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CeNS Center for NanoScience LMU Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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Kulpreet Singh Virdi

Indian

Curriculum Vitae

Since 2009

PhD student in the group of Prof. Christina Scheu, LMU Munich

2004 – 2009

Bachelor and Master of Technology (Dual Degree) in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras

2008

Master Thesis in the group of Dr. K. C. Hari Kumar, IIT Madras

Topic of Master Thesis: "Density functional theory based calculations on lithium intercalation behaviour of smaller diameter carbon nanotubes"

2007

Guest Student Worker at Bergische Universistät Wuppertal

 

Scholarships

Since 2009

Scholarship of the IDK-NBT (Elite Network of Bavaria)

Research Project

 

With recent advances in nanotechnology, the size of components in modern day devices is ever decreasing. Concomitantly, a number of novel nanostructures have been synthesized which break the general norms of 3D crystals, for example graphene. A succinct understanding of these materials by conventional optical methods is limited by the wavelengths of light waves. Electron beams on the other hand provide greatly superior spatial resolution which makes it possible to investigate nanostructures up to atomic scales. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), which can be carried out in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) helps in ascertaining the electronic structure.

My doctoral thesis deals with usage of electron microscopy to understand the structure and electronic properties of Dion-Jacobsen Phase Potassium calcium niobate perovskite and its 2D nanostructure. We use EELS to ascertain the band-gap and dielectric function of this bulk structure. For a better understanding of the dielectric function tensor density functional theory (DFT) based calculations are also used. Subsequently, these techniques are employed to ascertain the structure and properties of 2D calcium niobate perovskite sheets.

These nanosheets which have been recently synthesized are not well understood from a fundamental standpoint. We have attempted to ascertain the structure and electronic properties of these sheets. A better understanding of the band-gap and related properties of these novel 2D nanosheets would help in finding suitable avenues for application.

In addition, I have used electron microscopy to understand a number of other nanostructures. Firstly, I have used electron microscopy to understand the morphology of the active layer in organic solar cells. Secondly, I have used TEM to understand the physical morphology of the adeno viruses used as gene vectors, and how it modifies with a polymer coating which enhances gene delivery. I have also used electron microscopy to understand the structure of metal organic frameworks employing electron diffraction.

 

Publications

A. Abdellah, K. Singh Virdi, R. Meier, M. Döblinger, P. Müller-Buschbaum, C. Scheu, P. Lugli, G. Scarpa:
“Successive Spray Deposition of P3HT/PCBM Organic Photoactive Layers: Material Composition and Device Characteristics”
Advanced Functional Materials: Article first published online: 5 JUN 2012 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201200548

S. C. Junggeburth, K. Schwinghammer, K. S. Virdi, C. Scheu, B. V. Lotsch:
"Towards Mesostructured Zinc Imidazolate Frameworks"
Chemistry - A European Journal, Article first published online: 9 JAN 2012
DOI: 10.1002/chem.201101530

A. Vetter, K. S. Virdi,S. Espenlaub,W. Rodl, E. Wagner, P. S. Holm, F. Kreppel, C. Scheu, C. Spitzweg, M. Ogris:
"Chemical Modification of the Adenovirus Capsid for Enhanced Viral Uptake into Target Cells"
HUMAN GENE THERAPY 21 (9): 1193-1193 SEP 2010