News

Dr Jaidev Kaushik, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, has recently published a pioneering research paper in the prestigious journal Langmuir (ACS). The paper, titled “Graphene Incorporated Sugar-derived Carbon Aerogel for Pyridine Adsorption and Oil-Water Separation,” explores innovative applications of graphene-based materials.

Dr Kaushik’s research focuses on the development of a novel carbon aerogel derived from sugar and incorporated with graphene. This material demonstrates exceptional efficiency in adsorbing pyridine, a harmful organic compound, and effectively separating oil from water. These findings hold significant promise for environmental remediation and industrial applications, offering a sustainable solution to pollution and waste management challenges.

The publication of this paper in Langmuir highlights the cutting-edge research being conducted at SRM University-AP and underscores Dr Kaushik’s contributions to the field of chemistry. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also paves the way for practical applications that can benefit society at large.

Abstract

In this report, we have synthesized three-dimensional and hydrophobic graphene-incorporated carbon aerogel (G-SCA) derived from sugar. G-SCA is being used as a multifunctional sorbent material for removing various advanced water soluble and insoluble pollutants Initially, G-SCA is being explored for the adsorption of nitrophenols, nitroaromatics (3-nitroaniline), insecticide (Phoskill), antibiotic (ciprofloxacin), and pharmaceutical drug precursor (pyridine). Later, same G-SCA is also explored in the absorption of various protic and aprotic organic solvents and oils (including crude oil, waste cooking oil, and waste Mobil oil), with excellent recyclability checked up to 10 cycles. Moreover, oil-water separation experiments are also being done in various industrial wastewater samples and seawater to support the real-life accessibility of present approach. Large-scale applicability of G-SCA is also checked by performing crude oil-seawater separation experiments using a laboratory-scale prototype demonstrating the successful continuous recovery of crude oil.

Explanation of The Research in Layperson’s Terms

This research demonstrates the synthesis of carbon aerogel from edible sugar followed by the incorporation of graphene oxide to make a near superhydrophobic and good water-floating sorbent material. Later, this sorbent material was used to decontaminate wastewater from advanced pollutants such as explosive wastes, expired antibiotics, pharmaceutical waste, insecticides, etc. This report also showed the practical demonstration of crude oil recovery from seawater, thus contributing to the circular economy process.

Title of Research Paper in the Citation Format

F. Agrawal, K. Gupta, J. Kaushik, K. M. Tripathi, S. K. Choudhary, S. K. Sonkar, Graphene Incorporated Sugar Derived Carbon Aerogel for Pyridine Adsorption and Oil–Water Separation, Langmuir 2024, 40, 18028–18038.

Practical Implementation or the Social Implications Associated with the Research

This work describes the synthesis of low-cost near superhydrophobic carbon aerogel, displaying its multiple applications in wastewater treatment from water-soluble and water-insoluble pollutants. It is also an alternative and cost-effective approach for recovering valuable oil and organic compounds from water rather than degrading or destroying them so they can be reused.

Collaborations

Dr Sumit Kumar Sonkar (MNIT Jaipur, India)

Future Research Plans

1. The adsorption/photodegradation-assisted quick and efficient removal of next generation advanced pollutants such as microplastic, pesticides, pharmaceutical waste, etc. by hydrophobic carbon aerogel and their doped and functionalised versions.
2. Utilizing waste derived heterogeneous catalysts in organic transformation reactions.
3. Selective sensing of toxic metal ions/biomarkers/biomolecules using fluorescent nanomaterials.
4. Upcycling of carbonates/CO2 via photo/thermal assisted reactions to get C1 and C2 hydrocarbons (green fuel).

Link to the Article

Dr Anirban Ghosh, an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, has recently published a significant research paper titled “Channel Modeling and Characterization of Access, D2D, and Backhaul Links in a Corridor Environment at 300 GHz.” This paper has been featured in the prestigious Q1 Journal, IEEE Transactions on Antenna and Propagation, with an impressive impact factor of 4.6.
Dr Ghosh’s research delves into the intricate aspects of channel modelling and characterisation, focusing on access, device-to-device (D2D), and backhaul links within a corridor environment at a high frequency of 300 GHz. This study is poised to make substantial contributions to the field of wireless communication, particularly in enhancing the understanding and development of next-generation communication systems.
The publication in such a renowned journal underscores the quality and impact of Dr. Ghosh’s work, reflecting the cutting-edge research being conducted at SRM University – AP. The university community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ghosh for this remarkable achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to the field of electronics and communication engineering.

