Speakers and Volunteers

Speakers: 

  1. MS K B BHOJANAA

Title: Rational Design and Fabrication of Photoanode Materials for High Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Name of Institution: CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi

Science Discipline: Chemistry

Abstract: Owing to increase in human population and modernization in life style, there is an enormous increase in global energy demand over past few decades. Meeting the energy needs by non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels are dwindling day by day. But the solar energy, the primary source of all energy is available more than enough to meet all our needs. 3.2 × 1024 J/Year of energy reaches the Earth from the Sun. Hence, the solar energy conversion attracts much attention but conversion is difficult due to the insufficient light harvesting assemblies. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) is one of the most promising technique to harvest solar energy and convert in to electrical energy because of their ease of production, low cost, flexibility, relatively high energy-conversion efficiency and low toxicity to the environment. In this context, the recent developments of the photoanode for the improvement of device (DSSC) performance are discussed.

  1. MS G THAMARAI SELVI

Title: Anomalous Dynamics of Lithiation-induced Stress: Improving the Stability of Lithium-ion Battery Anodes through Interfacial and Resistivity Effects at the Si/Cu Interface

Name of Institution: CSIR – CECRI, Karaikudi

Science Discipline: Physical Science

Abstract: The dynamic mechano-electrochemical lithiation-induced stress model has been developed for an elastically heterogeneous and isotropic bi-layer electrode having cantilever fixed at one end and with the other end free for deformation. The present model has been developed on following assumptions: (i) non-linear elastic behavior of anode material (i.e., composites), (ii) contribution of local heterogeneity of anode materials and the associated Faradaic process accounting on relative change in resistivity on lithiation-induced stress and (iii) interfacial characteristics of the Si-based composites/Cu interface. The heterogeneity parameter is representing the energetic heterogeneity due to compactness of anode material layer and that could arise due to curvature induced fluctuations in the surface energy. Finally, the presented model has been verified with available experimental data in the literature (J. Power Sources 2017, 342, 896 – 903) and provides a better insight to improve the stability of Li-ion battery.

3. MS S AISHWARYA

Title: Enhancing the hydrophobic nature of solar panel films with Silane/polymer blend

Name of Institution: Avinashilingam Institute for Home-science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore

Science Discipline: Physics

Abstract:
Development of Hydrophobic/Super-hydrophobic surfaces can be obtained on enhancing the surface roughness with low surface energy materials. Silanes and polymeric materials combined homogeneously to provide low surface energy. The sols were prepared as Sol A and Sol B and were mixed and kept at room temperature for aging. The aged sols were coated on glass substrates using spin-coating technique. As silane has lower surface energy and polymer as a sticky nature, both combined to form a better film. The coated films were studied with FT-IR, to confirm the functional groups. Measurement of contact angle and surface roughness ensured the hydrophobicity of the films prepared in the study. Improvement in the transparency of the blend (Silane/Polymer) is 86% against the transparency for (Polymer) is 42% has been observed with UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Water droplets were kept on blend (Silane/Polymer) coated yarn and found that the droplet was not absorbed and rolled-off from the coated material, this proves the anti-wetting property. With this, self-cleaning can be assured, as the dust particles are rolled along with the water droplet. Such properties can improve the efficiency of solar panels in the present polluted environment. Such improved solar panel films helps in mitigating the carbon emission.

  1. MS K S SASIREKA

Title: Advancements in applications of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces

Name of Institution: Avinashilingam Institute for HomeScience and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore

Science Discipline: Chemistry

Abstract: The hydrophobic effect of material surfaces has recently envisaged a fantastic amount of attention due to self-cleaning effect. The word hydrophobic meaning “water-fearing”, refers to the physical property of a material that repels a mass of water. It represents the tendency of non-polar substances to aggregate in an aqueous solution, which maximizes Hydrogen bonding between molecules of water and minimizes the area of contact between non polar molecules and water. The droplets, when spherical gives significantly high contact angle. Surfaces with low energy built non-polar molecules tend to be hydrophobic (HB) with contact angle >90˚. Those with a contact angle between 150 -180 are called superhydrophobic (SH) surfaces. HB/SH materials are used in biomedical applications as substrates to control protein adsorption, protein in protein binding, temporally implant, contact lenses, nucleic acid interaction, dental implants, coating on medical instrument, diagnostics and partitioning of drugs. The present work deals with creating hydrophobic surfaces using biogenic nanoparticles and plant extracts and fabrication of indigenous device to measure the contact angle.

