Folded Aromatic Polyamides Enabling Faster Charge Transport
In the quest for next-generation organic electronic materials, researchers have drawn inspiration from nature’s intricate designs. A groundbreaking study titled “Bulk Assembly of Intrachain Folded Aromatic Polyamides Facilitating Through-Space Charge Transport Phenomenon” led by Dr Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics, introduces a novel class of polymers that mimic the secondary structures of biomolecules. Published in the high-impact Q1 journal SMALL with an Impact Factor of 13.0, this research unveils the potential of intrachain folded aromatic polyamides in facilitating efficient through-space charge transport.
Abstract :
This study presents the design and synthesis of periodically grafted aromatic Polyamides capable of intrachain folding, mimicking secondary structures seen in biomolecules. Leveraging the immiscibility between aromatic backbones and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains, the polymers self-assemble into lamellar, phase-separated domains with ordered π-stacking.
The structural order is further enhanced by incorporating aromatic guest molecules, enabling efficient through-space charge transport. Structural and morphological investigations via SAXS, WAXS, AFM, and TEM confirm the formation of highly ordered π-domains. Charge transport measurements reveal vertical current densities as high as 10⁻⁴ A/cm² in annealed host–guest complexes, comparable to conventional conjugated polymers, demonstrating the potential of these materials for stable, anisotropic organic electronics.
Practical implementation :
This research provides a new strategy for designing flexible, stable, and efficient organic electronic materials without the need for traditional conjugated polymers. The ability to precisely control the orientation and spacing of conductive regions at
The nanoscale opens doors for:
- Wearable and stretchable electronics
- Flexible sensors and low-power devices
- Organic transistors and memory devices with tunable directionality
- Environmentally stable devices, useful in humid or high-temperature conditions
- These innovations can lower manufacturing costs, enhance sustainability, and enable novel applications in healthcare, IoT, and smart textiles.
This research was a collaborative effort between multiple departments and institutions including Department of Chemical Sciences, IISER Mohali, Department of Physical Sciences, IISER Mohali and Department of Physics, SRM University – AP (Ramkumar K, Dr Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay) and was supported by Department of Science and Technology – Science and Engineering Research Board (DST-SERB)
Future research plans:
Dr Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay is working towards “Integrated Center for Organic Electronics” – a multidisciplinary innovation hub focused on designing the next generation of flexible, sustainable, and high-performance electronic materials and devices.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Physics News, Research News
From Vision to Victory — SRM AP Tops the Times Ranking 2025!
SRM University-AP continues its legacy of excellence as it emerges as the No.1 Emerging Engineering Institute under 3 categories in the Times Engineering Institutes Ranking Survey consecutively for the second year. The university secured the top position in the categories – Top Emerging Engineering Institute – Overall, Emerging Engineering Institute – Placements and Emerging Engineering Institute – Research Capability. This is a testament to the SRM AP’s impactful research, global partnerships, innovation, and social outreach, which truly exemplify the spirit of an emerging leader in higher education.
Leading with a Forward-thinking Academic Approach
The university aligns its academic delivery with industry expectations and student aspirations by implementing an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) model that is enhanced by the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).
The curriculum offers interdisciplinary flexibility through major/minor specialisations and open electives, empowering students to customise their learning pathways. Active and experiential methods—case studies, simulations, projects, internships, and continuous assessments—promote 21st-century life skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving.
A Legacy of Outstanding Placements
SRM AP’s partnerships with leading companies strengthen the relationship between academia and industry, ensuring competent student placements. The university maintains an exceptional placement record, placing students in prestigious companies such as Oracle, IBM, Philips, Neilson IQ, Deloitte, Bosch, Samsung, Hewlett Packard, JPMorgan and Chase, BNY Mellon, TOSHIBA, Amazon, Flipkart Volvo, PayPal, and more.
Core initiatives like mentor-mentee programmes, alumni mentorship, rigorous placement and skill training, instil exceptional resilience and adaptability and help young graduates navigate dynamic market conditions. Also, the ‘Industry-Institute Interaction’ platform allows students to interact with professionals from various industries, helping them gain insights into industry work culture, professional requirements, and career-launching.
Dynamic Ecosystem for Ideas and Impact
SRM AP has a world-class research infrastructure with centres of excellence and a well-equipped library, facilitating cutting-edge research. The research culture has led to 2193 publications (over 40% in Q1 journals), 480+ patents filed, 55+ already granted, and 2 technology transfers with industry. SRM AP ranks 3rd among private universities in the Nature Index 2023 and boasts five faculty members listed in Stanford’s top 2% scientists globally.