Abstract:

This paper presents comprehensive double-directional channel measurements at 300 GHz across various corridor scenarios, including Access, Device-to-Device (D2D), and Backhaul, using an in-house developed channel sounder. The measurements, validated by ray tracing simulations, reveal that while 300 GHz quasi-optical propagation in corridors can be modeled using ray optics, non-trivial propagation phenomena, such as quadruple-bounce reflections, also occur. To accurately model these mechanisms, a quasi-deterministic (QD) channel model combining deterministic and random components is proposed. The QD model results align well with observations, highlighting similar propagation mechanisms for Access and D2D scenarios, while Backhaul scenarios show Line-of-Sight (LoS) impacts from ceiling reflections. These findings are crucial for designing next-generation THz communication systems.

Explanation of Research in Layperson’s Terms

This research contributes to building the next generation of communication networks, which will significantly impact society by improving connectivity, supporting technological advancements, and promoting economic development, and bringing forth several futuristic applications.

Practical Implementation

The results align with the design of high-frequency ultra-high speed, low-latency, reliable communication envisioned for several futuristic applications using beyond 5G and 6G networks.

 

The measurement scenarios explored in the paper.

Collaborations

Prof. Minseok Kim
Professor, Faculty of Engineering, Course of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Niigata University, Japan.
e-mail: mskim@eng.niigata-u.ac.jp

Future Research Plans

The efforts would be extended to other communication scenarios for a similar study. Additionally, generating appropriate channel models, coverage design, link budget, etc for the explored and unexplored scenarios would also encompass an interesting study.

Link to the Article

Paari School of Business’s “Insights and Perspectives” initiative featured an interactive discussion with three domain experts: Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean of PSB; Mr Shivendra Gupta, MD & CEO of Business Standard Private Ltd; and Mr Sachin Phaniskar, Chief Operating Officer of Business Standard Private Ltd, engaging with luminaries.

The event aimed to offer practical leadership guidance and valuable insights for professional development from experienced personnel in the academic and corporate sectors. The initiative facilitated discussions with prominent figures to emphasise the importance of improving decision-making skills, interpersonal abilities, and technological proficiency. Participants were urged to seize opportunities for growth, leverage their strengths, work on areas needing improvement, and adopt a forward-thinking mindset. Additionally, the conversation highlighted key leadership principles, including effective delegation, creating a lasting impact, and turning challenges into strategic advantages.

Participants were also encouraged to focus on long-term goals, experience the complete lifecycle of projects, and understand the value of delegation and legacy-building in leadership. The conversation highlighted key themes such as turning challenges into opportunities, understanding the difference between ideation and business execution, and the importance of humility in achieving success. Overall, the event provided attendees with practical takeaways to apply in their leadership journey and a deeper understanding of the evolving demands in today’s business landscape.

 

 

mou-with-programming-hub

SRM University-AP inks an MoU with the EdTech Company, Programming Hub, to explore the possibility of integrating AI-powered marketing into the academic curriculum, facilitating a new age of empowered marketers. The MoU was signed by Mr Siddhesh Joglekar, CEO of Programming Hub, and Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, in the presence of Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean – Paari School of Business and the faculty of the school.

The MoU between the two organisations will assimilate AI-powered Marketing into the teaching pedagogy of the business programmes offered at Paari School of Business to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The association will also ensure the launch of AI-powered marketing programmes at Paari School of Business for prospective students in collaboration with Programming Hub. The partnership will also launch a 120-hour part-time weekend-only world-class certification programme in AI and Marketing.

With marketing becoming an all-encompassing and essential aspect of business, AI will be the catalyst that supercharges the field of marketing, further boosting businesses into national and international domains. With AI as the key tool, marketing will be the intersection of various domains of science, technology, humanities, entrepreneurship and management”, stated Mr Siddhesh Joglekar, elucidating on the significance of AI-powered marketing on the current business landscape.

Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean of Paari School of Business, commented on this constructive collaboration, which will revolutionise the face of marketing in India. “By integrating AI-powered marketing with human-powered marketing, the pace of marketing will swiftly change, shifting students from skilled marketers to skilled decision makers. The AI-powered marketing programme will provide students with the ability to adapt and use AI in diverse ecosystems,” remarked Prof. Bharadhwaj.

With AI revolutionising all realms of management, from media planning and marketing research to customer service and sales marketing, AI-powered marketing can supplement human resources to boost their strategies and guarantee quality results within a short amount of time. SRM University-AP and its management precinct, Paari School of Business, continue to expand their network, fostering collaborations with reputed companies to provide their students with innovative and constructive programmes that will make them the powerhouse of the future.

TOP