  1. MS M SANDHIYA

Title: Fabrication of doped Mn3O4/RGO Nanocomposite for high specific energy supercapacitors

Name of Institution: CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi

Science Discipline: Functional Materials Division

Abstract:  Among the energy storage devices supercapacitor has gathered much attention due to its high power, good cyclability, fast charge-discharge and less maintenance.1 However, the cost of the supercapacitors is much higher than battery which limits their viable applications. The cost of the supercapacitor mainly depends on cell components and electrode materials fabrication process. Here, we synthesised doped Mn3O4/RGO nanocomposite with different compositions by low cost and facile sol-gel method. A high specific capacitance of 718 F/g at 1 A/g current density was obtained. In this presentation, a detailed materials synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties for supercapacitor applications will be discussed.

6. MS P PACKIYALAKSHMI

Title: Alkaloid rich- biocarbon derived electrode material for cost effective energy storage applications

Name of Institution: CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi

Science Discipline: Engineering Science

Abstract:
High energy density storage device exhibiting a reliable lifecycle is needed in the 21st century. Hence, energy storage research is critical for reducing energy consumption. Super capacitors are electrochemical devices which stores energy by an ion adsorption process taking place on the surface of a porous carbon. They are characterized by high power density. Therefore, use of porous carbon to increase their energy density should not block their fast redox reactions. In this paper, we have chosen a biocarbon as electrode material, which is derived from the naturally available source i.e. Jamun Shell (JSC). The electrochemical performance of the chosen electrode material (JSC) exhibits a specific capacitance of 133 F/g at 1 A/g for 1200 cycles, which is leading to exploit it further in device applications. Correlation of electrochemical performance in terms of high surface area, energy density and its conductivity will be made to gain more understanding about the factors responsible for the demonstration of performance in device assembly.

7. MS NAGALAKSHMI MURALIDHARAN

Title: Self – powered desalination battery

Name of Institution: CSIR- Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi

Science Discipline: Chemical sciences

Abstract: Considering the increased demand of fresh water for the survival of mankind, identification and implementation of cost-effective desalination process becomes the need of the hour. Desalination battery has been identified as an emerging electrochemical system which could provide fresh water from brackish or saline water. Herein, we demonstrate an idea of power generation in both desalination and salination process for the first time which is not likely to be shown possible with the conventional desalination battery. The described self-powered desalination battery consists of cation intercalation electrode, viz., nickel hexacyanoferrate based AxNi2[Fe(CN)6] family as cathode material and a metal (Al/Mg) anode exploitable with sea water. During charging/desalination, the sodium ions are intercalated into the nickel hexacyanoferrate electrode and chloride ions react with Al to form AlCl3 and the intercalated sodium ions will be removed during discharging/salination of the cell. Using such a simple and reversible mechanism, one can successfully treat seawater or contaminated brackish water and convert it suitable for drinking as well as livelihood domestic applications. The development of such a custom engineered self powered desalination battery is believed to offer cost effective indigeneous solutions to the long awaited problem of water treatment process.

8. MS V SUDHA

Title: Simultaneous electrochemical sensing of sulphite and nitrite on acidfunctionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrodes

Name of Institution: CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi

Science Discipline: Chemical Science

Abstract: Detection of anions like sulphite and nitrite, which are environmental pollutants, by utilizing conducting substrates like multiwall carbon nanotubes with metal oxides and others are highly desired to monitor pollution. Herein, we report construction of COOH-functionalized, multiwall carbon nanotubes (HOOC-MWCNT) modified GCE for simultaneous estimation of sulphite and nitrite under neutral condition. The physiochemical characterizations of HOOC-MWCNT were carried out by using advanced characterization techniques to probe the thermal stability, morphology and functional groups present in the HOOC-MWCNT. From morphological studies, it was confirmed that HOOC-MWCNT has discrete tube like morphology with more active surface area which enhanced the sensor response of sulphite and nitrite anions. The modified GCE was used to detect sulphite and nitrite by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The peak separation between sulphite and nitrite are comparatively higher to probe the sensing of anions in nanomolar concentrations, it was found to be around 420 mV by CV technique.

