SRM-AP All News
ALL News
- Efficient and selective single-atom catalysts for eNRR September 1, 2022
The Department of Physics is glad to announce that Dr Ranjit Thapa and his PhD scholar Mr Samadhan Kapse have published their research paper “Descriptors and graphical construction for in silico design of efficient and selective single-atom catalysts for eNRR” in the journal Chemical Science, having an Impact Factor of 9.969. The paper was published in collaboration with Prof Shobhana Narasimhan, Theoretical Sciences Unit and School of Advanced Materials, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore. Chemical Science is a highly prestigious nature Index journal, which accepts only breakthrough research contributions for publication.
The Haber-Bosch process for ammonia synthesis has been described as possibly the most important scientific discovery of the twentieth century. However, it requires high temperatures and pressures and results in large energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gases. That is where electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) comes into the picture. It synthesizes ammonia from nitrogen and water under mild conditions (N2 + 6H+ + 6e- → 2NH3). However, currently available eNRR catalysts need improvement in three respects: (i) the efficiency of nitrogen fixation needs to be increased, (ii) the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) needs to be suppressed, and (iii) hydrogen poisoning of active sites must be avoided. Transition metals are popular eNRR catalysts; however, they tend to favour hydrogen adsorption due to the formation of strong metal d – hydrogen σ bonds, and tend to have a low affinity for N2 adsorption. Their research mitigates these problems by appropriately tuning the electronic structure by altering the environment surrounding metal atoms at the active site of single-atom catalysts (SACs). Moreover, in previous works, typically, only one criterion (usually competing HER) was used to optimize catalyst function, whereas they simultaneously optimised the catalyst function with respect to multiple criteria.
They have screened 66 different transition metal-based SACs for possible use in eNRR. To determine the best possible catalyst, they considered three factors: N2 adsorption, hydrogen poisoning and the overpotential of eNRR. Here, the valence electron occupancy (Oval) is identified as a new electronic descriptor that can predict the overpotential value. They emphasised that having a low η_NRR alone does not suffice to indicate a suitable eNRR catalyst, since if the adsorption free energy is higher for H than N2, active sites will be poisoned, hindering eNRR. Thus, they present a simple graphical procedure for identifying the most promising catalysts. To carry out this procedure, one must compute only 〖ΔG〗_(H^* ) and 〖ΔG〗_(NNH^* ), the changes in the free energies of H and NNH adsorption, respectively (note that η_NRR can be deduced if 〖ΔG〗_(NNH^* ) is known). The most promising candidate is identified as Sc-Pc, which they predict will have no H poisoning and will be highly selective for eNRR over HER. Moreover, they predict that Mn-Pc, Cr-N4, Fe-N2C2 should also be highly efficient, with low overpotential (η_NRR < 1 V) toward eNRR, and no H poisoning. In future they aim to find the selective materials for catalytic reactions by studying the origin of activity, reaction mechanism, etc.
Abstract of the Research
The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) offers the possibility of ammonia synthesis under mild conditions; however, it suffers from low yields, a competing hydrogen evolution reaction pathway, and hydrogen poisoning. We present a systematic approach toward screening single atom catalysts (SACs) for eNRR, by focusing on key parameters computed from density functional theory, and relationships between them. We illustrate this by application to 66 model catalysts of the types, TM-Pc, TM-NXCY, and TM-N3, where TM is a 3d transition metal or molybdenum. We identified the best SACs as Sc-Pc, Cr-N4, Mn-Pc, and Fe-N2C2; these show eNRR selectivity over HER and no hydrogen poisoning. The catalysts are identified through multi-parameter optimization which includes the condition of hydrogen poisoning. We propose a new electronic descriptor Oval, the valence electron occupancy of the metal center, that exhibits a volcano-type relationship with eNRR overpotential. Our multi-parameter optimization approach can be mapped onto a simple graphical construction to find the best catalyst for eNRR over HER and hydrogen poisoning.
- SRM AP begins the youth empowerment and skill development programme August 30, 2022
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at SRM University-AP commenced a one-month-long programme on “Youth Empowerment and Skill Development” with its inaugural ceremony on August 29, 2022. The programme, organised under the ISR activities of the university, is an exclusive initiative for young people living in the vicinal rural communities to enhance and develop their technical and computing skills that will augment their possibilities for a better livelihood.
