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Constant current can be withdrawn for longer duration without recharging due to such density.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.