  1. MS S SANTHIYA

Title: Foe turns friend: Water Hyacinth bagasse to eco – friendly paper

Name of Institution: Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore

Science Discipline: Chemistry

Abstract: All over the world people using tons of paper throughout the year in their daily life. India occupies fifteenth position in the production of paper producing 30,000 tons per annum. The annual global paper and paper product production is expected to increase to 490 million tons by 2020. Hence the present work is aimed at preparing ecofriendly, non-toxic paper using Eichhornia crassipes as a raw material. Our Indian Government has been spending chunks of money for removing Eichhornia crassipes and it is thrown as waste. This plant is a weed causing worldwide problem polluting our water bodies. Till now the manufacturing of paper is done by deforestation of trees but manufacturing of paper from the waste material of water hyacinth can be an alternative method for this. In this work the aerial portion of E.crassipes was extracted with organic solvents and the bagasse let behind has been used as a raw material for paper manufacture. The pulp was then pre treated and made into fine sheets of paper. Optimization studies like variation of additives (NaCl, Peroxide, bleach and household vegetables) etc. was carried out. Paper quality tests results show the successfulness of the eco-friendly paper and is recommended for commercial application.

10. MS N.SUBASREE

 

Title: Inhibition Of Metal Corrosion Using Inhibitors

Name of Institution: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

Science Discipline: Corrosion

Abstract: Corrosion is the spontaneous destruction of material as a result of interaction with the environment by the chemical or electrochemical reaction. It has many important economic, health, safety, the technological and cultural importance for our society. Metal corrosion protection is important for oil, gas and other industries. In general, it has been reduced by various techniques including coating, cathodic protection, material selection and inhibitor. However, the use of the corrosion inhibitor is the most favorable and easiest method to avoid metal corrosion. These inhibitors reduce the corrosion rate and metal losses. The most suitable inhibitors are organic compounds containing heteroatoms such as N, S and O atoms. The organic compound containing the functional electronegative group and the p electrons in triple or conjugated double bonds are generally good inhibitors. The efficiency of these molecules depends mainly on their ability to adhere to the metal surface. These molecules adsorb on the metal surface by displacing the water molecule on the metal surface and forming a protective film. Its molecule that inhibits the action against corrosion of the metals in the corrosive media is studied by weight loss method, Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and EDX.

11. Ms M Priyadarshini

Title: Porous type material as cathode for Li ion batteries

Name of Institution: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

Science Discipline: Chemistry

Abstract: In the fast growing world, the use of renewable sources also increasing rapidly, due to this usage alternative sources are being used, which includes solar panels, capacitor’s​ and batteries. Many of them are working on to improve the shelf life, capacity and lifetime of the battery. But still many of the batteries lack stability and cycling capacity, to improve these things electrode material with hybrid composition and porous property will enhance the capacity. Cathode material with pores which include metal organic framework will enhance the battery performance by reversibly storing the electrons. These materials will be used as a future sources.

12. MS K KIRAN PREETHI

Title: Development of cathode active materials for Li-ion batteries

Name of Institution: SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Chennai

Science Discipline: Nanotechnology

Abstract: Batteries are of major use in our day-to-day life. The most influencing factor of them is their cost and toxicity of the components. The work is focussed primarily on the electrode materials which highly determines the cost and lifetime of a battery. The development of various fluoroborates as a cathode material is done and is confirmed through both physical and electrochemical techniques for its properties. These materials are said to exhibit a high efficiency and a lifetime. Hence, these materials can be used for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles applications.

