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Research

at Energetic Materials Laboratory

​Innovative research in energetic chemistry focused on safety, sustainability, and real-world defense challenges.

About the Laboratory

The Energetic Materials Laboratory (EML) at the Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur, is a hub for pioneering research in the design, synthesis, and application of high-energy materials (HEMs). These materials are essential across diverse sectors including civil, mining, defense, commercial, and space technologies where the need for controlled, precise energy release is paramount.

From rocket propellants to agent defeat weapons, EML’s research plays a transformative role in modern technological advancements.

🧠 Did you know? Alfred Nobel, who revolutionized the field of energetic materials, also established the Nobel Peace Prize an ironic reminder of how energy and peace can emerge from the same science.

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EML's Vision: Chemistry with Impact

At EML, we’re redefining the way energetic materials are created and applied through innovative science, global partnerships, and a strong focus on green chemistry. Our work aims to deliver materials that are powerful, safe, and environmentally compatible.

We believe in interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting chemistry with fields like biology, materials science, and engineering to solve complex challenges in defense, aerospace, and sustainable technologies.

 

Whether you're a student, researcher, or industry collaborator, there's always an opportunity to contribute, learn, and innovate with us at the Energetic Materials Laboratory.

Key Research Focus Areas

EML

At EML, we address some of the most pressing challenges in the field of energetic materials with a sustainable and safety-first mindset

Eco-friendly High-Energy Materials & Oxidizers: Developing non-toxic, green alternatives to conventional energetic compounds.

🔄 Next-Gen Replacements for Classical HEDMs: Identifying safer substitutes for hazardous materials like ammonium perchlorate (AP).

🛡️ Enhanced Insensitivity & Safety: Engineering compounds with higher resistance to mechanical stimuli like impact, friction, and shock.

🌫️ Smokeless Combustion Materials: Creating clean-burning formulations for stealth operations with minimal smoke cloude.

Areas of Research Interest

Our research covers a wide spectrum of energetic materials, blending traditional chemistry with future-forward innovation:

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High-Energy-Density Materials

Designing compact molecules with high energy release and improved performance.

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Propellants & Pyrotechnics

Formulating next-gen solid and liquid fuels with clean combustion profiles.

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Green Oxidizers

Developing safe, high-efficiency oxidizers to replace hazardous traditional agents.

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Energetic Salts & Ionic Liquids

Creating tunable energetic materials with unique thermal and chemical traits.

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Nitrogen-Halogen Systems

Exploring halogenated nitrogen compounds for enhanced energetic behavior.

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Advanced Energetic Polymers

Engineering polymers that boost stability, sensitivity control, and performance.

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Polynitrogen Frameworks

Studying nitrogen-rich structures for ultra-high energy and unique stability.

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Agent Defeat Weapons

Applying energetic synthesis strategies to bioactive and therapeutic molecules.

Research Collaborations

We thrive through interdisciplinary collaboration, working closely with experts across domains to elevate research outcomes and technological impact.

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Prof. Rahul Banerjee

Professor

Department of Chemistry

IISER Kolkata

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Dr. Sai Prasad Pydi

Assistant Professor

Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering

IIT, Kanpur

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​Dr. Jagadish Das

Assistant Professor

Department of Chemistry

IIT, Patna

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Dr. Santosh Kumar Misra

Associate Professor

Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering

IIT, Kanpur 

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Dr. Vikas D Ghule

Assistant Professor

Department of Chemistry

National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra

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Prof. Kallol Mondal

Professor

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

IIT, Kanpur 

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​Dr. Dharmaraja Allimuthu

Assistant Professor

Department of Chemistry

IIT, Kanpur

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Energetic Materials Laboratory Department of Chemistry,
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Dr. Srinivas Dharavath, PhD

Contact Us​​

Whether you're a fellow researcher, a prospective student, an industry collaborator, or just curious about our work—we’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out with your questions, proposals, or interest in joining the lab. We welcome scientific discussions, academic partnerships, and enthusiastic minds who are excited about the future of energetic materials.

Energetic Materials Laboratory (EML)

Lab No. 302H, old core extension

Department of Chemistry

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kalyanpur, Kanpur - 208016
Uttar Pradesh, India

🕒 Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (IST)

Find Us on Campus

The EML is located in the Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur.
Visitors are requested to schedule meetings in advance via email.

📧 Email

Dr. Srinivas Dharavath
✉️ srinivasd@iitk.ac.in

Office: 0512-259 7826

Lab: 0512-259 2224​​

For general lab inquiries, opportunities, or collaboration requests.

Get in Touch with Us

Purpose of Contact

© 2025 Energetic Materials Lab (EML)

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