Centre for Nanomaterials (CNM)

The Centre for Nanomaterials was established with a mandate to develop technologies for large-scale production of nanopowders and also to explore their utilization for applications which cater to either a large Indian market or a market unique to India. The Centre has made substantial contribution to the development of materials related to energy, powder metallurgy, composites, biomaterials, nanomaterials and advanced manufacturing. The centre houses a vast array of synthesis, processing and characterization facilities.

Some of the thrust areas of the center are electrode materials for Li-ion, Li-S batteries, supercapacitors, Li-ion capacitors, aerogels for thermal insulation applications, oxide dispersion strengthened steels and iron aluminides for high temperature applications, Tungsten plates for strategic applications, , biodegradable Fe-Mn/Mg-Zn alloy based implants and powders for additive manufacturing and coatings. The centre has undertaken projects of national importance such as National Electric Mobility and Clean Coal initiative of Government of India.

Technologies such as nanosilver and nano-titania based suspensions for textile finishes, lead free copper alloy bearings for automobiles are already commercialized. New technologies such as Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) electrode material and Dispersion strengthened tungsten plates are transferred to industries.

The centre has taken up new initiatives for the development of materials for Na-ion batteries, nano fertilisers, bio-degradable implants and extraction of rare earth metals.