13. Ms K SANGEETHA

Title: Smart Filter Technology For Reclamation Of Contaminated Water Using Renewable Marine Polymer

Name of Institution: D.K.M College for Women (Autonomous), Vellore

Science Discipline: Chemistry

Abstract: Water, the elixir of life has now become much more important than precious metals like gold, platinum as it was depleted continuously by natural and anthropogenic activities. Water is an issue that is linked with health, nutrition and many other factors that affect our society. It is not an exaggeration to say that water is life and it is expected to be a great crisis by the year 2025. Researchers all over the world including our group have taken several steps to recycle water to enhance the standard as well as to provide safe quality water to next generation. Especially our group is working on reclamation of contaminated water to potable form or for agricultural purposes using naturally derived renewable materials. As a young researcher I am working on fabricating membranes to filter water using renewable marine biopolymer which are nontoxic and recyclable. Also use of abundantly available clay with marine polymer makes the membranes significant and novel as it will form rare combination of organic-inorganic hybrid matrix. We employed two fascinating techniques of electrospinning and phase inversion to prepare membranes used for treating contaminated water and also industrial effluents.

14. Ms S DEVI MEENAKSHI

Title: Concrete Corrosion Control by Oxyanions

Name of Institution: G.T.N. Arts College, Dindigul

Science Discipline: Electrochemistry

Abstract

Curiosity in corrosion problem has been increasing for many years. Because corrosion affects people in everyday life – in the manufacture of products, the transportation of people and goods, the provision of energy, protection of our health and safety and the defence of the nation. For most of us corrosion is the degradation of metals that is often called “rust” and is not only refers to the oxidation of iron but can also refer to the degradation of all materials that make up the public infrastructure and physical systems as diverse as the nation’s highway network, its military equipment, and medical devices implanted in our bodies. This has inspired investigators and writers to such an extent that it is now difficult to follow the massive technical literature to select that which is useful.

 

Corrosion of reinforcing bars (rebars) inside concrete is one of the most significant phenomenon that reduces the service life of a concrete structure, and it causes a huge load on the maintenance budget of the affected structure. Based on a detailed knowledge of corrosion mechanisms improved approaches to corrosion monitoring and control are investigated. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of various methods of corrosion protection such as the use of inhibitors. A corrosion inhibitor is a chemical additive, which, when added to a corrosive aqueous environment, decreases the rate of metal wastage existing in actively corrosive environments. It can function in any one of the means such as anodic inhibitors, cathodic inhibitors, adsorption type corrosion inhibitors, or mixed inhibitors. The rate of corrosion can also be reduced by using corrosion inhibitors. There are corrosion inhibitors known to protect bare steel, and its usage is probably more attractive from the point of view of economics and ease of applications.

 

A simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS) is one of the corroded medium have been used in any construction site. Among the various available corrosion controlling techniques, the utilization inhibitors for corrosion control of rebar steel in SCPS prepared in well water has been employed in the present investigation. The use of suitable inhibitors such as oxy anions in an optimum concentration protects materials against corrosion.

 

This research work is designed for the one who desires to get exposure and experience in the part of corrosion behavior of rebar steel in simulated concrete pore solution which reveals the role of corrosion inhibition efficiencies of various oxy anions such as molybdate, citrate, phosphate, tartrate, dichromate and permanganate in combination with zinc ion (Zn2+).  It has been studied by electrochemical and non-electrochemical methods. The experimental details have been presented by means of weight loss method, Potentiodynamic polarization study and AC impedance measurements and the nature of the protective film has been investigated by UV- Visible absorption spectroscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analyzer (EDAX) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). For better understanding various characterization results have given through colorful pictures. It helps the students to have an idea about the tools and techniques for corrosion resistance.

