AlagarLab - Energy & Electro Chemistry

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.

Join Us
What we do

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.

Contact me

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:

Battery

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.

Metal‑Ion Batteries

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

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.

Green Hydrogen

Electrolyzers

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.

Molecular Electrocatalysis

Structure–Activity Relationships

Electro‑Organic Synthesis

Biomass Electrolysis

Electrochemical Sensors

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.