Professor Kao lab’s research focuses on development of nanocatalysts and high energy density battery materials. We are developing various metal doped functionalized ordered mesoporous silicas and carbons nanocatalysts for adsorption and different catalytic reactions. With the help of fascinating structural properties of ordered mesoporous carbons, different transition metal oxides based nanocomposites are designed to use as anode for rechargeable batteries. Work on olivine and layered oxide materials are going on to develop high capacity cathode materials. For high energy density battery, development of stable electrolytes with higher ionic conductivity is necessary. We are designing various organic-inorganic hybrid solid, plasticized and blend electrolytes for that purpose. Our group is also working on development of new metal organic frameworks (MOFs) based materials for applications in catalysis and energy storage applications.