Ramesh Palanisamy
Current Research: Graphite Exfoliation and Nanotube Synthesis/Purification

Office Address: 104 Pierce Hall Annex

Office Phone: (951) 827-2450

Degrees:

• B.Sc. University of Madras, Chennai, India, 1995
• M.S. University of Madras, Chennai, India, 1998
• Ph.D. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, 2003

Research Interests:

1) Graphene based composites and thin films

My current research is focused on the preparation and application of graphenes. Graphite is exfoliated to result in graphene nano platelets with high aspect ratio. These graphene nano platelets are encapsulated in polymer matrix to explore the thermal and electrical properties of graphene. Graphene nano platelets are functionalized and solubilized in organic solvents. Thin films made using this graphene precursor are explored for transparent conductive electrodes.

2) Synthesis of multiwall nanotubes

Synthesis and purification of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by floating chemical vapor deposition. High-yield synthesis of MWNTs is achieved using p-xylene as the carbon source and ferrocene as the catalyst.

3) Purification of Arc-SWNTs

Single-wall carbon nanotubes produced by the arc-discharge method have been purified using an electrochemically assisted acid treatment.