NTUST TSAI LAB
Research Field
Dr. Adhimoorthy Prasannan is an Assistant Professor in Materials Science and Engineering at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST), Taipei-106, Taiwan. He has expertise in materials science and polymer science and 10 years of experience across a broad range of applications, including membranes, energy, drug delivery, and biomaterials fabrication. He completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from NTUST in Taiwan. In addition to his teaching assignments, he was actively involved in research projects and explored various areas of materials science. With an extensive career as a teacher and researcher, he was determined to broaden his expertise by gaining international exposure through active research collaborations and by publishing around 75 research articles in internationally renowned journals. In addition to his academic achievements and contributions to research, he has been making every effort to raise awareness of the high quality of education delivered by various NTUST schools and to establish NTUST's association with universities in India.
The Tsai Lab at Taiwan Tech, led by Prof. Hsieh-Chih Tsai, where I had the opportunity to work during my postdoctoral research, focuses on advanced applied science and technology research. The lab has a distinguished record, earning several awards for excellence in both teaching and research, and its students have received numerous accolades. Engaging in international collaborations and conference participation, the lab is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support innovative research, particularly in polymer science and biomedical engineering.
Adhimoorthy Prasannan's research spans several areas of material science and environmental technology.
1. Flexible Electronics: Adhimoorthy Prasannan's research includes developing flexible piezoelectric nanocomposites for sensors, wearables, health monitors, and energy devices. By engineering PVDF-based copolymers with surface-modified ZnO fillers and piezoelectric ceramics, systems such as PVDF/RGO, PVDF-HFP/PZT@ZnO, and PVDF-HFP/PZT@ZnBi LDH have shown strong potential for advanced flexible electronics. Four manuscripts on these results are currently under revision.
2. Polymeric Membrane Materials: Advanced polymeric membranes with high wettability and antifouling properties. These membranes are designed to remove contaminants, including emulsions, dyes, and ions, from water. Using polyelectrolyte complexes and natural polymers, this work aims to develop superhydrophilic, self-cleaning membranes, resulting in several publications in high-impact journals.
3. Electrocatalyst and Photocatalyst Research: Nanocomposite materials for electrocatalysis, showing exceptional performance in detecting pollutants. In photocatalysis, his research focuses on dye degradation and CO2 conversion using innovative materials, thereby contributing to environmental pollution control.
4. Solar-Steam Generation and Polymer Composites: Developing membranes for solar-steam generation, utilizing biocompatible and super-wetting polymer composites. These membranes are effective for oil/water emulsion separation and dye effluent removal, showing multifunctional capabilities. Additionally, his work on polymer composites includes developing biodegradable materials from blends of PVDF, PBS, PCL, and PLLA that combine high mechanical properties with degradability, making them suitable for environmental applications.
5. Biopolymer-Based Functional Materials: Another focus area is the development of biopolymer-based functional materials, using silk protein as a key component. These materials have potential applications in hydrogen sensors, UV photodetectors, and biological imaging. By leveraging the natural properties of biopolymers, Prasannan aims to expand the applicability of polymer nanocomposites in environmental and biomedical fields.
- Advisory board member for Indian Professors in Taiwan, Taiwan Education Center for India.
- Served as an international advisory member at Vels University, Chennai, India.
- International Conference on Materials Science (ICMS-2026), Plenary Speaker, February 3, 2026, at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India
- Best Poster presentation award received from the 2010 Annual Meeting of the Polymer Society, Taipei, on January 22-23, 2010.
- Best Oral Presentation Award received from the 34th R.O.C Polymer Symposium, Taipei, on January 22-23, 2011
- Best Poster award received from the 2020 twiche (The 67th Anniversary Meeting of the Chemical Engineering Society of Taiwan), Hsinchu, Taiwan, on October 23-24, 2020.
RESEARCH PROJECT GRANT
‘Fabrication of 3D-Porous Biopolymer-based Fe doped tungsten oxide Nanocomposite Film and Microsphere as Prospective Aspects for Multifunctional Environmental Pollution Remedies’ 生物高分子/鐵摻雜氧化鎢奈米粒子之多孔性薄膜與微球製備於環境染物移除應用” 110-2222-E-011 -001 – as Principal Investigator (PI) (2021/01/01 ~ 2021/12/31)
Development of amine/carboxylic terminal functionalities thermo-responsive pluronic coated PCL-co-PLA micro drug carrier for regeneration of osteoarthritis in vitro 建立胺基與羧酸基溫感高分子改質聚乳酸/聚己內酯共聚物之含藥微球於細 胞上骨再生治療之評估 NSTC 113-2221-E-011-059 -as Principal Investigator (PI) (2024/08/01 ~ 2025/07/31)
ONGOING INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH PROJECT GRANT
An International Industrial Academic collaboration project was initiated with “Cutech Solutions & Services PTE Limited,” a company registered in Singapore located at #03-18, Pioneer Junction, 3, Soon Lee Street, Singapore 627606, as Principal Investigator (PI) (2023/04/01 ~ 2025/03/31)
- Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering (Sep 2007-June 2011) from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) Taipei 10607, Taiwan. Title of the Ph.D. Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Supramolecular Structures Based on Cyclodextrin/Polymer Inclusion Complex Systems.
- M.Sc. Polymer Science (2006) from the University of Madras, Chennai, India. Title of the M.Sc. Thesis: Studies on the conducting dispersions and microemulsions: towards powder coating applications.
- B.Sc. Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics (2003) from Presidency College, Chennai, India.
Job Description
The intern will engage in research on advanced polymer-nanocomposite materials designed for pressure sensing and electronic skin applications. Responsibilities include assisting in the synthesis of polymer composites, fabricating thin films, and conducting characterization studies to evaluate mechanical, electrical, and sensing properties.
The intern will also contribute to data analysis, literature review, and preparation of technical reports. Opportunities will be provided to collaborate with ongoing projects in flexible electronics, wearable devices, and smart materials, with emphasis on structure–property–function relationships.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
- Master’s or PhD students in Polymer Science, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines.
Skill sets or Qualities
- Strong background in polymer chemistry and nanomaterials.
- Hands-on experience with material synthesis, thin film fabrication, or composite processing.
- Familiarity with characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA, electrical conductivity, and mechanical testing).
- Analytical skills for interpreting experimental data.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
- Good communication skills and interest in interdisciplinary applications (electronics, biomedical devices, and energy materials).
Job Description
The intern will also contribute to characterization studies (structural, morphological, and functional analysis), data interpretation, and preparation of technical reports. The project emphasizes multifunctional membranes that combine catalytic degradation with selective separation, targeting dyes, pharmaceutical pollutants, and industrial wastewater contaminants.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
• Master’s or PhD students in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Skill sets or Qualities
- Hands-on experience with MOF synthesis, polymer processing, or composite fabrication.
- Familiarity with characterization techniques (SEM, TEM, FTIR, XRD, BET surface area, permeability testing, and catalytic activity assays).
- Analytical skills for interpreting experimental data and linking structure–property–function relationships.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
- Good communication skills and interest in environmental applications of advanced materials.