Dr. Srinivas Dharavath, PhD
Energetic Materials Laboratory, Department of Chemistry,
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
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
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.
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.
Nitrogen-Halogen Systems
Exploring halogenated nitrogen compounds for enhanced energetic behavior.
Advanced Energetic Polymers
Engineering polymers that boost stability, sensitivity control, and performance.
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.
Prof. Rahul Banerjee
Professor
Department of Chemistry
IISER Kolkata
Dr. Sai Prasad Pydi
Assistant Professor
Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering
IIT, Kanpur
Dr. Jagadish Das
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
IIT, Patna
Dr. Santosh Kumar Misra
Associate Professor
Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering
IIT, Kanpur
Dr. Vikas D Ghule
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra
Prof. Kallol Mondal
Professor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
IIT, Kanpur
Dr. Dharmaraja Allimuthu
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry
IIT, Kanpur