At the inaugural function, Prof T Ragunathan, Associate Dean- SEAS & the Head of the Department welcomed the gathering. He expressed the university’s objective in conducting the programme and how it would create far-reaching implications in the personal and professional development of the rural youth. Honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof VS Rao delivered the inaugural address and appreciated such dedicated and active initiatives aiming at the holistic welfare of society. “Equitable development of the society should be the vision of the modern education, enabling the young generation of this country to grow into the greatest wealth of our nation”, he remarked.
Prof BV Babu, Dean-SEAS presided over and emphasised the necessity of facilitating and preparing the youth to face the challenges of a technology-driven world. Digital literacy and computer awareness have become the inevitability of present times, causing a marked shift in the operations of the secondary and tertiary sectors. Registrar Dr R Premkumar also addressed the gathering. An empowered youth with digital and computer expertise will keep the country’s future safe in their hands. The Programme coordinator Dr V Dinesh Reddy, Assistant Professor- Department of Computer Science and Engineering proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme received an overwhelming response from around fifteen neighbouring villages. As part of the workshop, courses will be offered on web designing and internet technologies such as Front-End Development and Microsoft Office Suite.. Students will be introduced to basic web designing principles, MS office, Javascript, HTML, etc. Classes will be held from August 29, 2022, to September 28, 2022, from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm at the university premises.
- DST-SATHI cluster with KLU, ANU, Vignan University and AIIMS August 30, 2022
SRM University-AP formed a cluster with Acharya Nagarjuna University, KL University, Vignan University, and AIIMS Mangalagiri for the DST-SATHI initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institute (SATHI) aims to provide professionally managed services with efficiency, accessibility and transparency of the highest order under one roof to service the demands of industry, start-ups and academia. Dr P Siddaiah – Dean, Acharya Nagarjuna University; Dr Mukesh Tripathi, Director-AIIMS Mangalagiri; Dr G Pardha Saradhi Varma – Vice Chancellor, KL University; and Dr P Nagabhushan – Vice Chancellor, Vignan University; attended the meeting held at SRM University-AP campus on Monday.SRM AP Vice-Chancellor Prof V S Rao invited the Vice-Chancellors of the respective universities to come forward for the formation of a cluster for the ‘SATHI’ programme. Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof D Narayana Rao did an elaborate presentation on DST projects. “The host institute, which is the lead partner in the cluster, will have to provide a functional space of 20,000 square yards, and SRM University-AP is suitable for this in every way”, Prof D Narayana Rao said. “The equipment worth Rs 75 crore to be provided through the SATHI programme will help in carrying out extensive research in all the five universities,” he added. The Vice-Chancellors and Directors of these 5 institutions have agreed to form the cluster and submit the proposal to the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India. Professors of SRM AP and representatives of respective universities also attended the meeting.
Continue reading → - SRM University- AP inked MoU with Rennes Business School August 29, 2022
Indo-French diplomatic relations have always tailored development across all major disciplines. SRM University- AP has inked an MoU with the Rennes School of Business on August 23, 2022. The two institutions agreed to promote mutually beneficial activities in education, research, and other academic areas. The alliance in specific targets the internationalisation of higher education.SRM University- AP aspire to strengthen the ties with Rennes School of Business following the mutual interests in delivering programmes of academic excellence and cultural diversity. Honourable Vice-Chancellor Prof V S Rao commented that the collaboration would open the gates of higher studies and research work for SRM University- AP and Rennes Business School. Both institutions are determined to work together with the spirit of prolific international relations and academic cooperation.
Dr Thomas Froehlicher, Dean, Rennes School of Business, and Ms Maud LE BARS, South Asia Area Manager, Rennes School of Business, were the delegates who visited the campus to sign the MoU. “India and France share common historical events and many cultures. This collaboration will benefit both the nations and the students”, said Dr Thomas as he briefed his thoughts on the alliance.
