UPSC Articles
DST INSPIRE Faculty develops nanomaterials based supercapacitors
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Science and Technology
In News:
- Recently, a DST INSPIRE Faculty, at IIT (Varanasi), along with his team has developed nanomaterials which have energy storage application & optical sensors for water pollution control.
- They have also developed Surface-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) that can help detect harmful molecules present in water at ultra-low concentrations.
Key takeaways:
- These nanomaterials are based on supercapacitors to achieve high energy density.
- Constant current can be withdrawn for longer duration without recharging due to such density.
- Automobiles will be able to run longer distances by using supercapacitors.
- The team has also developed a novel green approach for synthesis of Iron-based nanocatalyst, which can be used for large scale production of Cabon Nanotubes.
- These findings shall help in producing materials which can be used as advanced photo detectors that may help in water pollution control.
Important value additions:
Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE)
- It is an innovative programme.
- It is sponsored and managed by the Department of Science & Technology for attraction of talent to Science.
- Objective:
- To communicate to the youth the excitements of creative pursuit of science
- To attract talent to the study of science at an early age
- To build the required critical human resource pool for strengthening and expanding the Science & Technology system and Research & Development base.
- No competitive exams are conducted for identification of talent at any level.
- The programme relies on the efficiency of the existing educational structure
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
- These are tubes made of carbon with diameters measured in nanometers.
- Bulk carbon nanotubes are used as composite fibers to improve the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of the bulk polymer product.
- They can act as antennas for radios and other electromagnetic devices.
- They are used in brushes for commercial electric motors.
