Dr. Krishnan’s research focuses on materials synthesis and characterization. His research group specializes in molecular-scale engineering of surfaces and thin films using polymers. The macromolecular design strategies used in the group are based on the fundamentals of chemical thermodynamics and transport processes, and are currently targeted toward applications in protective and antifouling coatings, organic solar cells, high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells, and lithium ion batteries. Stimulus responsive polymer particles for sustained oral delivery of bioactives are also being developed.

The group’s primary interest is in the use of microstructured and composite materials, and in tailoring the rheological and transport properties of these materials to suit an application of interest. The group uses contemporary methods of organic synthesis to make polymers, synchrotron-based X-ray absorption and scattering techniques to probe molecular self-assembly in thin films, and computer simulations to correlate experimental results with theory. Advanced electrochemical characterization of materials is performed with the help of Dr. Dipankar Roy (Physics), and molecular simulations are conducted in collaboration with Dr. John McLaughlin (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering). Conventional techniques of polymer, colloid and surface chemistry, such as thermal analysis and calorimetry, contact angle measurements, light scattering, and electrophoretic measurements are routinely used.