The coordination between the institutes may include but is not limited to progression programmes and semester abroad programmes. The agreement looks forward to organising executive programmes for the professional community, joint research projects, joint conferences and publications, exchange of faculty members, collaborative virtual student projects, short study abroad seminars, executive education, and admission to degree-seeking students on a fee-paying basis.
Dr Bharadwaj, Dean SEAMS, Dr CA Mahalakshmi Mudliar, Associate Professor of SEAMS, and Dr Naga Swetha Pasupuleti, Associate Director of International Relations, had a vigorous discussion with the Rennes business school representatives regarding the areas of collaboration. Dr R Premkumar, Registrar and Dr Thomas Froehlicher, Dean of Rennes Business School, signed the MOU and exchanged the documents.
Continue reading → - Prof G S Vinod Kumar to be the Chief Faculty Mentor of Patent Maker August 26, 2022
The Hatchlab Research Centre has been nurturing innovative ideas and inspirational ambitions for paving the way to an extraordinary tomorrow. Patent Maker was the beginning of a new chapter in these explorations, armed with the potential to work out the unworkable. The Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Innovations and is glad to announce that Prof G S Vinod Kumar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been appointed as the Chief Faculty Mentor of Patent Maker.Prof G S Vinod Kumar, an expert, mentor, and multidimensional professional, has been there from the very inception of this initiative. Patent Maker is a common platform which will not only facilitate the conversion of ideas, products, concepts, and research papers to patents but will also help them commercialise with the help and support of the industry. It encourages every aspirant who wants to contribute to the nation and bridges the gap between industry and academia.
Hatchlab Research Centre believes in the power of connection and creates opportunities for students to converse their field of interest with experts around the map. The team actively engages in the university’s innovation, research, and entrepreneurship activities. The focus also relies on concreting a start-up ecosystem with the help of corporates, enablers, world-class mentors, top-class institutions, foundations, incubators, and the government. Patent Maker is one of the biggest initiatives of the Hatchlab Research Centre. It aspires to be a support system for projects and patents that deserve a high commercial application.
Continue reading → - A multifarious study on Low-Power Wide-Area Networks August 25, 2022
The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is delighted to announce that Assistant Professor Dr Anirban Ghosh and Research Scholar Mr Naga Srinivasarao Chilamkurthy have published their article titled “Low-Power Wide-Area Networks: A Broad Overview of its different aspects” in IEEE Access, a Q1 Journal, having an Impact Factor of 3.476. The work was published in collaboration with Dr Om Jee Pandey from the Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Dr Cenkeramaddi Linga Reddy from the University of Agder, and Dr Hong-Ning Dai from Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong.
This is a survey article on Low-power Wide-area networks which provides a detailed description of LPWAN technologies in the context of IoT applications. In this survey article, they review and provide an overarching description of LPWAN in terms of design goals, techniques to improve design objectives, and system architecture. They have also evaluated several existing and non-standardized LPWAN technologies and the market opportunities of LPWAN. With the help of this article, the researchers can choose the best LPWAN technology for their specific applications.
The practical implementation of the article can be found in various social and commercial applications such as smart healthcare, intelligent transportation, climate-smart agriculture, rescue operations, logistics, smart cities, industries, utilities, smart buildings, consumer electronics, security, asset tracking, smart waste management systems, cognitive manufacturing, and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. Their future research plans include working on Wireless Sensor Networks, Low-Power Wide-Area Networks, Small-World Networks, and applying machine learning and reinforcement learning techniques in the context of wireless networks for cyber-physical systems and IoT applications.
Abstract of the Research
Low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) are gaining popularity in the research community due to their low power consumption, low cost, and wide geographical coverage. LPWAN technologies complement and outperform short-range and traditional cellular wireless technologies in a variety of applications, including smart city development, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, healthcare, intelligent transportation, industrial applications, climate-smart agriculture, and asset tracking. This review paper discusses the design objectives and the methodologies used by LPWAN to provide extensive coverage for low-power devices. We also explore how the presented LPWAN architecture employs various topologies such as star and mesh. We examine many current and emerging LPWAN technologies, as well as their system architectures and standards, and evaluate their ability to meet each design objective. In addition, the possible coexistence of LPWAN with other technologies, combining the best attributes to provide an optimum solution is also explored and reported in the current overview. Following that, a comparison of various LPWAN technologies is performed, and their market opportunities are also investigated. Furthermore, an analysis of various LPWAN use cases is performed, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. This aids in the selection of the best LPWAN technology for various applications. Before concluding the work, the open research issues, and challenges in designing LPWAN are presented.
