Introducing perovskite-based catalyst for microbial fuel cell
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are biochemical systems producing green energy through the microbial degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater. The Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) that takes place at MFC cathode decides the overall output of energy generation. Hence, the selection of ORR catalyst becomes pivotal in MFC fabrication for its efficiency and cost effectiveness. Gopa Nandikes P, PhD Scholar, Department of Environmental Science, proposes perovskite-based nanocatalyst as an excellent replacement to Platinum in his paper “Perovskite-Based Nanocomposite Electrocatalysts: An alternative to Platinum ORR Catalyst in Microbial Fuel Cell Cathodes”. The paper is published in ‘Energies Journal’ having an Impact Factor of 3.04.
The paper comprehensively summarises all the studies conducted with perovskite-based ORR catalyst in MFC, its unique reaction mechanism and the synergistic effect with carbon. The paper also throws light into various challenges and prospects to further improve the ORR activity of perovskite-based catalysts.
Abstract of the Research
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are biochemical systems having the benefit of producing green energy through the microbial degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater. The efficiency of MFCs largely depends on the cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). A preferable ORR catalyst must have good oxygen reduction kinetics, high conductivity, and durability, together with cost-effectiveness. Platinum-based electrodes are considered a state-of-the-art ORR catalyst. However, the scarcity and higher cost of Pt are the main challenges for the commercialization of MFCs; therefore, in search of an alternative, cost- effective catalysts, those such as doped carbons and transition-metal based electrocatalysts have been researched for more than a decade. Recently, perovskite-oxide based nanocomposites have emerged as a potential ORR catalyst due to their versatile elemental composition, molecular mechanism, and the scope of nanoengineering for further developments. In this article, we discuss various studies conducted and opportunities associated with perovskite-based catalysts for ORR in MFCs. Special focus is given to a basic understanding of the ORR reaction mechanism through oxygen vacancy, modification of its microstructure by introducing alkaline earth metals, electron transfer pathways and the synergistic effect of perovskite and carbon. At the end, we also propose various challenges and prospects to further improve the ORR activity of perovskite-based catalysts.
- Published in Departmental News, ENVS News, News, Research News
E-Cell organised induction programme on entrepreneurial leadership
The Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation organised an induction programme, “Ushering the Next Era- Innovation, Leadership & Entrepreneurship”, to give the students a comprehensive overview of the emerging possibilities in entrepreneurship. Various students who have successfully initiated their own start-up ideas have also shared their experiences.
Udayan Bakshi, Associate Director- Entrepreneurship, introduced the students to the country’s business landscape and rendered them a brief picture of the start-up ecosystem of India. Substantiating his arguments using facts and figures, he instigated the students to develop an innovative spirit and don the role of entrepreneurs capable of transforming the face of the nation.
Prof B V Babu, Dean- School of Engineering and Sciences, presided over and spoke about the legacy of the university. He also reminded the students of the ample avenues left open for students to explore and experience. “We aspire to offer a wholesome learning experience to our students through a gamut of courses ranging from engineering to fine arts and management”, he said. When it comes to entrepreneurship, there are pioneering ventures like Hatchlab Research Centre and Next Tech Lab to support and motivate young researchers who can promote the commercial research culture.
Prof Prakash Jadhav, Head- Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA), enlightened students on the inevitability of trying their hands at entrepreneurship as the country demands more job providers than job seekers to satiate the needs of the growing population. He also coaxed the students to contribute to the Make in India vision by exhibiting their innovatory leadership skills.
A few of our students, Lucklin Medimpudi, Jathin, Divi Gnanesh, Lakshman Tatikonda, Manaswini Surusomayajula, and Himansh Mudigonda, who have displayed their entrepreneurial acumen through ingenious start-up ideas went on to share their experiences and encouraged the students to become part of the E-Cell.
The session was later taken over by Manideep Surusomayajula who elaborated on various initiatives such as the student communities, exploratory competition, and the experiential learning platforms, the E-Cell has embarked on to train our students to perform to the best of their abilities in the industry. There are numerous platforms ranging from international collaborations to global mentorship programmes and women-led start-up initiatives for students to innovate themselves as individuals and as a team.
Mr Bakshi wrapped up the event by referring to the triumphant stories the SRM AP E-cell has witnessed. He reinstated the university’s vision to build strong professionals who can assume the position of entrepreneurial leaders and play a crucial role in nation-building. SRM AP aims to give rise to dozens of skilful professionals having the ability to motivate and inspire sweeping changes that can help the nation progress.
