International Journals

2024

C. Shamjitha., Anuj A Vargeese*, Copper–Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles with Tailored Cobalt Oxidation State and Lattice Oxygen Vacancy for Low-Temperature Ignition of Ammonium Dinitramide Monopropellants, ACS Appl. Nano Mater., Accepted (2024)

2023
27) C. Shamjitha., Anuj A Vargeese*, Development of bimetallic spinel catalysts for low-temperature decomposition of ammonium dinitramide monopropellants, Def. Technol., 30, 47, (2023)

2022
26) Anusree T. C., Anuj A Vargeese*, Enhanced performance of barium and cobalt doped spinel CuCr₂O₄ as decomposition catalyst for ammonium perchlorate, J. Solid State Chem., 315, 123481 (2022) 
25) Soumee Chakraborty, R. Rajitha, V. Venkatesan, Anuj A. Vargeese, Raja R. Madhavan, R. Asuvathraman, and T. R. Ravindran, Elastic and phonon-mode anomalies with temperature in the energetic material C  ₆  H ₆ N₄O₈ (TEX) , Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter Mater. Phys.105, 134105 (2022). 
24) Rajitha Rajan, T. R. Ravindran, , Nagarjuna Kommu, Anuj A. Vargeese, P. Anees, V. Venkatesan, and V. Srihari, Phase transformation of heat-resistant energetic material BDNAPM studied by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, J. Mater. Sci., 57, 6115–6128, (2022)
 

2020
23)  Mohammad Khaja,   Vikranth Thaltiri,   Nagarjuna Kommu, Anuj A Vargeese*, Octanitropyrazolopyrazole: A Gem-trinitromethyl Based Green High-Density Energetic Oxidizer, Chem. Commun., 56, 12945-12948, (2020).
22) G. Rajanna, Macharla Arun Kumar, Kranthi Chatragadda, Anuj A Vargeese,* Catalytic Decomposition Mechanism of Aqueous Ammonium Dinitramide Solution Elucidated by Thermal and Spectroscopic Methods, Thermochim. Acta, 686, 178544 (2020).
 

2019
21) Rajitha Rajan, T. R. Ravindran,* R. Raja Madhavan, R. Asuvathraman, Sharat Chandra, V. Venkatesan, and Anuj A. Vargeese, Thermal expansion of energetic material TEX obtained from x-ray diffraction and first principles calculations, J. Mol. Struct. 1195, 859 (2019).
20) Anuj A.Vargeese*, Decomposition kinetics of substituted energetic isowurtzitane cage molecules hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL20) and TEX: A comparative study, ChemistrySelect, 4, 6821, (2019).
19) Macharla Arun Kumar, Parimi Ashutosh, Anuj A.Vargeese*, Decomposition mechanism of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) by coupled computational and experimental study, J. Phys. Chem. A, 123, 4014, (2019) .
 

2018
18) Parimi Ashutosh, Anuj A Vargeese*, Experimental and Computational Investigation on the Decomposition Kinetics and Uni-Molecular Degradation of (Z)-N,2,2,2-tetranitroacetimidic acid, J. Anal. Appl. Pyrolysis, 135, 281, (2018) .
17) R. Rajitha, T. Ravindran*, V. Venkatesan, V. Srihari, P. Krishan, C. Sharat, M. Karuna, Anuj A Vargeese, New High Pressure Phases of Energetic Material TEX: Evidence from Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and First Principles Calculations, J. Phys. Chem. A, 122, 6236, (2018).
 

2017
16) Pankaj Gaur, Sagarika Dev, Sunil Kumar, Mahesh Kumar, Anuj A. Vargeese, Pramod Soni, Prem Felix Siril*, and Subrata Ghosh*, Dendritic Polynitrato Energetic Motifs: Development and Exploration of Physicochemical Behavior through Theoretical and Experimental Approach, ACS Omega 2, 8227, (2017).
15) Kranthi Chatragadda, Anuj A Vargeese,* Synergistically Catalysed Pyrolysis of Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene Binder in Composite Propellants and Burn Rate Enhancement by Free-Standing CuO Nanoparticles, Combust. Flame, 182, 28, (2017)
14) Kranthi Chatragadda, Anuj A Vargeese,* A Kinetics Investigation on the Nitro-Nitrite Rearrangement Mediated Thermal Decomposition of High Temperature Monoclinic Phase of 1,1-Diamino-2,2-Dinitroethylene (g-Fox-7), J. Chem. Sci., 129, 281, (2017)
 

2016
13)Santhosh Reddy Mandha, Anuj A Vargeese,* Thermal decomposition kinetics of 4,10-Dinitro-2,6,8,12-tetraoxa-4,10-diazatetracyclo[5.5.0.05,903,11]dodecane (TEX) : An energetic nitramine oxidizer, (Invited Article), ITAS Bulletin, 8, 16, (2016).
12) Anuj A. Vargeese,* A kinetic investigation on the catalytic activity of copper oxide nanorods on the thermal decomposition of composite propellants, Combust. Flame, 165, 354, (2016).
 

