Physics Research Group

Research Projects

1. Hydrogen Storage

Hydrogen (H₂) is a compelling next-generation energy carrier, offering the highest gravimetric energy density of any fuel and producing only water upon use. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by the lack of safe, efficient, and practical onboard storage solutions. Conventional approaches, such as liquefaction and high-pressure compression, face significant technical and economic limitations. In this context, material-based storage emerges as a promising alternative. Here, we leverage quantum mechanical simulations to design and optimize functionalized nanomaterials for high-performance hydrogen storage, enabling a rational, predictive pathway toward next-generation energy systems.

2. Nano Sensors

Exposure to environmental pollutants poses a profound risk to both ecosystem integrity and human health. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution, both indoor and outdoor, contributes to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually, with this burden projected to escalate significantly by 2050. Market analyses from BCC Research further highlight the urgency and opportunity in this space, forecasting the global sensor market to grow at a compound annual rate of 13.3%, reaching $323.3 billion.
In Australia alone, the economic cost associated with pollution-related premature mortality is estimated to range between $11 billion and $24 billion annually. Addressing this critical challenge demands advanced, scalable, and highly sensitive detection technologies.
In response, we are developing next-generation nanosensors engineered for rapid, selective, and ultra-sensitive detection of toxic pollutants. Our research focuses on:
I.Common Pollutants: CO, CO2, CH4, NO, NO2, NH3, H2S, SO2 etc.
II.Volatile Organic Compounds for Meat, Fish, and Shrimp Assessment: Methylamine, Dimethylamine, Trimethylamine, Dopamine, Histamine, etc.
III.Biomarkers Detection for Early Disease Diagnosis (Lung cancer, Gastric cancer, Colorectal cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer’s, Liver cirrhosis, Diabetes, Kidney disease, etc.)
IV.Warfare Agents: Mustard gas, Cyanogen chloride, Arsine, etc.
V.Organic Pollutants in Agriculture: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, Methoxychlor, Fenthion, Fenitrothion, Rennol, etc.

3. Rechargeable Metal-Ion Batteries

Metal-ion batteries represent one of the most promising technologies for efficient and scalable clean energy storage. Among them, Lithium-ion batteries have emerged as the dominant platform, owing to their technological maturity, long cycle life, portability, and widespread applications ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles. However, the long-term sustainability of LIBs is constrained by limited lithium resources and rising costs, posing significant challenges for large-scale energy storage deployment.
These limitations underscore the urgent need to develop complementary and alternative battery technologies based on abundant, low-cost, and sustainable materials. In this direction, our research focuses on the rational design and optimization of advanced electrode materials for:I. Sodium Ion Batteries
II.Potassium Ion Batteries
III. Magnesium Ion Batteries
IV.Calcium Ion Batteries

4. MetalSulfur/Selenium Batteries

Metal–sulfur (and metal–selenium) batteries are emerging as highly promising candidates for large-scale stationary energy storage, particularly for applications such as smart grids, owing to their exceptionally high energy density and inherent cost advantages. However, their practical deployment is severely limited by rapid capacity fading and poor reversibility during cycling.
To address these critical challenges, we design advanced electrode additives that effectively regulate reaction pathways, suppress degradation mechanisms, and enhance overall electrochemical stability. This strategy enables significant improvements in battery lifespan and performance.
Our research focuses on:
I.Lithium-Sulfur & Lithium Selenium Batteries
II.Sodium-Sulfur Batteries
III.Potassium-Sulfur Batteries