse gas—into high-value carbon nanofibers (CNFs) using molten carbonate electrolysis. The CNFs produced will be engineered for dual applications in advanced energy storage systems (supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries) and lightweight, multifunctional polymer composites. This project addresses two of the most pressing challenges of our time: mitigating CO₂ emissions and developing next-generation nanomaterials for clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Molten carbonate electrolysis offers a promising, single-step approach that enables the direct conversion of CO₂ gas into solid carbon nanostructures at relatively lower temperatures. This technology not only mitigates CO₂ but also produces a durable, valuable material, creating a closed-loop system of environmental and industrial relevance. While previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of CO₂ electroreduction in molten salts, the ability to control morphology and functionality of carbon nanofibers for real-world applications remains unexplored. Carbon nanofibers are known for their exceptional electrical conductivity, high surface area, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. These properties make them ideal for applications such as battery and supercapacitor electrodes, as well as reinforcement fillers in structural composites. However, their current methods of production—typically involving fossil-derived polymer precursors (e.g., PAN) and high-temperature pyrolysis (900-1000°C)—are energy-intensive, costly, and environmentally unsustainable. This severely limits their scalability and economic viability. The central hypothesis of the project is that carbon nanofibers with tunable structure and properties can be synthesized directly from CO₂ by optimizing the electrochemical environment in molten carbonate systems, including cathode surface chemistry, current density, and electrolyte composition. These fibers can be customized for performance in electrochemical energy storage and structural reinforcement applications. If successful, this project will deliver a carbon-negative manufacturing route for carbon nanofibers—transforming CO₂ from a waste product into a strategic, high-performance material. It will also create a direct link between carbon capture and value-added product development, addressing a major gap in current CCU strategies. Fundamentally, the project will advance understanding in high-temperature electrochemical materials synthesis, cathode-driven nanostructure growth, and CO₂ utilization under realistic conditions. At the application level, it will enable cost-effective production of electrode materials and structural reinforcements for energy and transportation sectors. The work aligns with national missions such as “Make in India”, “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, and “National Hydrogen Mission”, contributing to decarbonization, sustainable manufacturing, and advanced materials innovation in India and beyond.