University Researchers Discover Eco-Friendly Solar Energy Catalyst

Researchers from IIT Delhi, IIT Mandi, and Yogi Vemana University have formulated an eco-friendly alternative catalyst for solar energy. Ammonia and hydrogen are important components for gathering solar power. However, the traditional collection process isn’t environmentally friendly, as they consume a lot of heat energy and emit greenhouse gases.

The university researchers were led by Dr. Venkata Krishnan, Associate Professor, School of Basic Sciences, IIT Mandi. As quoted, “We were inspired by the light-harvesting mechanism of the leaves and replicated the surface and internal three-dimensional microstructures of the leaf of the Peepul tree in the calcium titanate to enhance the light-harvesting properties.”

Therefore, the scientists pioneered a technique called “defect engineering” to solve this issue. Thus, with this procedure, they have improved the efficiency of calcium titanate, which is a cleaner alternative to ammonia and hydrogen. Hence, the research team has discovered an alternative component for solar power, which is both more eco-friendly and cheaper. Additionally, this cost-effectiveness can convince more people to invest in solar panels, which is an added benefit.

Dr. Venkata Krishnan and Dr. Ashish Kumar from IIT Mandi have recently published an article regarding the discovery in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A. In addition, other collaborators include Dr. Navakoteswara Rao and Professor M.V. Shankar from Yogi Vemana University, Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Manish Kumar, and Dr. Saswata Bhattacharya from IIT Delhi.