Raju Ranjithkumar, Ph.D.

The development of nitrogen-doped porous carbon structures and polypyrrole (PPY) deposited on boron-doped diamond devices represents an exciting avenue in materials science and electrochemistry, particularly for energy storage applications. This approach combines the unique properties of these materials to create high-performance energy storage devices. N-doped Porous Carbon Spheres (NPCS) have gained significant attention due to their enhanced electrochemical activity, emerging as promising energy materials. However, nano-engineering NPCS with desired properties presents challenges such as uncontrolled/non-uniform N-doping, incomplete carbonization, and low graphitization, leading to poor electrical conductivity. Nitrogen-doped carbon materials offer enhanced electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties, with controlled nitrogen-doping configurations influencing their behavior. The deposition of conductive PPY further enhances electrical conductivity and pseudocapacitance, contributing to energy storage mechanisms. This project aims to develop nano-engineered synthetic protocols for NPCS, focusing on maximizing pyrrolic-N doping and achieving the desired porosity. To enhance pyrrolic-N doping, we propose a polymerization process with concurrent sol-gel reactions, allowing systematic variation of N-content in NPCS. Furthermore, employing five-membered azoles like imidazole, pyrazole, 1,2,3-triazole, and 1,2,4-triazole enhances pyrrolic-N doping. Boron-doped diamond electrodes are known for their chemical stability, electrochemical potential window, and resistance to fouling. These properties make them suitable for a wide range of electrochemical applications. These electrode materials will be used to fabricate supercapacitor electrodes, followed by a systematic evaluation of their electrochemical performance. Finally, optimized electrodes will undergo device performance assessments. This research aims to contribute to the development of efficient energy storage solutions with wideranging practical applications.