Dr Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at SRM University-AP recently published a paper, titled “Polarity-Induced Morphological Transformation with Tunable Optical Output of Terpyridine–Phenanthro[9,10-d] imidazole-Based Ligand and Its Zn(II) Complexes with I–V Characteristics,” in the prestigious journal “ACS Omega.” Notably, “ACS Omega” is a Q1 journal with an impact factor of 4.1. This groundbreaking work delves into the polarity-induced morphological transformations and tunable optical outputs of Terpyridine–Phenanthro[9,10-d] imidazole-based ligands and their Zn(II) complexes. The study also explores their I–V characteristics, contributing valuable insights to the realms of materials science and chemistry.

Abstract

Self-assembled nanostructures obtained from various functional π-conjugated organic molecules have been able to draw substantial interest due to their inherent optical properties, which are imperative for developing optoelectronic devices, multiple-color-emitting devices with color-tunable displays, and optical sensors. These π-conjugated molecules have proven their potential employment in various organic electronic applications. Therefore, the stimuli-responsive fabrication of these π-conjugated systems into a well-ordered assembly is extremely crucial to tuning their inherent optical properties for improved performance in organic electronic applications.

To this end, herein, we have designed and synthesized a functional π-conjugated molecule (TP) having phenanthrol [9,10-d] imidazole with terpyridine substitution at the 2 position and its corresponding metal complexes (TPZn and (TP)2Zn). By varying the polarity of the self-assembly medium, TP, TPZn, and (TP)2Zn are fabricated into well-ordered superstructures with morphological individualities. However, this medium polarity-induced self-assembly can tune the inherent optical properties of TP, TPZn, and (TP)2Zn and generate multiple fluorescence colors.

Particularly, this property makes them useful for organic electronic applications, which require adjustable luminescence output. More importantly, in a 10% aqueous-THF medium, TPZn exhibited H-type aggregation-induced white light emission and behaved as a single-component white light emitter. The experimentally obtained results of the solvent polarity-induced variation in optical properties as well as self-assembly patterns were further confirmed by theoretical investigation using density functional theory calculations. Furthermore, we investigated the I− V characteristics, both vertical and horizontal, using ITO and glass surfaces coated with TP, TPZn, and (TP)2Zn, respectively, and displayed maximum current density for the TPZn-coated surface with the order of measured current density TPZn > TP > (TP)2Zn.

This observed order of current density measurements was also supported by a direct band gap calculation associated with the frontier molecular orbitals using the Tauc plot. Hence, solvent polarity-induced self-assembly behavior with adjustable luminescence output and superior I−V characteristics of TPZn make it an exceptional candidate for organic electronic applications and electronic device fabrication.

Research Explanation

Our investigation is based on the electron transport characteristics of molecules (voltage vs. current), which allows us to ascertain the molecule’s conductive capacities. The Janis probe station, which has four gold tips total is the primary instrument utilized in this investigation. To investigate the properties of electron transport, two gold tips were used: one in contact with an aluminum electrode and the other with an ITO surface. The current measurements for a given voltage of given molecules have been studied using a source measuring unit.

Application

• Our research study can be applicable to predict the good electron and hole transport layers for the Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) application.
• Organic field effect transistor (OFET) applications.

Collaborations

Dr. Priyadip Das, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry,SRMIST

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Dr Soumyajyoti Biswas, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics, along with his Doctoral Scholar, Mr Soumyaditya Das, have presented groundbreaking findings through their research work titled “Critical Scaling through Gini Index”. The research paper was featured in the prestigious Physical Review Letters, which has an impact factor of 9.161.

Abstract

In the systems showing critical behaviour, various response functions have a singularity at the critical point. Therefore, as the driving field is tuned toward its critical value, the response functions change drastically, typically diverging with universal critical exponents. In this Letter, we quantify the inequality of response functions with measures traditionally used in economics, namely by constructing a Lorenz curve and calculating the corresponding Gini index. The scaling of such a response function, when written in terms of the Gini index, shows singularity at a point that is at least as universal as the corresponding critical exponent. The critical scaling, therefore, becomes a single parameter fit, which is a considerable simplification from the usual form where the critical point and critical exponents are independent. We also show that another measure of inequality, the Kolkata index, crosses the Gini index at a point just prior to the critical point. Therefore, monitoring these two inequality indices for a system where the critical point is not known can produce a precursory signal for imminent criticality. This could be useful in many systems, including condensed matter, bio- and geophysics to atmospheric physics. The generality and numerical validity of the calculations are shown with the Monte Carlo simulations of the two-dimensional Ising model, site percolation on the square lattice, and the fibre bundle model of fracture.