- SRM AP observes Prerana Vanam on Founder’s Day August 24, 2022
SRM University-AP celebrated the birthday of Founder Chancellor Dr T R Paarivendhar as Founder’s Day on August 24, 2022. The university observed Prerana Vanam and planted trees in the nearby village, Neerukonda, as a part of the celebrations. Prof V S Rao, Vice-Chancellor; and Dr R Premkumar, Registrar; addressed the gathering.In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof V S Rao commended the services rendered by Dr T R Paarivendhar for the progress of the education sector. He advised the students to move forward by taking inspiration from the Chancellor. Speaking on the occasion, Deans and Directors paid tributes to the leadership of Hon’ble Chancellor. They further explicated the benefits of growing trees and how that sustainably contributes to the oxygen level in the atmosphere.
Prerana Vanam is an initiative by SRM University-AP to fundamentally raise awareness among people about the importance of ecosystem preservation. The formal event held at the university campus was attended by students, staff, and faculty members of the university. The celebration continued with the students visiting and distributing fruits at an Old Age Home and Orphanage in Mangalagiri. Prof V S Rao lauded the gesture of the students that extends services to society.
Continue reading →
- Digital re-skilling: CR&CS inks MoU with Infosys Limited – Springboard Platform August 24, 2022
SRM university-AP collaborates with Infosys Limited – Springboard to expand the digital re-skilling of engineering students. This collaboration will benefit the students who belong to BTech, MTech, and BSc programmes.The holistic set of courses is also fully aligned with India’s National Education Policy 2020. The learning program is particularly well-suited for growing vocational skills in addition to soft skills. This will enable the students of SRM university-AP to meet the updating standards of the job market. Masterclasses, programming challenges, practice areas, and playgrounds for experimentation will make the training immersive for the students.
The university has been focusing on these core areas in order to expose the students to versatile and skill-demanding career opportunities. Since its establishment, SRM University-AP has been an innovator in higher education, reaching out to promising students, embracing the novelties in learning methods, and promoting a global vision. The institution leaves no stone unturned in accelerating the enthusiasm of students to approach learning from various vantage points beyond formal education. The collaboration fabricates a broader arena for the university to exert pathbreaking thoughts and actions.
Continue reading → - Dr Uma Maheswar to work on an overseas-funded project August 24, 2022
Yet another moment of pride and honour for SRM University-AP as Dr Uma Maheswar Arepalli, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering in collaboration with Dr Ali Shirazi, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Maine, USA received a research project award from the Maine Department of Transportation, Maine, USA. The project titled “Comprehensive review of flexible pavement design approaches suitable to Maine conditions” received a total project outlay of $26,396 (Rs. 21.12 Lakhs).
This is the first of its kind project in India that receives funding directly from the foreign (United States) entity unlike the typical Department of Science & Technology (DST) International Bilateral Joint Project Schemes. This 8-month-long project will review the various existing flexible pavement design approaches in the USA and will provide recommendations to the Department of Transportation on a suitable design approach conducive to the conditions of Maine.
The outcome of the project will help the Department of Transportation to decide on a suitable pavement design approach that enhances the performance of pavements in Maine. The project engenders an opportunity for two under-graduate students of SRM University-AP to work as paid interns and receive international exposure in their prospective research areas. It also involves the scope for industry translatory research.
