Monthly Archives: July 2019

IIT-Hyderabad researchers develop method to make biofuel with sugar and salt

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The researchers described the novel process that can produce carbon catalysts at room temperatures using sugar, sulphuric acid and salt in the journal ‘ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering’.

Hyderabad : 

Researchers  at IIT Hyderabad have developed a simple and innovative method to synthesise a catalyst that can convert chemicals derived from biomass into a precursor to diesel and jet fuel, the institute said on Tuesday. This catalyst showed better efficiency and selectivity than commercial catalysts to produce C15 oxygenated hydrocarbon, a biofuel precursor.

The researchers described the novel process that can produce carbon catalysts at room temperatures using sugar, sulphuric acid and salt in the journal ‘ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering’. “The dehydration of sugar by concentrated sulfuric acid is high-school chemistry. But the intense heat released is not well-controlled,” explained Dr Atul Suresh Deshpande, assistant professor at IIT-H.

In order to control the exothermic dehydration of sugar, the researchers add common salt. Salt helps in controlled dehydration of sugar, which leads to formation of the desired carbon nanoplates. “Due to the low cost of precursors with practically zero energy input and simplicity of reaction, this process of producing carbon nanoplates can be easily adapted for large-scale commercial production,” added Prof Sunil Kumar Maity.

This development is important for States such as Uttar Pradesh and the two Telugu states which are the largest producers of corn in India. The large amount of corncob waste can now be converted into fuels and allow additional income for farmers of corn, provide a sustainable energy source and reduce carbon footprint in the automobile/ aviation sector.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / July 31st, 2019

Space Museum opens at Birla Science Centre

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Children having a look at an exhibit at the Space Museum at Birla Science Centre in Hyderabad on Friday.

‘Museums are mirrors which reflect the country’s heritage’

The city got its first private Space Museum at Birla Archaeological and Cultural Research Institute, which celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday.

Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan inaugurated the museum. The museum is associated with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Addressing the gathering, Narashimhan said that museums are mirrors which reflect the country’s heritage. “They are reminders of where we come from and a visit to the museum gives us immense pleasure which also satisfies our inner urge to see what we are missing in this modern era,” he said.

The Space Museum has a host of exhibits including replicas of satellites such as Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE), Chandrayan-1, Mangalyan and launch vehicles like GSLV MK III and others. As part of the 50-year celebrations, the BACRI will invite Nobel laureates, organise symposiums, seminars, workshops and exhibitions.

ISRO lauded

Speaking at the event, Nirmala Birla, president, BACRI said: The Space Museum that has been inaugurated today is a big step forward in this journey. I hope that everyone who visits the museum enjoys the experience and are inspired by newer horizons that the ISRO through space science is opening for India.” She pointed out that BACRI has a strong record for excavation, conservation of temples, publications, numismatics, museums and promoting science. She said that so far 30 Nobel laureates had delivered lectures.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – July 27th, 2019