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Welcome To Dr. Alagar's Research Lab

Powering the Future Sustainability
“Nature knows no waste; everything is transformed”

— Antoine Lavoisier

"Electricity and chemistry are inseparable when matter is transformed”

— Michael Faraday

Electrical and electrochemical processes power both life and modern technology—from biological signaling to advanced energy systems.

We are a research group within the ECPS Division, CSIR-CECRI (Karaikudi, India), focused on fundamental and translational research at the electrode–electrolyte interface using advanced electrochemical methodologies. In alignment with the CSIR mandate, our work aims to generate new scientific knowledge and develop sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable electrochemical technologies, with a strong emphasis on energy storage & conversion, and clean energy transition.

      Our research addresses key challenges in energy security, environmental sustainability, and low-carbon technologies, contributing to next-generation electrochemical systems for renewable energy integration and long-term societal impact. We believe electrochemistry plays a central role in driving scientific innovation and enabling a sustainable energy future.

We have open position

The Dr. Alagar's Group is always looking for talented researchers — regardless of background, eager to join in our endeavors.

Open to Ph.D. (via AcSIR), Postdoc applications (NPDF / CSIR / SERB) in next generation electrochemical energy storage | 🤝 Welcomes industry and academic collaborations in battery R&D

Postdoctoral candidates should contact Dr. Alagar Raja email (alagaraja.cecri@gmail.com) with their C.V., a research summary and a cover letter.

M.Sc. project and thesis, Undergraduates Interested students can directly contact Dr. Alagar Raja via email.

Our Vision: Powering the Future Sustainably
Electrochemistry forms the core of our scientific pursuit. Our mission is to advance fundamental and applied research by integrating a detailed, structure–activity–level understanding of processes occurring at the electrode–electrolyte interface. This knowledge is leveraged to design and develop cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally benign electrochemical devices and systems.

Our research activities encompass a broad spectrum of contemporary electrochemical technologies, including:

alagar-labBattery
alagar-lab Advanced Metal–Air Batteries

We develop next-generation metal–air battery systems focused on high efficiency, long cycle life, and durability. Our research covers O2 redox air cathodes, advanced metal anodes using surface engineering, and anode-free and novel cell architectures for enhanced energy density and simplified design.

alagar-lab Metal‑Ion Batteries

We focus on rational cathode and anode material design and advanced electrolyte formulations to improve safety, interfacial stability, and durability.

alagar-labSupercapacitors
alagar-lab Supercapacitors

We design symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors for high-power and long-life applications. Our expertise includes high surface-area electrode materials, tailored electrolytes for wider voltage windows, and AC-filtering supercapacitors for high-frequency electronics.

alagar-labGreen Hydrogen
alagar-labElectrolyzers

Our research advances efficient and scalable green hydrogen (H2) production technologies. We develop the architecture of slow-voltage, regenerative systems and bipolar electrolyzers for integrated energy storage and suited for industrial scale-up.

alagar-labMolecular Electrocatalysis
alagar-labStructure–Activity Relationships

We investigate structure–activity relationships at molecular and atomic levels using advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic tools. These insights enable rational electrocatalyst design and improved efficiency in energy conversion and storage processes.

alagar-labElectro‑Organic Synthesis
alagar-labBiomass Electrolysis

We explore biomass electrolysis as a low-temperature, energy-efficient route for sustainable H2 production. Our focus includes electro-oxidation of renewable biomass (cellulose, lignin, and waste feedstocks) with simultaneous H2 generation and value-added chemical production.

alagar-labElectrochemical Sensors
alagar-lab Portable, Cost‑Effective Sensing Solutions

We develop robust, affordable, and field-deployable electrochemical sensors for real-world applications. Our platforms emphasize low-cost portable designs, single-use or disposable formats, and high sensitivity and reliability in non-controlled and harsh environments.

Highlights

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Electrocatalysis of Energy Related Reactions

Development of new electrocatalytic systems (catalysts, supports and ion-transporting materials) for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), and N2 reduction reaction (NRR).

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Fundamental Aspects of Nano-Electrochemistry

Developing new concepts and techniques for studying and analyzing nano-confined electrochemical reactions.

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Fundamental Aspects of Nano-Electrochemistry

Developing new concepts and techniques for studying and analyzing nano-confined electrochemical reactions.

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Fundamental Aspects of Nano-Electrochemistry

Developing new concepts and techniques for studying and analyzing nano-confined electrochemical reactions.

Dr. Alagar's Team Members

Dr. Alagar

Scientist/Assistant Professor

Mr. Selva Sundar

Project Student (M.Sc. Chemistry)

Mr. Kamarsamam

Technical Assistant (M.Sc. Chemistry)

Mrs. Muthuthiviya

Technical Assistant (M.Sc. Chemistry)

Mr. Santhosh

Technician (M.Sc. Chemistry)

Mrs. Sivakumar

Technician (ITI, Fitter)

Lab Facilities

A glimpse into our research activities, laboratory work, collaborations, and academic milestones.

Our Funding

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