Continue reading → - VS2-BP hybrid electrode material for supercapacitor applications August 24, 2022
A theoretical investigation is highly important to investigate the properties of materials, the origin of selectivity, and the effect of various parameters in designing promising electrode materials for supercapacitor applications. The latest research paper by Mr Samadhan Kapse, PhD Student in the Department of Physics, and Prof Ranjit Thapa, Associate Dean of SEAMS (Sciences), envisions this and developed a novel VS2-BP hybrid electrode material. Their article titled All-solid-state Supercapacitor Based on Advanced 2D Vanadium disulfide/Black Phosphorus Hybrids for Wearable Electronics has been published in the journal ACS Applied Energy Materials with an impact factor of 6.959.Abstract
Vanadium disulfide-Black Phosphorus (VS2-BP) hybrids were synthesised by a one-pot hydrothermal assisted method to achieve enhanced electrochemical activity for supercapacitor applications. The concentration of BP was optimised to prevent the restacking nature of VS2 and to enrich the active edges for electrolytic ion intercalation. The charge storage kinetics of the best-performing VS2-BP as an active electrode has demonstrated the dominance of the pseudocapacitive nature of the material. Further, by sandwiching with PVA/K2SO4 gel electrolyte, an all-solid-state (ASS) Vanadium disulfide/Black Phosphorus-50 mg (VS2-BP-50) symmetric device was developed on highly conductive carbon paper. The ASS VS2-BP-50 symmetric device displays the highest specific areal capacitance of 203.25 mF/cm2. It exhibits the maximum areal energy density of 28.22 µW h cm-2 at an areal power density of 596.09 mW cm-2, outperforming previous literature. We used density functional theory to understand the origin of high quantum capacitance. We found that the charge accumulation region between VS2 and BP monolayers and the charge transfer is the origin of the improved density of states in the VS2-BP hybrid. Also, we observed the higher mobility of K+ ion and a higher diffusion rate using the Density functional theory (DFT) method.
Explanation of the research
A novel VS2-BP hybrid electrode material was prepared using a simple hydrothermal approach. Due to a synergistic effect, it was discovered that adding BP to metallic VS2 enhances the number of electrochemically active sites, resulting in increased surface activity. It also accelerates reaction kinetics with electrolyte ions by improving the electrical behaviour of active electrode material. As a result, the hybrid technique overcomes the weaknesses of individual components during electrochemical processes, resulting in increased performance that has been limited by individuals. The BP nanosheets behaved as a pore region for electron transport and prevented the VS2 layers from re-stacking. Systematic experiments are conducted by selecting the ideal precursor ratios to generate a high-quality VS2-BP hybrid with enhanced electronic conductivity. Furthermore, in the overall collective charge storage of the VS2-BP-50 hybrid material, the present results demonstrated that capacitive contributions outnumber diffusive contributions. The ASS VS2-BP-50 symmetric supercapacitor device was also designed to have a high areal capacitance of 203.25 mF/cm2 with a maximum areal power density of 596.09 mW cm-2. The extraordinary performance of the ASS VS2-BP-50 symmetric device illustrates its versatility in terms of designing a high-power density ASS supercapacitor for flexible and wearable device applications. The work functions of BP, VS2, and VS2-BP are 0.73 eV, 5.37 eV, and 4.99 eV, respectively, which help in the charge transfer mechanism and increase the density of state at the Fermi level, and subsequently, the quantum capacitance of the heterostructure.
Collaborations
1. Mr Aditya Sharma, Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain Global Campus, Jakkasandra, Ramanagaram, Bangalore – 562112, Karnataka, India
2. Mr Ankur, Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain Global Campus, Jakkasandra, Ramanagaram, Bangalore – 562112, Karnataka, India
3. Mr Sagar Bisoyi, Department of Physics, School of Applied Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha, India.
4. Dr Gopal K. Pradhan, Department of Physics, School of Applied Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha, India.
5. Dr Chandra Sekhar Rout, Centre for Nano and Material Sciences, Jain Global Campus, Jakkasandra, Ramanagaram, Bangalore – 562112, Karnataka, India
Social implications of the research
With the exponential development of portable/flexible electronics and the high demand for renewable energy, conventional energy-storage devices, such as supercapacitors, have attracted attention due to their benefits of fast charge/discharge rates, long cycle life, and high-power density. Similarly, developing novel functional materials with exceptional qualities could shed light on a plethora of challenges, including environmental pollution, energy crisis, etc. Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials, such as metallic 1T MoS2 single layers, SnSe2, MXenes, and black phosphorous (BP), have been intensively studied for supercapacitor applications. These materials benefit from efficient ion intercalation and electrosorption. The two-dimensional (2D) layered transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently piqued the scientific community’s curiosity.
