Under the Microscope

In this conversation, Pranoti Kshirsagar interviews T N Narayanan, a group leader at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Hyderabad. They discuss the field of materials and interface engineering, which focuses on understanding and controlling interfaces between different materials. T N Narayanan explains the importance of studying interfaces in various applications, such as transistors and electrochemical reactions. He also shares his career journey, including his work on magnetic nanoneedles and the development of nanotube sponges for oil absorption and water purification. In this conversation, T N Narayanan discusses his career journey and research in the field of interface and materials engineering. He talks about his work on doped graphene and boron nitride for catalytic applications, as well as his research on water splitting for hydrogen production. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of interfaces in various electrochemical processes. T N Narayanan also shares his passion for international collaborations and learning from different fields. He expresses his desire for more training and exposure to different research cultures. In the second part of the conversation, T N Narayanan discusses his upcoming takeover of the RealScientistNano Twitter account, where he plans to introduce himself, showcase his lab's research, and share research news.

Takeaways

1. Materials and interface engineering focuses on understanding and controlling interfaces between different materials.
2. Studying interfaces is important for various applications, such as transistors and electrochemical reactions.
3. T N Narayanan's research includes the development of nanotube sponges for oil absorption and coated sand for water purification.
4. His career journey includes work on magnetic nanoneedles and the founding of a company. T N Narayanan's research focuses on interface and materials engineering, with a particular interest in electrochemical processes and catalytic applications.
5. He has worked on doped graphene and boron nitride as efficient catalysts for various reactions, and he has also studied water splitting for hydrogen production.
6. Understanding the role of interfaces is crucial in improving the efficiency of electrochemical processes and developing sustainable energy solutions.
7. T N Narayanan emphasizes the importance of international collaborations and learning from different fields to advance scientific knowledge.
8. He expresses his desire for more training and exposure to different research cultures to further enhance his understanding of complex scientific problems.
9. T N Narayanan will be taking over the RealScientistNano Twitter account to introduce himself, showcase his lab's research, and share research news.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:34 Research on Materials and Interface Engineering

05:35 Applications in Transistors and Catalysis

07:58 Implications in Electronics

13:39 Wide Range of Applications

14:32 Career Journey

21:17 Starting a Company

22:44 Water Purification

24:11 Research on Removing Heavy Metal Ions

24:50 Move to TIFR and Electrochemical Research

26:16 Research on Nanomaterials for Catalytic Applications

28:51 Continued Interest in Understanding Interfaces

31:25 Research on Water Splitting and Interface Structure

36:09 Role of Interface in Hydrogen Generation

39:32 Benefits of Being a Scientist

41:18 Challenges and Wishes for Research Experience

45:04 Upcoming International Research Experience

46:13 Takeover of Real Scientist Nano Twitter Account

48:39 Available-podcast_YT.mp4

From his academic beginnings in Turkey at Bilkent University to groundbreaking research in the US, Switzerland, and finally at Cambridge University, Mete shares how his passion for quantum optics and materials science evolved through diverse international experiences.

Discover how Mete’s research, spanning from quantum entanglement with photons to exploring quantum dots and diamond-based materials, has shaped the future of quantum technologies. This episode highlights the importance of mobility in science, as Mete advocates for traveling scientists to experience different research cultures—from the US to Switzerland and the UK.

Listen to the full episode featuring Mete Atature

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