Research

Our research centers on Polymer-derived Ceramics (PDCs) as a platform for elemental strategy–driven materials design. Molecularly engineered precursors are converted into non-oxide ceramic networks through controlled thermal processing. By correlating precursor chemistry, network evolution, and surface functionality, we examine how composition and bonding environments govern structure–reactivity relationships.

This approach also addresses the development of alternative materials that reduce reliance on critical raw materials (CRM) and mitigate supply risk. An elemental substitution strategy is implemented at the precursor design stage, enabling systematic replacement of scarce elements while preserving structural and electronic functionality.

Beyond substitution, controlled network evolution during polymer-to-ceramic conversion creates opportunities for the emergence of new functionalities arising from tailored bonding environments and heteroatom interactions.

Si-based Precursors and the PDC Route

Si-based molecular precursors (e.g., polysilazanes, polysiloxanes, carbosilanes) enable synthesis of non-oxide ceramics such as SiC, Si3N4, and SiCN. The PDC route allows molecular-level homogeneity and compositional flexibility beyond conventional powder processing.

Polymer-to-Ceramic Conversion

During thermal treatment, the precursor undergoes cross-linking, pyrolysis, and structural rearrangement. The transition from an organic polymer network to an amorphous ceramic matrix, followed by phase separation and crystallization at elevated temperatures, determines the final microstructure.

Main-group Chemistry in PDC Design

Main-group chemistry underpins elemental strategy in PDC systems. Incorporation of p-block elements (B, Al, P, Si) tailors coordination geometry, bonding polarity, and network connectivity at the precursor level.

Modulation of Lewis acidity and basicity enables controlled evolution of reactive motifs during polymer-to-ceramic conversion. Heteroatom distribution and thermal history influence bond rearrangement, structural stabilization, and the emergence of surface-active sites relevant to small-molecule interactions.

This approach links precursor design to reactivity control and processing efficiency, enabling systematic investigation of composition–structure– function relationships in non-oxide ceramic materials.

Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) Concept

Spatially separated Lewis acid (LA) and Lewis base (LB) sites formed within amorphous ceramic matrices can cooperatively interact with small molecules such as H2 and CO2. We investigate how such motifs emerge during conversion and how their stability and accessibility depend on composition and nano-confinement.

Porous Ceramics and Two-Dimensional Materials

Controlled phase separation and framework formation enable porous and layered architectures. These systems provide accessible reactive environments for studying adsorption thermodynamics, diffusion behavior, and structure-dependent reactivity.

Facilities and Laboratory

Processing Laboratory (KCB207)

The Processing Laboratory (KCB207), co-managed with Prof. Ravi Kumar, supports precursor synthesis, polymer processing, shaping, and high-temperature ceramic conversion.

PreCAM Lab (To Be Proposed)

• Advanced Ceramic Synthesis (Non-oxide Ceramics)
• In-situ / Operando Characterization
• Electronic structure analysis using Density Functional Theory (DFT)

The proposed PreCAM Lab integrates precursor chemistry, controlled ceramic conversion, and real-time structural analysis under reactive environments to evaluate composition–structure–reactivity relationships.