Current Happenings ENVS News

  • Molybdenum as the next-generation catalyst February 19, 2022

    Progressions in cathodic catalysts for oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution in bioelectrochemical systems: Molybdenum next-generation catalystThe Department of Environmental Science is proud to announce that Dr Lakhveer Singh has published his paper titled, “Progressions in cathodic catalysts for oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution in bioelectrochemical systems: Molybdenum as the next-generation catalyst” in a prestigious journal Catalysis Review with a high Impact Factor of 20.21.

    The article is published in collaboration with NCL Pune, Hong Kong Baptist University, and VITO-Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Belgium.

    Abstract of the Research

    Oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) are unanimously a key factor of system performances in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), low-temperature fuel cells, and generally in several electro-chemical platforms. Platinum (Pt)-based catalyst is the finest electrocatalyst for ORR in BESs; however, it is constrained by its low abundance, high price, and poor catalytic durability in an electrochemical setup for cathodic reaction kinetics. Molybdenum (Mo) with its multi-dimensional form as 2D and 3D layers and synergistic combination with other non-metals offers prospects of extraordinary performance as a low-cost metal-based ORR catalyst over the Pt in delivering enhanced ORR potential.

    About the Research

    This article throws light on the current requirements of sturdier catalyst material and thus provides a comprehensive review of the continuing efforts in exploring the possibility of Mo as a low-cost metal-based ORR catalyst for sustainable energy production.

    Mo-based catalysts have been now widely used for their applications in environmental and energy-based catalysis due to the low cost of Mo, high stability, and excellent activity.

    In the future, Dr Lakhveer Singh and his collaborators are working on overcoming limitations to fabricate durable, stable, and catalytically active micro/nanoscale two-dimensional MoS2-based cathodes at an industrial scale, commercial bioelectrochemical devices can be obtainable in future.

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  • Dr Pankaj Pathak edited a book on sustainable environmental solutions January 19, 2022

    sustainable environmental solutionsSRM University-AP is proud to announce that Dr Pankaj Pathak, Assistant Professor, The Department of Environmental Science, has edited a book titled, “Urban Mining for Waste Management and Resource Recovery: Sustainable Approaches” published by Routledge Publications. In an era of climate and global ecological crisis, our researcher has stepped up to promote sustainable environmental solutions.

    About the Book:

    Scientific management strategies can help in exploring anthropogenic wastes (human-made materials) as potential resources through the urban mining concept and be a panacea for sustainable development. This book covers five broader aspects of waste management and resource recovery in urban mining, including solid and liquid waste management and treatment. It explains sustainable urban mining approaches for the effective management of solid and liquid wastes and facilitates their conversion into secondary resources. Overall, this book provides details of urban mining and its different applications, including current waste management problems, practices, and challenges worldwide.

    • Presents a holistic approach for urban mining considering various types of wastes
    • Describes contemporary integrated approaches for waste management with specific case studies
    • Provides technical, social, and environmental aspects of solid and liquid wastes
    • Considers aspects of sustainability and a circular bio-economy
    • Incorporates pertinent case studies on water and wastewater management

    This volume caters to researchers and graduate students in environmental engineering, solid waste management, wastewater treatment, and materials science aiming for sustainable environmental solutions.

    Click Here to learn more about the book from the Publisher’s site.

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