 

  1. Ms Ramila Devi

Title: Electrochemically exfoliated carbon quantum dots(CQD) modified screen printed electrode for detection of dopamine neurotransmitter

Name of Institution: SRM IST, Chennai

Science Discipline: Sensor

Abstract: A simple strategy for the detection of dopamine neurotransmitter via the carbon quantum dots (CQD) prepared by the electrochemical method is reported. As synthesized CQD showed different particle size range depending upon the applied current and duration of voltage supply as characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy.CQD exhibited the green fluorescence under UV light (365nm).The particle sizes were analyzed by the HR-TEM. As-synthesized CQD dispersion was used to modify the screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to study their electrochemical and electrocatalytic properties. The SPCE/CQD showed high electrocatalytic activity and selectivity towards oxidation of dopamine in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution (pH=7) using cyclic voltammetry. Effect of scan rate on dopamine oxidation was studied from 10 mV to 150 mV. The SPCE/CQD showed linear response for the oxidation of DA from 1-7 μM and the detection limit was found to be 0.099 μM. The increased electro-catalytic activity of the CQD was attributed to their negatively charged hydroxyl group which can attract positively charged dopamine in PBS. This method is also applied to detect spiked DA in human urine sample with satisfactory recovery analysis.

  1. MS PHIRALANG MARBANIANG

Title: Design of Metal Free Electrocatalystic for oxygen reduction reaction

Name of Institution: SRM Institution of Science and Technology, Chennai

Science Discipline: Material Science

Abstract: A gratify interest to study and synthesize of the electrocatalytic materials which can catalyze and enhance energy conversation in today’s competitive world without disturbing environment. Over the past few years, fuel cell and automotive companies have announced new technologies or prototype vehicles adopting fuel cells in an effort to reduce atmospheric pollution. Among the vehicle technologies options, proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are favoured for use in automobiles. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been recognized as the most promising energy converting devices in terms of low or zero emissions and high efficiency. The fuel cell catalyst is the major contributor to these difficulties i.e. high cost and low reliability and durability. In recent years, although a great deal of effort has been put into the synthesis of cost-effective, active, and stable fuel cell catalysts, no real breakthroughs can be seen yet. Therefore, exploring breakthrough catalysts; improving catalytic activity, stability, and durability; and reducing catalyst cost are the major tasks in fuel cell commercialization. At the current technical stage, the most practical catalysts in fuel cells are highly dispersed platinum (Pt)-based nanoparticles. These Pt nanoparticles are normally supported on carbon particles in order to increase the active Pt surface and improve the catalyst utilization. However, there are several drawbacks to Pt based catalysts, such as high cost, sensitivity to contaminants, intolerable to methanol oxidation.
In PEMFCs, electrons and protons both end up at the cathode to combine with oxygen to form water. While the very facile H2 oxidation kinetics greatly reduces the amount of platinum catalyst at the anode, the slow ORR on the platinum cathode, either through a four-electron process or a less efficient two-step two-electron path way is a key step to limit the energy conversion efficiency of a fuel cell. Over the last several decades, a great deal of research has focused on cathode electrocatalyst development for the ORR. Metal-N4 macrocycles, such as Fe- and Co- macrocycles, are important non-noble catalysts which have attracted attention due to their reasonable activity and remarkable selectivity towards the ORR. A major drawback of this kind of catalyst is its low stability in acidic media. Along with the recent intensive research effort in fuel cells, found that vertically aligned nitrogen-containing CNTs could act as extremely effective metal free ORR electrocatalysts. The high surface area, good electrical and mechanical properties, and superb thermal stability of aligned CNTs provide additional benefits for the nanotube electrode to be used in fuel cells under both ambient and harsh conditions. The enhanced ORR catalytic activity of N-doped carbon was attributed to the electron accepting nature of N-species, which creates a net positive charge on neighbouring C atoms, where O2 is adsorbed. On the other hand, O2 is considered to be adsorbed on the B atom itself in the case of B-doped carbon due to the electron accepting nature of the B atom. A carbon electrode co-doped with B and N atoms has higher ORR catalytic activity than that doped with a single element. If all the C atoms in grapheme are substituted by B and N atoms, a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) monolayer, which has a geometric structure similar to that of graphene, can be obtained. N- and C-doped h-BN monolayer can have electrocatalytic activity for ORR have been reported.
A current work is to do research on synthesis metal free catalyst like to make active h-BN or BNNT. The activity of the catalyst has been initially carried by cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry. The characterization for the properties of the electro-catalyst will characterize by XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, etc.

