Adjunct Professor - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Manivannan’s experience includes most aspects of materials research applied in various technologies. Special skills have been developed including materials processing know how, use of sophisticated cutting-edge instrumentation, and high-level understanding of contemporary materials science, surface chemistry and nanotechnology all related to and appropriate for analytical and environmental applications. Currently, involved in developing and optimizing materials properties for batteries (Li, Na, Mg), supercapacitors, low and high temperature fuel cells, electrocatalysts for OER and ORR applications, nano structured photoelectrodes/photocatalysis, surface photovoltage technique, surface plasmon resonance, hydrogen production and CO2 reduction, high temperature materials for thermal barrier coatings etc. High and low temperature ionic conductivity of nanoceramic materials for fuel cells and battery electrolytes, respectively. Development of hard carbons for application in Li, Na, and Mg batteries. He is also involved in lithium-ion battery design research process for Advanced Cell Engineering. Laboratory and educational accomplishment have been complimented by significant leadership roles in the materials science community such as organizing and leading major scientific conferences per year. He is an active organizer for “New Approaches and Advances in Electrochemical Energy Systems” held biannually at the American Electrochemical Society.
Most importantly, he is interested in bringing awareness among the public of the currently developed technologies and the extent of their practical implementation to meet the global energy needs and environmental challenges.
Education
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 1992
M.S., Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, India, 1982
B.S., Physics and Chemistry, The University of Madras, India, 1980