A dynamic startup ecosystem supported by corporations, enablers, world-class mentors, top-class institutions, foundations, incubators, and the Government, sets SRM AP apart from its peers. The Hatchlab Research Centre has incubated 40+ startups, and the university’s ADITRI initiative—a CSR-driven rural entrepreneurship summit—has empowered 100 women entrepreneurs from six mandals of Andhra Pradesh through skill-building, mentoring, and market access.
Educating for a New Era
SRM AP has implemented the Strategic Plan 2023–2028 to become an innovation-driven institution, prioritising academic excellence, research innovation, student empowerment, and institutional sustainability. In cognisance of the pioneering vision fuelling Amaravati’s growth, SRM University-AP aspires to build a future-ready, inclusive, and globally respected academic institution that offers holistic education to its students.
- Published in Awards and Rankings, News
The ‘Unholy’ Trinity: Repression of the Working- Class in Late-Colonial Bengal
Dr Manaswini Sen, Assistant Professor in the Department of History at SRM University – AP, Amaravati in her chapter titled “The ‘Unholy’ Trinity: Syndicate of the Colonial State, Capitalists, and the Police; Repression and Corporate Policing of Working-Class Movement in Late-Colonial Bengal (1930–1947)”, published in Exploring Power and Authority in Indian History Across the Ages (Springer), investigates how the colonial state, capitalist interests, and the police referred to as the “unholy trinity”collaborated to repress working-class movements in late-colonial Calcutta between 1930 and 1947.
The study examines the complex interests of the capitalist class and the British imperial state in late colonial India, focusing on their collective oppression towards labor radicalisation. It examines the legal measures taken by the British imperial state to monitor working-class militarisation and the strategies employed by capitalists to disrupt strikes and deny workers’ claims.
The chapter also discusses the establishment of white or pro-state unions that used communalism to disrupt strikes and hinder revolutionary union movements in late colonial Calcutta. The chapter provides new perspectives on competition-collaboration theories, discusses the role of Indian capitalists, and explores the question of communalism in trade union politics in late colonial Bengal. It is relevant for those working in labour history, mass movement history, late colonial Calcutta, and urban history.
About the book :
Exploring Power and Authority in Indian History Across the Ages offers a nuanced exploration of power and authority in Indian history through a series of case studies spanning different regions and time periods. It examines the sociological, cultural, economic, and historical dimensions of power, critiques dominant ideologies, and highlights responses from marginalised groups. Providing insights into diverse political structures from ancient to modern times, this volume is a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and researchers of Indian and South Asian history.
- Published in Departmental News, History Current Happenings, History News, News, Research News
SRM-AP Partners with Elevium to Offer Industry-Aligned Courses
In a significant move to enhance skill-based learning through academia–industry collaboration, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Elevium a division of Nanochip Skills Pvt. Ltd, a leading Bengaluru-based industry partner, to deliver cutting-edge, industry-aligned courses to students of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE).
This partnership bridges the gap between theoretical education and real-world industry requirements, particularly for ECE students. As part of the MoA, undergraduate ECE students from the 3rd to 7th semesters will have the opportunity to enroll in specialised, industry-aligned courses in VLSI, Embedded Systems, and Edge AI key domains shaping the future of the electronics sector.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
Structured Course Delivery: One industry-aligned course per semester, each comprising 60 hours – delivered through a hybrid model of 40% offline and 60% online learning.
Enrollment Strategy: Designed for a minimum batch size of 120 students, with optional enrollment extended to students from other departments based on institutional discretion.
Elevium will provide expert faculty from the industry, handle curriculum delivery, conduct assessments, and participate in curriculum review through Board of Studies meetings. SRM University-AP will facilitate access to classrooms, labs, and administrative support to integrate these courses seamlessly into the academic structure.
Student Evaluation and Curriculum Design:
Assessment methods and syllabus structures will be collaboratively developed and aligned with SRM-AP’s academic standards. The courses will include continuous evaluations and feedback mechanisms, with grading support from Elevium.
Placement and Career Support:
As part of its commitment, Elevium will extend comprehensive placement support including career counseling, guest lectures by industry experts, internship facilitation, and project guidance to enhance students’ employability.
The primary goal of the MoA is to empower undergraduate students with hands-on learning aligned with current industrial practices and to facilitate their transition from classroom to the corporate world through structured and practice-driven academic modules.
The agreement was formally signed in the presence of esteemed dignitaries from both organisations, including Hari Krishnan Puravankara, CEO of Nanochip Group of Companies, Dr Manoranjan Kumar, Manager of university Programs at Nanochip Group of Companies, Dr Prem Kumar, Registrar, Prof. C V Tommy, Dean of SEAS, and other faculty members from the ECE department.
This collaboration exemplifies SRM-AP’s commitment to transforming education by integrating academic knowledge with industrial applications. Thus, students are empowered with real-world competencies that are crucial for tomorrow’s technology leaders.
- Published in Departmental News, ECE NEWS, MoU, News