17. Ms Sudha Uthaman

Title: Nanotechnology based development of advanced Fly ash concrete with superior properties and durability for marine applications

Name of Institution: Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

Science Discipline: Life Science

Abstract: Cement production accounts for approximately 7% of the world’s CO2 emission and is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Nuclear industry has already adopted partial replacement of cement with supplementary cementious materials especially fly ash for maintaining long-term structural integrity of its concrete structures exposed to seawater environment. This study looks into improving the concrete strength, durability and biodeterioration resistance of fly ash concrete by nanophase modification. Results confirmed that addition of TiO2 and CaCO3 nanoparticles in the ratio of 1:1 replacing the OPC of 40 wt% fly ash concrete brought betterment of properties like faster hydration, increase in early-age strength, long-term compressive and split tensile strength, resistivity, reduction in chloride ion penetration, carbonation depth and biofilm formation and slower reduction of internal pH. Thus the nanophase modified fly ash concrete emerged to be a potential candidate for marine applications.

18. MS J M ABISHA RANI.

Title: Green synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles using Averrhoa bilimbi extract

 

Name of Institute: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai.

 

Abstract:

Green synthesized method has received great attention in recent years due to its capability to design alternative, safer, energy efficient, and less toxic routes towards synthesis. These routes have been associated with the rational utilization of various substances in the nanoparticle preparations and synthetic methods. The present work describes the green synthesis of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles from titanium oxysulpfate solution using Averrhoa bilimbi extract. The synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS).

 

  1. MS T MANOBALA

Title: Development of an efficient uranium bioremediation process using a novel biofilm forming recombinant Deinococcus radiodurans strain

Name of Institution: Anna University,Chennai and Bhabha Atomic Research Center facilities, Kalpakkam

Science Discipline: Biotechnology

Abstract:

Do you know that a bacterium holds place in “The Guinness Book of World Records”, as the world’s toughest bacterium? Yes, its Deinococcus radiodurans for its ability to tolerate thousand times more radiation than a human would do. This bacterium lack an innate ability to form biofilm, but a recombinant strain of Deinococcus radiodurans R1 strain was found to form biofilm, serendipitously. Microbial biofilms have gained the importance as an attractive bioremediation tool for being more economical and efficient. The D. radiodurans biofilm was shown to sequester about ~80% of uranium at higher concentrations (1000 ppm) and almost 100% at lower uranium concentrations range (10 ppm), within 30 minutes of contact time, which was six times more efficient than that of their planktonic counterparts. Major mechanisms involved are biosorption and acid phosphatase-mediated uranium sequestration. This study provides a promising and potential technology to decontaminate radioactive waste and also uranium contaminated ground water sites.

20. Ms Anoopa Thomas

Title: Designing of composite material for gas adsorption: A multi-scale modelling approach

Name of Institution: SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai

Science Discipline: Chemistry(Computational)

Abstract: Computational chemistry uses computer simulations to find solutions for chemical problems. Using computational methods such as Density Functional Theory and ab initio we design a micro porous composite material for CO2 capture, which consists of Metal Organic Framework(MOF) and Ionic liquids(ILs). Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes(SILMs) are very effective alternative to conventional CO2 capture techniques. This study will help us to find how the gas molecules behave and how the adsorption process take place at the microscopic level. We can design materials with potential adsorption selectivity, permeability, mechanical and chemical stability at elevated temperatures. ILs are placed inside the pore of ZIF-8 and the adsorption mechanism is studied. Different ILs and MOFs are tried and the most stable composite material is designed for CO2 capture, separation and conversion. Software’s such as Gaussian16, CP2K etc. are used in this study. Composite’s selectivity towards gas mixtures and conversion of CO2 to economically useful products are also a part of our research.

21. Ms V V Anusha Thampi

Title: Surface Engineering by PVD for Value Added Products

Name of Institution: CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute

Science Discipline: Engineering Science

Abstract: Surface Engineering by PVD for Value Added Products

Surface engineering deals with modification of the surface properties of engineering components including bioimplants, as majority of failures like wear and corrosion originate from the surface, reducing the life of the components. Surface engineering spans a wide range of processes such as Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), Anodisation, Laser Processing, Thermal Spraying, Cold Spraying, Electroplating and Deposition, Sol-Gel etc. Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a sophisticated advanced technology for applying coatings in a high vacuum, opening the possibility for applying coatings providing improved performance over those employed at present. In addition, PVD offers potential for improvement and innovation that might not be available in traditional technologies. The use of low temperature plasma treatment/deposition for healthcare applications has given rise to a new research field termed as Plasma Medicine.

