Professor Anil Kumar's research has been on the functionalization
of surfaces especially focusing on heterogeneous catalysis
and membrane based processes. We have, for the first time,
developed a thermally stable heterogeneous complex catalyst
with (ionically or covalently bonded) functionalized supports.
These catalysts are inherently stable and can be used for
industrial reactions such as reforming, oxidation and hydrogenation
requiring high temperatures and pressures. In the case of
membrane processes, our work has focused on separation of
chromic acid and dyes from the solution, electrodialysis
and fuel cells using charged ultrafiltration membranes.
In the energy applications of membranes, such as fuel cell
and electrodialysis, the internal resistance of the devices
is extremely important and in order to keep it low, special
materials have been developed having covalently bonded ionic
liquids which exhibit very low resistance in presence of
working fluids. We have also developed nano-composites involving
polymer matrix. We have developed an initiating system for
copolymerization, which gives rise to a stable syrup having
functionalized silica as a part of the polymer chains. The
syrup thus developed, is used as an adhesive to join different
commercially available sheets into a composite with enhanced
impact strength which would not allow the penetration of
revolver or carbine gun bullet.