Fig.1: Shows the crossing point of the Gini index and the Kolkata index prior to critical point for three different models (from left Ising model in 2d, site percolation in 2d and fiber bundle model of fracture) form both side of critical point.

Collaborations and Future Plans

This work essentially builds a framework for indicating imminent critical points for any system. Therefore, in situations where such knowledge is vital, for example, in the fracture of solids, the method is going to be highly useful in forecasting the failure point. We are in the process of working with our collaborators at the University of Barcelona to experimentally verifying our methods for the compressive failure of porous samples. This is a significant first step towards opening new pathways in forecasting fracture points in disordered materials that could have an impact on laboratory-scale fractures to large constructions and eventually to earthquakes.

We wish the teacher-student duo many more fulfilling and enriching research endeavours in future!

 

 

 

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Dr Jatis Kumar Dash, Associate Professor in Physics at SRM University-AP, delivered an invited lecture on Advances in Nanotechnology at Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala, Vijayawada on September 30, 2023.

During the lecture, the students were actively engaged and asked insightful questions that demonstrated their keen interest in how nanotechnology can address global challenges in fields like energy and security. By the end of the lecture, many students expressed their interest in pursuing research careers and visiting the varsity to conduct short internship programmes under the guidance of the faculty members in the Department of Physics and explore the advanced laboratories. Dr Jatis was happy to have sparked the students’ interest in nanomaterials and devices.

SRM University-AP is committed to providing students with opportunities to learn about cutting-edge technologies and develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. The guest lecture on Advances in Nanotechnology is just one example of how the university is working to prepare students for the future. In the spirit of innovation and nurturing the dreams of these young minds the varsity extended an open invitation to the students of Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala to explore our state-of-the-art laboratories and engage in research opportunities. The students can experience the frontiers of science and directly take part in the current ongoing research works.

 

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In an era where competition in the job market is on the peek, internships give you an edge over the rest of your peers. It gives you an opportunity to get real-time experience and put to practise what you have learnt. But not everyone manages to acquire an internship, while most students manage to barely secure a single internship, Md Shoaib, has bagged not one, but two exciting international internships in the field of Quantum Physics!

Here’s what Md Shoaib has to say on his remarkable achievement: “ I am excited to delve deeper into this topic and participate in enriching lectures, workshops, and interactions with experts in the field. It will be a valuable experience to learn from renowned Quantum scientists from various countries and broaden my understanding of Quantum Cryptography.”

Md Shoaib, a BSc Physics (Hons) with Research student has secured the prestigious Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP) internship programme along with a Summer School “Quantum Cryptography” internship offered by the University of Gdańsk, Poland. The internships not only offer a stipend but also covers travel, accommodation and logistic expenses.

We wish Md Shoaib the very best in his endeavour!

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The faculty of SRM University-AP have been awarded 10 projects worth 2.50 crores from the Science and Engineering Research Board  (SERB-SURE). Department of Science and Technology (DST) received a total of 2000 proposals, of which 466 were sanctioned. Among the 466 projects, 151 projects were awarded to Private Universities. Of the 151 projects approved to state private universities and colleges throughout India, the five-and-a-half-year young varsity was awarded 10 projects. 10 professors from various Science and Engineering Departments brought this incredible achievement to the university.

SERB-SURE is a research grant scheme initiated by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in India to provide financial support to young researchers in the early stages of their careers. The grants are intended to support research in basic and applied sciences, engineering, and technology and is typically granted for a period of three years.The SERB-SURE scheme is one of several initiatives by SERB to promote scientific research in India and support the development of a strong research community in the country.

“It is a milestone achievement that resonates with the University’s unparalleled commitment for excellence. We are striving towards research-intensive learning to build cutting-edge innovation for a transformative tomorrow”, commented Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora. The Executive Director-Research of SRM Group, Prof. Narayana Rao said that, “SRM University-AP has travailed hard to achieve the world-class scientific temperament that we now advocate, and this achievement is a testimonial recognition of all our efforts.” The prestigious grants were sanctioned to the faculty in the on-going domains of Quantum Kinetic Approach, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Profiling and Changing of Hydroclimatic conditions in Bay of Bengal among 7 others.

Dean-SEAS, Prof. Ranjith Thapa said, “These research could be path-breaking and could offer a solution to many of the societal difficulties.” Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan, Dr Sandeep Singh and Dr Pitchaiah Cherukuri of the Department of Biological Sciences; Dr Sabyasachi Chakrabortty, Dr V S Baswanth Oruganti of the Department of Chemistry; Dr Debabrata Pramanik, Dr Ravi Kumar and Dr Pankaj Bhalla  of the Department of Physics ; Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma of the Department of Mathematics; Dr Uma Maheswar Arepalli of the Department of Civil Engineering; and Dr Kousik Das of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering were awarded the grants.

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