Biomaterials offer an interesting and important challenge in relation to surface engineering. With an ageing population, biomaterial surfaces which are placed in contact with biological systems must be biocompatible and free from infectious agents in the short term, but properties such as long-term corrosion and toxicity must also be addressed. Often modern biomaterials are not designed to be “passive” prosthetic implants, but “active” implants. Primarily, in our lab, the enhancement of wear and corrosion resistance of metallic implants in body fluids, and improvement of their biocompatibility by using a number of functional coatings including transition metal nitrides, metal oxides, amorphous metallic and DLC are carried out. In this presentation, fabrication of various biocompatible thin films on to implantable substrates by PVD to enhance their mechanical, tribological and biological properties will be discussed.

22.

Ms Shruti Suriyakumar

Title: Permselective separators for lithium sulfur batteries: Progress and prospects

Name of Institution: CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi

Science Discipline: Physical Sciences

Abstract: In the last two decades, issues such as depletion of fossil fuels, global warming and the need to store surplus electricity from renewable sources have accelerated immense research on different battery systems. The lithium–ion batteries which power electronic gadgets are insufficient to meet the requirements for electric vehicles and stationary power grid applications. Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) system, on the other hand, has been identified as an alternative to lithium–ion batteries. Despite several advantages, the Li-S batteries pose challenges such as poor electronic conductivity of sulfur, deterioration of lithium metal surface due to repeated cycling and formation and subsequent shuttling of polysulfide between the electrodes. In particular, the self-discharge which results as a consequence of shuttling of polysulfides remains a potential challenge. The fundamentals and different strategies employed in using permselective separators to minimise polysulfide shuttle and extend the cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries will be discussed.

Volunteers

1                              Mr. KR. Saravanan (Research Scholar CECRI)

2                              Mr. K. Balakumar (Research Scholar CECRI)

3                              Mr. P. Remith (Research Scholar CECRI)

4                              Mr. V. Mani (Research Scholar CECRI)

5                              Mr. V. Mullaivananathan (Research Scholar CECRI)

6                              Mr. G. N. Sureshbabu (Research Scholar CECRI)

7                              Mr. M. Mathankumar (Research Scholar CECRI)

8                              Mr. S. Thanka Rajan (Research Scholar CECRI)

9                              Mr. R. Velmurugan (Research Scholar CECRI)

10                            Mr. S. Karuppusamy (Research Scholar CECRI)

11                            Mr. R. Sakthivel (Research Scholar CECRI)

12                            Mr. R. Rajaram (Research Scholar CECRI)

13                            Mr. K. Silambarasan (Research Scholar CECRI)

14                            Mr. R. Kamaraj (Research Scholar CECRI)

15                            Mr. T. Balamurugan (Research Scholar CECRI)

16                            Mr. T. Bharathidasan (Research Scholar CECRI)

17                            Mr. SamSundar (Research Scholar CECRI)

18                            Mr. Maruthupandiyan (Research Scholar CECRI)

19                            Mr. Mohammed Azeezulla (Research Scholar CECRI)

20                            Mr. Venkadesh (Research Scholar CECRI)

21                            Mr. M. Kanagaraj (Research Scholar CECRI)

22                            Mr. Karnan (Research Scholar CECRI)

23                            Mr. M. Praveenkumar (Research Scholar CECRI)

24                            Mr. M. Kaleesh Kumar (Research Scholar CECRI)

25                            Mr. K. Selvakumar (Research Scholar CECRI)

26                            Mr Francis Xavier, (Treasury Department, TamilNadu Government)

27                        Mrs. Lakshmi Vishwanath – Digital Marketer, Belfast, United Kingdom

28                        Mr Sundar Raman – Teacher, S.M.S.V. Higher Secondary School    Karaikudi