Forging ahead with the light of 44 years: India’s most impactful VC, Prof V S Rao
SRM University- AP is proud to announce that our Vice-Chancellor, Prof V S Rao, has been conferred with EduStar India’s Most Impactful Vice-Chancellor award. The prestigious award ceremony was held on April 9, 2022, in Delhi, hosted by Daily Indian Media and Star Brands. The event was organised to felicitate the “Most Impactful and Most promising Awards specifically for Vice Chancellors & Chancellors”, who have contributed to higher education in India. Prominent leaders of premiere institutions across India were recognised in the ceremony for their outstanding involvement in the field of education.
The prestigious gathering witnessed the participation of about 8% of the Vice-Chancellors of Indian private universities. The noteworthy guidance of these veteran leaders had an enormous impact in the domain of higher education.
Receiving the title award, Prof V S Rao thanked EduStar for recognising his contribution to the higher education industry. He expressed, “The education and training given at BITS Pilani made me what I am today. Receiving this award on the eve of 44 years of service in academics makes it more special. I feel proud to be associated with SRM University-AP, a university focused on research, innovation and entrepreneurship.”Prof V S Rao was one of the significant awardees among the Vice-Chancellors of various universities such as Lovely Professional University, Dy Patil University and many other elite institutions in the country.
“It is a moment of pride for the university to have our Vice-Chancellor awarded with EduStar India’s Most Impactful Vice Chancellor title. On behalf of SRM Group of Institutions, I congratulate Prof V S Rao for this achievement”, said Dr P Sathyanarayanan, President, SRM Group of Institutions.Dr Arindam Chaudhuri, the organiser of the award ceremony, shared his views and thoughts on the need for application-oriented education and emphasised the role of leaders of such universities who could make it happen.
A felicitation ceremony was organised in the university in honour of the respected Vice-Chancellor. Honourable Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof D Narayana Rao and Registrar, Dr R Premkumar, were also present at this illustrious occasion.
Accelerating research in the Quantum-dot Cellular Automata domain
The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is glad to announce that our PhD scholar, Mr Vasudeva Bevara and BTech students, Mr Shakamuri Narendra Chowdary and Mr Bolem Venkata Surendra Babu, published a paper titled ‘High performance 2n: 1: 2n Reversible MUX/DEMUX Architecture for Quantum-dot Cellular Automata’ in the international journal ‘Numerical Modelling: Electronic Networks, Devices and Fields (SCI Index)’ under the supervision of Dr Pradyut Kumar Sanki.
Abstract of the Research
Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) lead to fundamental changes in nanoscale technology. It promises small area, low power & high-speed structures for digital circuit design. This paper presents efficient low power structures of Reversible Multiplexer & Demultiplexer (RMD) modules based on the QCA technology. The simulation result shows that the proposed RMD modules have utilised less area & low power consumption. The simulation, layout & energy dissipation analysis of the proposed RMD module has been carried out using the QCA Designer-E simulation tool.
Essentially, CMOS is used as a well-known traditional technology in the design of the Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) circuits, which leads to the introduction of QCA as new nanotechnology to overcome the limitations of CMOS technology, such as material, physical, power, heat & economic challenges.
In reversible computation, the power dissipation occurs only when the computation is started or when the output is permanently stored. The reversible logic circuits are being investigated to prevent data loss in irreversible logic circuits. The reversible logic circuits provide zero loss of energy/information making the logic circuits the most suitable for QCA nanotechnologies. This has resulted in widespread interest in the design of reversible logic circuits based on QCA over the last few years.
In this paper, a modular 2n: 1 reversible multiplexer & 1: 2n reversible demultiplexer design in a single circuit is proposed. The 2:1 multiplexer & 1: 2 demultiplexer is realised in a single module i.e., 3 × 3 RMD. The 3 × 3 RMD is formed fundamental building block of the modular 2n: 1 reversible multiplexer & 1: 2n reversible demultiplexer design is extended to large RMD design.
Practical Implementations of the Research
This work can push forward research in the QCA domain and overcome the limitations of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Soon the era of Beyond CMOS will start as the scaling of the current CMOS technology will reach the fundamental limit. QCA (Quantum-dot Cellular Automata) is the transistor less computation paradigm and viable candidate for Beyond CMOS device technology.
So, they have implemented the High Performance 2n: 1: 2n Reversible MUX/DEMUX Architecture for Quantum-dot Cellular Automata compared to other researcher works. In future, the research team would like to explore deeper into QCA technology and design efficient circuits which are small sized, with less cell count and less power consumption.
- Published in Departmental News, ECE NEWS, News, Research News