Braja K. Mandal, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Office: 328 Life Sciences Building
Office Hours:
Phone: 312.567.3446
Fax: 312.567.3494
Email:
mandal@iit.edu
Web:
Expertise
Education
- B.S, University of Calcutta
- Ph.D, Indian Institute of Technology
Curriculum Vitae
Research & Major Accomplishments
The major focus of our research group is centered on phthalocyanine (Pc)-based materials for organic solar cells and photovoltaic devices. Specifically, we are interested in design and synthesis of structurally rigid artificial photosynthetic systems (e.g., Pc-Benzoquinone and Pc-C60 dyads) to mimick natural photosynthesis. We are also engaged in developing Pc incorporated high dielectric constant polymer films by the atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique, and Pc-based microporous materials for hydrogen storage applications. Another equally important area is Li-ion battery electrolytes. Other notable contributions include: (1) Introduced, for the first time, thermal runaway inhibitors (TRIs) to prevent catastrophic events in Li-ion batteries due to failure of current path interruptor (CPI) or under abusive conditions, (2) New class of low lattice energy lithium salts, (3) Smart liquid electrolytes specifically for use at low temperatures (-50oC), and (4) Gel polymer electrolytes by crosslinking chloromethylated polymers with dendritic polyamines. Finally, just to make you aware that I have just completed writing (1st draft) a new graduate level textbook entitled “Polymer Synthesis- Strategies and Tactics”,which is scheduled to be in press in Fall, 2008.
Current Projects
Awards/Honors
Patents
Books
Selected Publications
First synthesis of 5[helicene] fused phthalocyanines: exceptional solubilities and long Q-band absorptions. Mandal, Braja K.; Sooksimuang, Thanasat, J. Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines (2002), 6(1), 66-72.
[5]helicene-fused phthalocyanine derivatives. New members of the phthalocyanine family. Sooksimuang Thanasat; Mandal Braja K. J. Org. Chem. (2003), 68(2), 652-655.
New lithium salts for rechargeable battery electrolytes. Mandal, Braja; Sooksimuang, Thanasat; Griffin, Brian; Padhi, Akshaya; Filler, Robert, Solid State Ionics, (2004), 175(1-4), 267-272.
New fluorine-containing plasticized low lattice energy lithium salt for plastic batteries. Mandal, Braja K.; Filler, Robert, J. Fluorine Chem. (2005), 126(5), 845-848.
Self-assembled, nano-structured octaalkoxy-helicenocyanines. Mandal, Braja K.; Sooksimuang, Thanasat; Lee, Chi-Hang; Wang, Rong. J. Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines, (2006), 10(3), 140-146.
Thermal runaway inhibitors for lithium battery electrolytes. Mandal, Braja K.; Padhi, Akshaya K.; Shi, Zhong; Chakraborty, Sudipto; Filler, Robert. J. Power Sources (2006), 161(2), 1341-1345.
Synthesis and characterization of a new class of mono-lithium salts for PEO-based solid polymer electrolytes. Chakrabarti, Amartya; Filler, Robert; Mandal, Braja, ECS Transactions, (2007), 6(14), 77-88.
Synthesis and characterization of novel non-fluorinated tri-lithium imide salts for use in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. Luo, Kan; Filler, Robert; Mandal, Braja K. Solid State Ionics, (2006), 177(9-10), 857-861.
Borate ester plasticizer for PEO-based solid polymer electrolytes. Chakrabarti, Amartya; Filler, Robert; Mandal, Braja K., J. Solid State Electrochem. (2008), 12(3), 269-272.