2015
11) Anuj A. Vargeese,* Pressure effects on the thermal decomposition reactions: A thermo-kinetic investigation, RSC Adv., 5, 78598, (2015). .
10) Anuj A. Vargeese,* K. Muralidharan, V. N. Krishnamurthy, Kinetics of nano titanium dioxide catalyzed thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate based composite solid propellant, Propellants Explos. Pyrotech. 40, 260, (2015) .
 

2014
9) Anuj A. Vargeese,* Mija S. J., K. Muralidharan, Effect of Copper Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, and Lithium Fluoride on the Thermal Behaviour and Decomposition Kinetics of Ammonium Nitrate, J. Energetic Mater, 32, 146, (2014).
 

2013
8) Anuj A. Vargeese,* Krishnamurthi Muralidharan*, Effect of anatase-brookite mixed phase titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the high temperature decomposition kinetics of ammonium perchlorate, Mater. Chem. Phys., 139, 537, (2013).
 

2012
7) Anuj A. Vargeese,* K. Muralidharan, Kinetics and mechanism of hydrothermally prepared copper oxide nanorod catalyzed decomposition of ammonium nitrate, Appl. Catal., A, 447-448, 171, (2012).
6) P. Ravi,* Anuj A. Vargeese, S. P. Tewari, Isoconversional kinetic analysis of decomposition of nitropyrazoles, Thermochim. Acta, 550, 83, (2012).
 

2011
5) Anuj A. Vargeese,* K. Muralidharan, V. N. Krishnamurthy, Thermal Stability of habit modified ammonium nitrate: Insights from isoconversional kinetic analysis, Thermochim. Acta, 524, 165, (2011).
4) Anuj A. Vargeese,* K. Muralidharan, Anatase-brookite mixed phase nano TiO2 catalyzed homolytic decomposition of ammonium nitrate, J. Hazard. Mater., 192, 1314, (2011).
 

2010
3) Anuj A. Vargeese, Satyawati S. Joshi,* V. N. Krishnamurthy, Use of potassium ferrocyanide as habit modifier in the size reduction and phase modification of ammonium nitrate crystals in slurries, J. Hazard. Mater., 180, 583, (2010).
 

2009
2) Anuj A. Vargeese, Satyawati S. Joshi,* V. N. Krishnamurthy, Effect of method of crystallization on the IV–III and IV–II polymorphic transitions of ammonium nitrate, J. Hazard. Mater., 161, 373, (2009).
 

2008
1) Anuj A. Vargeese, Satyawati S. Joshi,* V. N. Krishnamurthy, Role of Poly(vinyl alcohol) in the Crystal Growth of Ammonium Perchlorate, Cryst. Growth Des. 8, 1060, (2008).

Book Chapters

• Anuj A. Vargeese, Soma Venugopal Rao*, Krishnamurthi Muralidharan, Nanoparticle Aluminum Preparation, in Encyclopedia of Aluminum and Its Alloys, Taylor & Francis (2018). 

• CY7356: Advanced Materials, M. Sc. Chemistry (Semester IV), Department of Chemistry/ NIT Calicut

• CY-806: Instrumental Methods -B: Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, Ph. D course work School of Chemistry/ University of Hyderabad  

• AC810: Introduction to High Energy Materials, Ph. D course work (Semester I), ACRHEM/ University of Hyderabad

• CY 7204: Solid State Chemistry, M. Sc. Chemistry (Semester III), Department of Chemistry/ NIT Calicut

• CY 6203: Chemical and Statistical Thermodynamics, M. Sc. Chemistry (Semester I), Department of Chemistry/ NIT Calicut

• SHG 301: Materials Chemistry, B. Tech (Semester V), Eng. Physics/ NIT Calicut

• CY 2001: Physical Chemistry, B. Tech (Semester III), Chem. Eng. & Eng. Physics/ NIT Calicut

• CY 1001:Chemistry, B. Tech (Semester I), Electronics/Electrical Engineering Department/ NIT Calicut

• AC-828: Characterization of high energy materials, Ph. D course work (Semester I), ACRHEM/ University of Hyderabad

Dr. Anuj works on the development of materials for energetic applications. Major research interests include synthesis and applications of energetic nanomaterials, synthesis and applications of green oxidizers, development of green propellants and understanding the kinetics and mechanism of energetic material decomposition.

