https://spmlab.in/ The Sustainable Photonic Materials Lab (SPML) at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, SRM University AP, works on rare-earth-free micro-resonators, photonic microbarcodes, metal-free lasers and sustainable opto-films. en https://spmlab.in/news#2026-06-08-carbon-nitride-microcavities https://spmlab.in/news#2026-06-08-carbon-nitride-microcavities Our Advanced Optical Materials paper reports phenyl-modified carbon nitride as a rare-earth-free microcavity material with strong fluorescence. It is a step toward sustainable photonic sources that need no critical rare-earth supply chains. Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT publication https://spmlab.in/news#2026-04-30-chameleonic-microbeads https://spmlab.in/news#2026-04-30-chameleonic-microbeads Microbead emitters whose emission colour is tuned across the visible and infrared, letting a single code carry information in several spectroscopic levels at once. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT publication https://spmlab.in/news#2026-01-15-metal-free-white-light https://spmlab.in/news#2026-01-15-metal-free-white-light A single metal-free component gives white-light emission and supports visible-to-NIR whispering-gallery modes. Published in RSC Applied Interfaces. Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT publication https://spmlab.in/publications/chameleonic-color-variable-microbead-emitters-for-multilevel-spectrosc https://spmlab.in/publications/chameleonic-color-variable-microbead-emitters-for-multilevel-spectrosc Advanced Optical Materials. Microbead emitters whose colour is tuned across the visible-to-infrared range, encoding information in multiple spectroscopic levels at once. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials https://spmlab.in/publications/dopant-induced-transition-from-genuine-to-sequential-two-photon-absorp https://spmlab.in/publications/dopant-induced-transition-from-genuine-to-sequential-two-photon-absorp RSC Advances. A shift from genuine to sequential two-photon absorption in Sm3+/Eu3+ co-doped GdPO4 that turns the material into an efficient optical limiter. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/highly-efficient-nir-heat-shielding-and-uv-a-blocking-by-porous-nano-composite-film-of-cesium-tungsten-oxide-nanoparticles-and-carbon-dots https://spmlab.in/publications/highly-efficient-nir-heat-shielding-and-uv-a-blocking-by-porous-nano-composite-film-of-cesium-tungsten-oxide-nanoparticles-and-carbon-dots Japanese Journal of Applied Physics. A porous nanocomposite film of cesium tungsten oxide nanoparticles and carbon dots gives efficient near-infrared heat shielding together with UV-A blocking. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT sustainable-films materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/highly-fluorescent-phenyl-modified-carbon-nitride-microcavities-for-ra https://spmlab.in/publications/highly-fluorescent-phenyl-modified-carbon-nitride-microcavities-for-ra Advanced Optical Materials. Phenyl-modified carbon nitride, a metal-free and rare-earth-free microcavity material, gives whispering-gallery emission with strong fluorescence. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials https://spmlab.in/publications/metal-free-single-component-white-light-emission-and-visible-near-infr https://spmlab.in/publications/metal-free-single-component-white-light-emission-and-visible-near-infr RSC Applied Interfaces. A single metal-free component that emits white light and supports visible-to-NIR whispering-gallery modes from micro-emitters. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials https://spmlab.in/publications/porous-nanohybrid-transparent-film-with-ito-nanoparticles-and-carbon-d https://spmlab.in/publications/porous-nanohybrid-transparent-film-with-ito-nanoparticles-and-carbon-d Surfaces and Interfaces. A porous nanohybrid film pairing ITO nanoparticles with carbon dots for high-efficiency NIR shielding and UV-A blocking. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT sustainable-films materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/unveiling-the-synergistic-photocatalyst-hf-w-bpy-bn-nanocomposite-for-synt https://spmlab.in/publications/unveiling-the-synergistic-photocatalyst-hf-w-bpy-bn-nanocomposite-for-synt Applied Surface Science. A hafnium- and tungsten-bipyridine photocatalyst on boron nitride, read against density-functional-theory, kinetic and thermodynamic models of synthetic dye degradation. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/news#2025-09-15-open-positions https://spmlab.in/news#2025-09-15-open-positions We invite applications to our PhD programme from candidates with an MSc/MS background in Chemistry, Physics or Engineering. NET/GATE-qualified students can join the research group directly, and CSIR-NET fellows receive an additional INR 18,000 per month as a President's Award. Postdoctoral candidates are invited to apply by email. The PhD call is open; the postdoctoral call is closed at the moment. Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT recruitment https://spmlab.in/news#2025-06-02-photonic-microbarcodes https://spmlab.in/news#2025-06-02-photonic-microbarcodes Carbonized polymer dots converted into spectrally adaptable photonic microbarcodes, the encoding vehicle behind our anti-counterfeit work. Published in Advanced Optical Materials. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT publication https://spmlab.in/publications/a-dual-functional-nanomaterial-for-a-sustainable-environment-bismuth https://spmlab.in/publications/a-dual-functional-nanomaterial-for-a-sustainable-environment-bismuth Surfaces and Interfaces. A single bismuth sulphide–titania composite that works as both photocatalyst and catalyst, aimed at degrading pollutants and running reactions without a second material. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/carbonized-polymer-dots-based-spectrally-adaptable-photonic-microbarco https://spmlab.in/publications/carbonized-polymer-dots-based-spectrally-adaptable-photonic-microbarco Advanced Optical Materials. Carbonized polymer dots turned into spectrally adaptable photonic microbarcodes, the encoding vehicle for our anti-counterfeit work. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/laser-generation-with-metal-free-carbogenic-quantum-dots https://spmlab.in/publications/laser-generation-with-metal-free-carbogenic-quantum-dots International Conference on Metamaterials Photonic Crystals and Plasmonics Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials https://spmlab.in/publications/multilayer-and-microbead-structures-for-ultraviolet-to-near-infrared-s https://spmlab.in/publications/multilayer-and-microbead-structures-for-ultraviolet-to-near-infrared-s International Conference on Metamaterials Photonic Crystals and Plasmonics Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials https://spmlab.in/news#2024-05-10-bioinspired-microspheres https://spmlab.in/news#2024-05-10-bioinspired-microspheres Carbonized polymer microspheres emitting across the full colour range, applied to white light emission, unclonable anti-counterfeiting and chemical sensing. Published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT publication https://spmlab.in/news#2024-05-10-reconfigurable-microcavities https://spmlab.in/news#2024-05-10-reconfigurable-microcavities A demonstration that reconfigurable microcavities can generate white light whose chromaticity and emission adapt on demand. Published in Advanced Science. Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT publication https://spmlab.in/news#2024-02-20-unclonable-wgm-emissions https://spmlab.in/news#2024-02-20-unclonable-wgm-emissions Rare-earth-metal-free solid-state fluorescent carbonized-polymer microspheres emitting unclonable whispering-gallery signatures from the red to the near-infrared. Published in Advanced Science. Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT publication https://spmlab.in/publications/bioinspired-carbonized-polymer-microspheres-for-full-color-whispering https://spmlab.in/publications/bioinspired-carbonized-polymer-microspheres-for-full-color-whispering ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. Bioinspired carbonized polymer microspheres give full-colour whispering-gallery emission for white light, anti-counterfeit codes and chemical sensing. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials https://spmlab.in/publications/combinatorial-modulation-to-augment-the-all-round-her-activity-of-a-ru https://spmlab.in/publications/combinatorial-modulation-to-augment-the-all-round-her-activity-of-a-ru Journal of Materials Chemistry A. Combinatorial modulation of a Ru–CrN catalyst to raise its all-round hydrogen-evolution activity. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/generated-white-light-having-adaptable-chromaticity-and-emission-using https://spmlab.in/publications/generated-white-light-having-adaptable-chromaticity-and-emission-using Advanced Science. Spectrally reconfigurable microcavities generate white light with adaptable chromaticity and emission. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials https://spmlab.in/publications/rare-earth-metal-free-solid-state-fluorescent-carbonized-polymer-micro https://spmlab.in/publications/rare-earth-metal-free-solid-state-fluorescent-carbonized-polymer-micro Advanced Science. Rare-earth-free carbonized-polymer microspheres emitting unclonable anti-counterfeit whispering-gallery signals from red to near-infrared. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials https://spmlab.in/publications/new-insight-into-fluorescent-polymeric-carbon-dots-for-solid-state-las https://spmlab.in/publications/new-insight-into-fluorescent-polymeric-carbon-dots-for-solid-state-las ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. A mechanistic study of fluorescent polymeric carbon dots that establishes them as a viable solid-state laser gain medium. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/n-dopant-site-formulation-for-white-light-emitting-carbon-dots-with-tu https://spmlab.in/publications/n-dopant-site-formulation-for-white-light-emitting-carbon-dots-with-tu ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. Controlling the nitrogen-dopant site tunes the chromaticity of white-light-emitting carbon dots. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/carbon-dot-cellulose-based-transparent-films-for-efficient-uv-and-high https://spmlab.in/publications/carbon-dot-cellulose-based-transparent-films-for-efficient-uv-and-high ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. Carbon-dot/cellulose films that screen UV and high-energy blue light while staying transparent. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT sustainable-films materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/metal-free-carbogenic-quantum-dots-for-laser-generation https://spmlab.in/publications/metal-free-carbogenic-quantum-dots-for-laser-generation JSAP Annual Meetings Extended Abstracts, 82nd JSAP Autumn Meeting. Conference report on generating laser light from metal-free carbogenic quantum dots. This was the first demonstration behind our solid-state laser programme. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/ruthenium-nanodendrites-on-reduced-graphene-oxide-an-efficient-water-a https://spmlab.in/publications/ruthenium-nanodendrites-on-reduced-graphene-oxide-an-efficient-water-a New Journal of Chemistry. Ruthenium nanodendrites on reduced graphene oxide for efficient water and 4-nitrophenol reduction. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/transparent-hard-coatings-with-sion-encapsulated-n-doped-carbon-dots-f https://spmlab.in/publications/transparent-hard-coatings-with-sion-encapsulated-n-doped-carbon-dots-f ACS Applied Electronic Materials. SiON-encapsulated N-doped carbon dots in transparent hard coatings for complete UV blocking and white light emission. Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT photonic-materials sustainable-films materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/dual-roles-of-a-transparent-polymer-film-containing-dispersed-n-doped https://spmlab.in/publications/dual-roles-of-a-transparent-polymer-film-containing-dispersed-n-doped Applied Surface Science. One transparent film doing two jobs: high-efficiency blue-light conversion and UV screening. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT sustainable-films materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/three-dimensional-nitrogen-doped-graphitic-carbon-encapsulated-mno-co https://spmlab.in/publications/three-dimensional-nitrogen-doped-graphitic-carbon-encapsulated-mno-co ACS Applied Energy Materials. A 3D N-doped graphitic carbon-encapsulated MnO–Co heterostructure that stores and powers Zn-ion and Zn–air cells. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/in-situ-decoration-of-ultrafine-ru-nanocrystals-on-n-doped-graphene-tu https://spmlab.in/publications/in-situ-decoration-of-ultrafine-ru-nanocrystals-on-n-doped-graphene-tu ACS Applied Energy Materials Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/nitrogen-and-phosphorous-co-doped-graphitic-carbon-encapsulated-ultraf https://spmlab.in/publications/nitrogen-and-phosphorous-co-doped-graphitic-carbon-encapsulated-ultraf Chemical Communications Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/pd-coated-ru-nanocrystals-supported-on-n-doped-graphene-as-her-and-orr https://spmlab.in/publications/pd-coated-ru-nanocrystals-supported-on-n-doped-graphene-as-her-and-orr Chemical Communications. Pd-coated ruthenium nanocrystals on N-doped graphene as bifunctional HER and ORR electrocatalysts. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/cofe-nanoalloys-encapsulated-in-n-doped-graphene-layers-as-a-pt-free-m https://spmlab.in/publications/cofe-nanoalloys-encapsulated-in-n-doped-graphene-layers-as-a-pt-free-m ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/non-precious-bimetallic-cocr-nanostructures-entrapped-in-bamboo-like-n https://spmlab.in/publications/non-precious-bimetallic-cocr-nanostructures-entrapped-in-bamboo-like-n ACS Applied Energy Materials Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/ultrafast-versatile-domestic-microwave-oven-based-graphene-oxide-react https://spmlab.in/publications/ultrafast-versatile-domestic-microwave-oven-based-graphene-oxide-react ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/facile-synthesis-of-ultrafine-ru-nanocrystal-supported-n-doped-graphen https://spmlab.in/publications/facile-synthesis-of-ultrafine-ru-nanocrystal-supported-n-doped-graphen Sustainable Energy and Fuels Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/facile-and-one-step-synthesis-of-a-free-standing-3d-mos2-rgo-mo-binder https://spmlab.in/publications/facile-and-one-step-synthesis-of-a-free-standing-3d-mos2-rgo-mo-binder Journal of Materials Chemistry A Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/a-noble-and-single-source-precursor-for-the-synthesis-of-metal-rich-su https://spmlab.in/publications/a-noble-and-single-source-precursor-for-the-synthesis-of-metal-rich-su Dalton Transactions Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/prussian-blue-as-a-single-precursor-for-synthesis-of-fe-fe3c-encapsula https://spmlab.in/publications/prussian-blue-as-a-single-precursor-for-synthesis-of-fe-fe3c-encapsula Green Chemistry Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis materials-chemistry https://spmlab.in/publications/rapid-reduction-of-go-by-hydrogen-spill-over-mechanism-by-in-situ-gene https://spmlab.in/publications/rapid-reduction-of-go-by-hydrogen-spill-over-mechanism-by-in-situ-gene Applied Catalysis A General Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/si-mediated-fabrication-of-reduced-graphene-oxide-and-its-hybrids-for https://spmlab.in/publications/si-mediated-fabrication-of-reduced-graphene-oxide-and-its-hybrids-for Green Chemistry Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/uninterrupted-galvanic-reaction-for-scalable-and-rapid-synthesis-of-me https://spmlab.in/publications/uninterrupted-galvanic-reaction-for-scalable-and-rapid-synthesis-of-me Dalton Transactions Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/hexamethylenetetramine-mediated-simultaneous-nitrogen-doping-and-reduc https://spmlab.in/publications/hexamethylenetetramine-mediated-simultaneous-nitrogen-doping-and-reduc Rsc Advances Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/excellent-performance-of-pt-free-cathode-in-alkaline-direct-methanol-f https://spmlab.in/publications/excellent-performance-of-pt-free-cathode-in-alkaline-direct-methanol-f Journal of Materials Chemistry A Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/instantaneous-reduction-of-graphene-oxide-at-room-temperature https://spmlab.in/publications/instantaneous-reduction-of-graphene-oxide-at-room-temperature Rsc Advances Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis https://spmlab.in/publications/the-dual-role-of-zn-acid-medium-for-one-step-rapid-synthesis-of-m-rgo https://spmlab.in/publications/the-dual-role-of-zn-acid-medium-for-one-step-rapid-synthesis-of-m-rgo Chemical Communications Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT energy-catalysis