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Item Biomass waste-derived porous graphitic carbon for high-performance supercapacitors(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Hegde, S.S.; Badekai Ramachandra, B.R.Porous carbons possess considerable appeal and are in high demand as materials that can be produced from biomass waste. This study presents the transformation of Tectona grandis (Teak) sawdust into porous carbon materials, referred to as Tectona grandis sawdust-derived porous carbon (TPC), through a cost-effective FeCl3-assisted carbonization process, followed by a KOH activation. TPC samples were synthesized by carbonization at different temperatures (650–850 °C) and characterized comprehensively. Structural analysis via X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed a progressive enhancement in graphitic structure and reduction of functional groups with increasing activation temperature. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) displayed the development of intricate hollow tube-like porous networks in TPC-850, with the highest specific surface area (1767.66 m2/g) and pore volume (1.43 cm3/g). Electrochemical investigations showcased the superior performance of TPC-850 as a supercapacitor electrode due to its high graphitic nature, large surface area, and well-structured porosity. The galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) measurements exhibited a high specific capacitance of 572 F/g at 0.5 A/g in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. The high-frequency semicircle and low-frequency steeper region in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further indicated reduced resistance and enhanced ion diffusion in TPC-850. Significantly, TPC-850 demonstrated remarkable electrochemical cyclic stability, retaining 95.83 % of its initial capacity even after undergoing 4500 cycles at a scan rate of 500 mV/s. The findings underscore the viability of TPC-850 as a high-performance supercapacitor electrode material, providing insights into harnessing renewable resources for advanced energy solutions. This work highlights the potential of utilizing waste biomass for energy storage applications and demonstrates the feasibility of converting it into efficient porous carbon materials with substantial graphitization and porosity. © 2023 Elsevier LtdItem Growth of octahedral structured AgBiS2 single crystals and its insights on the high performance electrocatalytic hydrogen generation(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Jauhar, R.O.M.; Ramachandran, K.; Deepapriya, S.; Joshi, S.; Ghfar, A.A.; Rao, L.; Badekai Ramachandra, B.R.; Udayashankar, N.K.; Vadivel, V.; Raji, R.; Kim, B.C.; Rodney, J.D.Given the enormous depletion of fossil fuels and growing environmental concerns, there is an immediate need to develop alternative and clean energy sources. Hydrogen (H2), recognized for its cleanliness and renewability, is poised to meet future energy requirements. Consequently, ongoing research is focused on the development of electro-active, durable, and cost-effective catalysts to replace expensive noble metal-based electrocatalysts. In this study, microscale AgBiS2 chalcogenide derived from a single crystal is reported as promising electrocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) with a remarkably low overpotential. The physico-chemical characterization of the AgBiS2 catalyst has been investigated using various analytical techniques. The synthesized AgBiS2 catalyst exhibits excellent HER activity, manifesting a low overpotential of 86 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 44 mV dec−1, along with superior stability even after 24 h in HER at a very high current density. The developed AgBiS2 also showcased stable production when subjected to a two-electrode system. The enhanced alkaline HER activity of AgBiS2 can be attributed to its phase purity, high crystallinity, and the presence of high active sites. The observed high electrochemical performance and stability position AgBiS2 as a potential electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. This finding holds significant promise in the quest for efficient, durable, and economically viable catalysts to drive the shift towards clean and renewable energy sources. © 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLCItem Impact of electrolyte concentration on electrochemical performance of Cocos nucifera Waste-Derived High-Surface carbon for green energy storage(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Hegde, S.S.; Badekai Ramachandra, B.R.The increasing popularity of utilizing biomass's natural structure represents a promising avenue for sustainable innovation, as it taps into the inherent characteristics of organic materials to address various environmental and industrial challenges. Researchers and industries continue to explore the full potential of biomass in creating more sustainable and efficient solutions. The transformation of biomass into carbon materials is an indirect means of utilizing CO2 as a carbon source, thus contributing to the sustainable development of energy storage technologies and also in pollution reduction. In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, this research unveils a cost-effective approach to supercapacitor development by harnessing the untapped potential of Cocos nucifera trunk sawdust-derived high-surface carbon (CHSC). Through a meticulous process involving ZnCl2 treatment and KOH activation at varying temperatures, CHSC-700 emerges as a standout electrode material with exceptional structural characteristics, boasting enhanced graphitization and a specific surface area of 1153.72 m2/g. Further, the study delved into the nuanced relationship between electrolyte concentration and supercapacitor performance, pinpointing 6 M KOH as the optimal condition. In 6 M KOH, the electrode exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 559.27F/g at the current density of 0.5 A/g with outstanding cyclic stability, retaining 80.37 % capacitance after 20,000 cycles and an impressive energy density of 18.92 Wh/kg and power density of 246.75 W/kg. This systematic exploration provides valuable data for understanding the biomass-derived carbon electrode's behaviour under various electrolyte concentrations, offering crucial information for optimizing its performance in practical applications, such as energy storage devices. © 2024 Elsevier LtdItem A novel and ultrasensitive high-surface porous carbon-based electrochemical biosensor for early detection of dengue virus(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Hegde, S.S.; Naik, S.; Badekai Ramachandra, B.R.; Mishra, P.; Udayakumar, D.; Ahmed, M.U.; Santos, G.N.Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral infection, poses a significant global health threat, and early diagnosis is crucial for effective disease management. The utilization of advanced materials in the design ensures an improved surface area, facilitating a heightened interaction between the sensor and the target. In this study, the incorporation of biomass-derived high-surface porous carbon-based materials not only contributed to the sensor's sensitivity but also ensured a cost-effective and scalable manufacturing process. The electrochemical nature of the biosensor added a layer of precision to the detection process and offered a reliable, rapid method for identifying the infection of the dengue virus. The enhanced sensitivity of the biosensor allowed the detection of even trace amounts of the NS1 protein, enabling early diagnosis in the initial stages of dengue infection. The system exhibited a high sensitivity with a wide linear range between 1 pg/mL and 100 μg/mL, and the extremely low detection limit of 0.665 pg/mL ranks this as one of the most efficient biosensors for the detection of dengue virus NS1 protein. Selectivity studies, coupled with computational insights, showcased the biosensor's prowess in distinguishing NS1 protein from potential interfering substances, laying the foundation for reliable diagnostics in complex biological matrices. Real sample analysis using human serum spiked with NS1 protein offers a tantalizing glimpse into the transformative potential of biosensors in real-world scenarios. This innovative biosensor holds great promise for addressing the pressing need for early detection of dengue virus infections. © 2024 The Authors