Specialization
Energetic Materials
Energetic Nanomaterials


Current Research Interests
Green Oxidizers
3DOM mixed metal oxides
Nanothermites

Development of Energetic Nanomaterials and Nanocatalysts

Development of Energetic Oxidizers

Development of Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs)   

Kinetics and Mechanism of Energetic Materials Decomposition

Combustion Chemistry of Solid propellants  

Life time prediction and Hazardous assessment of Energetic Materials

Doctoral Students

1. Shamjitha C

Fellowship: JRF (CSIR)
MPhil.: Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)
Post Graduation: Mahatma Gandhi University
Graduation: University of Calicut
Memeber Since: Jan 2021
Research Interests:Ternary and quaternary metal oxide nanomaterials

2. Sarika V

Fellowship: INSPIRE                                                                                                                                              
Post Graduation: MES Kalladi College (University of Calicut)
Graduation: MES Kalladi College (University of Calicut)
Memeber Since: Aug 2021   
Research Interests: Energetic Oxidizers

3. Anusree T C

Fellowship: GATE/Institute Fellowship
Post Graduation: National Institute of Technology Calicut
Graduation: Govt. College Madappally
Memeber Since: Aug 2022  
Research Interests: Thermoelectric Materials

4. Santra Merin Saju

Fellowship: JRF(ARMREB/DRDO)
Post Graduation: Madras Christian College
Graduation: BCM College Kottayam
Memeber Since: Aug 2022  
Research Interests: Energetic Nanomaterials

5. K. Mohammad

Memeber Since: Aug 2022
Research Interests: Fused Pyrazole based Energetic Materials

6. Anagh M Dilip

Post Graduation: Malabar Christian College
Graduation: Malabar Christian College
Memeber Since: July 2023 
Research Interests: Boron based energetic Nanomaterials

7. Lajith K

Sr. Scientific Assistant. A, VSSC/ISRO, Trivandrum
Post Graduation: Karpagam Arts And Science College
Graduation: Nirmalagiri College
Memeber Since: Jan 2024
Research Interests: Boron based energetic Nanomaterials

Junior Research Fellow (SERB)

Manju V. M.
Post Graduation: University of Kerala
Memeber Since: Aug 2022
Research Interests: Energetic Oxidizers

Post Graduate Students

1. Theresa Thankachen
Institute: National Institute of Technology Calicut
Member Since : Dec 2023
Topic: Micro-Bridge Initiators

2. Aniket Khara
Institute: National Institute of Technology Calicut
Member Since: Dec 2023
Topic: Nitrogen Rich Energetic Molecules

3. Vaishna Kottilaveetil
Institute: National Institute of Technology Calicut
Member Since: Dec 2023
Decompostion pathway of bis(3,4,5- trinitro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methane

Internship Students

1. Miswar Yousuf T

Course: IMSc Chemistry
Institute: Universidty of Hyderabad
Memeber Since: June 2022
 

Alumini

Post Doctoral Fellow

1. Dr. Dhanya B P

PhD: CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, 2018
Post Graduation: Mahatma Gandhi University
Duration: Nov 2021 - June 2023 
Research Interests:Synthesis of polynitro functionlized hetrocycles

PG Project Students

1. Anusree T C
Institute: National Institute of Technology Calicut  
Duration: Jan 2021- May 2021

2. Sneha Rajeev
Institute: National Institute of Technology Calicut  
Duration Dec 2021- May2022
Research Interests: 3DOM Metal Oxides for nanothermites

3. Hiba
Institute: National Institute of Technology Calicut  
Duration Dec 2021- May2022
Research Interests: 3DOM Metal Oxides for nanothermites

4. Shalet N
Institute: PSG College of Arts and Science
Duration Feb 2022- May2022
Research Interests: CoSb3 Synthesis

5. Arya K B
Institute: CMS College, Kottayam
Duration : March 2022 - July 2022
Research Interests: Polynitro functionlized aromatic compounds

6. Parvathy M
Institute: MPMMSN Trust College, Shoranur
Duration : March 2022 - July 2022
Research Interests: Co Based Nanomaterials

7. Justin Alex Thomas
Institute: National Institute of Technology Calicut
Member Since : Dec 2022
Electro Pyrotechnic Initiators

8. Ashish Kumar Samal
Institute: National Institute of Technology Calicut
Member Since: Aug 2022
Energetic Bridged tetrazoles

At NITC

(1) Title: Development of Oxidizers
      Agency: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
      Board: ARMREB
      Duration: 2021-2024

(2) Title: Chemical synthesis of filled low dimensional CoSb3 skutterudites based high figures of merit thermoelectric devices for IC engine‐driven vehicles
     Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
     Scheme: Startup Research Grant(SRG)
     Duration: 2021-2023
 

At University of Hyderabad
 

(1) Synthesis of a) DNPP, b) 3,6-dinitropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazole-1,4-diamine, c) 1,3,4,6-tetranitro-1,4-dihydropyrazolo[4,3-c]pyrazole and d) DNPP Derivatives
     Agency: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
     Board: ER & IPR
     Funding: 1.57 crore    
     Duration: 5 years

(2) Synthesis and characterization of Ammonium Dintramide (ADN) oxidizer
     Agency: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
     Board: ER & IPR
     Funding: 71 Lakh     
     Duration: 4 years

(3) Synthesis, characterisation of aluminium and plasmonic particles for NIR region for laser initiation of explosives
     Agency: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
     Board: ER & IPR
     Funding: 1.22 crore    
     Duration: 5 years

(4) Development and characterisation of metal-metal oxide nano-composites a) Al/CuOb) Al/Fe2O3c) Al/Bi2O3 d) Al/Viton
     e) Al/Teflon (Co-Investigator Prof. K. Muralidharan, School of Chemistry)
     Agency: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
     Board: ER & IPR
     Funding: 82.14 lakh    
     Duration: 4 years

• Anuj A. Vargeese, G. Rajanna, A process for the manufacture of high purity Ammonium dinitramide (ADN), Indian Patent 380348, 2021

• Life Member, Combustion Institute (Indian Section)

• Life Member, High Energy Material Society of India (HEMSI)

         NITC

• Associate Dean (R&C) - (Feb 2024-present)
• Coordinator, IPR Cell (CIEI) - (Jan 2023 - Feb 2024)
• In charge, NMR Instrument Facility (CMC) –(March 2021- present)
• Convener, HR Module IMS (Dec 2021-present)
• Member, NBA Visit coordination committee (Three times)
• Convener, SATHI proposal submission Committee
• Purchase committee member, Department of Chemistry (July 2020-June 2022)
• Purchase committee member, Liquid Nitrogen Plant

        University of Hyderabad

• Project Monitoring & Review Committee (PMRC) of High energy materials research laboratory  (HEMRL/DRDO), Pune (2016-2019)
• Member, Hazardous Waste Monitoring Committee, University of Hyderabad, (2019-2020)

Ph. D. positions are available for highly motivated students

Qualification: MSc Chemistry with CSIR/UGC -NET/GATE or Other Fellowships/funding

Number of vacancies: 1

1) Prof. K. Muralidharan
School of Chemistry and ACRHEM
University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad - 500 046   

2) Dr. T. R. Ravindran
Scientific Officer-H and Head, Light Scattering Studies Section
Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute
Materials Science Group
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research
Kalpakkam 603 102, India
 
3) Dr. Shailendra Dahiwale
Asst. Professor
Department of Physics
University of Pune
Pune 411 007

Education

Ph. D. (University of Pune)
Title of the Thesis: Studies on the crystal habit modification and morphology control of Ammonium Nitrate and Ammonium Perchlorate
Advisors: Dr. V. N. Krishnamurthy & Dr. (Mrs.) S. S. Joshi

M. Sc. (University of Pune)
Title of the Thesis: Development of silicone based inhibitor for solid propellants
Advisor: Dr. V. N. Krishnamurthy

Research/Teaching Experience

Assistant Professor (Feb 2020 -Present)
Department of Chemistry,
National Institute of Technology Calicut (NIT Calicut)

Assistant Professor (May 2017-Feb 2020)
Nanomaterials and Propellant Chemistry Laboratory
Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM),
University of Hyderabad

Scientist (Co-terminus) (September 2014 - April 2017)
Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM),
University of Hyderabad

Adhoc Lecturer (July 2011 - September 2014)
Department of Chemistry
National Institute of Technology Calicut 

PURSE Postdoctoral Fellow (June 2010 - July 2011)
With Prof. K. Muralidharan
School of Chemistry &
Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM),
University of Hyderabad

Research Associate (June 2009 - June 2010)
With Prof. K. Muralidharan
Advanced Centre of Research in High Energy Materials (ACRHEM),
University of Hyderabad