Faculty Publications
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Item The direct conversion of benzene to phenol by hydroxylation with hydrogen peroxide was carried out over catalyst containing various transition metals impregnated on activated carbon. Iron and vanadium impregnated catalysts gave better yields of phenol compared to copper impregnated catalysts. The activity of transition metals supported on activated carbon catalyst in the production of phenol was V > Fe > Cu. In addition to the role of transition metals in catalyzing the hydroxylation reaction, the hydrophobic nature of the activated carbon surface and also the surface acidity and basicity seems to have enhanced the performance of these catalysts. © 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.(Transition metals supported on activated carbon as benzene hydroxylation catalysts) Choi, J.-S.; Kim, T.-H.; Choo, K.-Y.; Sung, J.-S.; Saidutta, M.B.; Song, S.-D.; Rhee, Y.-W.2005Item Assessment of water quality of river Ganga along ghats in Varanasi city, U. P., India(2011) Thomas, T.; Mishra, M.; Thomas, H.; David, A.A.; Bharose, R.; Venkat Reddy, D.Assessment of water quality was done in holy River Ganga district of Varanasi, (U.P.) India in 2009. Water samples were collected from fives different sites namely (S 1)- Samne Ghat, (S 2)- Assi Ghat, (S 3)- Harishchandra Ghat, (S 4)- Dasaswamedh Ghat, (S 5)- Dr. Rajendra Prashad Ghat. The Ganga, one of the world's major rivers, has been venerated as the holiest and is bound with countless beliefs and faiths especially in India and adjacent countries. Its water has traditionally been regarded as pure and holy in nature gift to human. Recent experiences however do not warrant such complacency. The water resources are strained to a non-sustainable level due to rapid population growth, urban development, industrialization; livestock and power production on the Ganga Ghats at Varanasi city. The severe pollution stress and causes to which its water is subjected to the contents and quality of water and possible remedial measures. According to the result obtained by analyzing various Physico-chemical parameters of Ganga river in Varanasi City, maximum BOD recoded in (S 2)- Assi Ghat and minimum in (S 1)- Samne ghat whereas maximum DO was observed in Samne Ghat and minimum in (S 2)- Assi Ghat during Jan to March 2009 period respectively. On the basis of our experimental results it can be concluded that (S 2)- Assi Ghat exhibited higher pollution index than other ghats due to higher values of Turbidity, pH, BOD, Hardness, Alkalinity and Nitrate disposal occurring at (S 2)- Assi Ghat as well as disposal of industrial sewage in the (S 2)- Assi Ghat. Regular monitoring of Ganga river water quality is necessary to have a check on surface water quality for the sake of human life & to maintain a balanced aesthetical value of religious. We have to restore the environmental quality of Ganga which is amended by policy makers of Indian constitution. © 2011 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.Item Solar photocatalytically active, engineered silver nanoparticle synthesis using aqueous extract of mesocarp of Cocos nucifera (Red Spicata Dwarf)(Taylor and Francis Ltd. michael.wagreich@univie.ac.at, 2017) Sumi, M.B.; Devadiga, A.; Shetty K, V.K.; Saidutta, M.B.Silver nanoparticles synthesised using aqueous extract of Cocos nucifera (CN) mesocarp were evaluated for their photocatalytic activity under solar irradiation. The silver nanoparticles were synthesised by a green method of harnessing bioactive phytocomponents from the mesocarp of Cocos nucifera. Large-scale application of this process necessitates the manoeuvering of the process parameters for increasing the conversion of silver ions to nanoparticles. Process parameters influencing the morphological characteristics of silver nanoparticles such as precursor salt concentration and pH of the synthesis mixture were studied. The crystalline nanoparticles were characterised using UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDX analysis. CN extract and 5 mM silver nitrate solution at a ratio of 1:4 (v/v) in the synthesis mixture was found to be the optimum. Alkaline initial pH of the synthesis mixture was found to favour the synthesis of smaller sized monodispersed silver nanoparticles. Solar energy was harnessed for the photocatalytic degradation of Malachite green dye using silver nanoparticles obtained through the green synthesis method. Overall process aims at utilisation of naturally available resource for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles as well as the degradation of dyes using these nanoparticles, making it useful in the treatment of wastewater. © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Item RGO/ZnWO4/Fe3O4 nanocomposite as an efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction(Elsevier B.V., 2017) Mohamed, M.; Mutyala, S.; Mathiyarasu, J.; Bhat, D.K.Development of low cost, environmental friendly and noble metal free catalyst materials with excellent performance is essential for commercialization. In fact, this is the need of the day too. Herein, we report a facile microwave irradiation method for the synthesis of novel RGO/ZnWO4/Fe3O4 cathode catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline medium. The structural and morphological features of synthesized materials are fully examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The chemical composition and elemental analysis of the catalyst is investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Efficiency of RGO/ZnWO4/Fe3O4 catalyst material for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 0.1 M KOH is reported. The activity of catalyst is determined by linear sweep voltammogram (LSV) and rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements in O2 saturated 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. RGO/ZnWO4/Fe3O4 catalyst exhibits higher ORR activity than RGO, ZnWO4, RGO/ZnWO4 and its electrocatalytic performance is comparable to Pt/C material and is superior to it in stability and methanol tolerance. Further, it is determined that process follows a direct four electron reaction pathway. These combined results strongly signpost that RGO/ZnWO4/Fe3O4 composite can function as an economic noble metal free ORR cathode catalyst for energy applications. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.Item Decolorization of Reactive Blue 220 aqueous solution using fungal synthesized Co3O4 nanoparticles(IWA Publishing 12 Caxton Street London SW1H 0QS, 2019) Valappil, R.S.K.; Vijayanandan, A.S.; Mohan Balakrishnan, R.M.In this work, the photocatalytic activity of the biosynthesized cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticle (NP) is investigated using a textile dye Reactive Blue 220 (RB220) and decolorization % was monitored using UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The photocatalytic activity has been observed maximum at alkaline pH of 9, NP dosage of 250 mg/L, and reaction time of 270 min. In the presence of UV light irradiation, a maximum dye concentration of 10 mg/L was treated effectively using 150 mg/L NP, and 67% decolorization was achieved. Reaction kinetics has been analyzed, and the reaction followed the pseudo kinetics model with an activation energy of -484 kJ mol-1. © IWA Publishing 2019Item Premature failure of superheater tubes in a fertilizer plant(Elsevier Ltd, 2021) Dsilva, P.C.; Bhat, S.; Banappanavar, J.; Kodancha, K.G.; Hegde, S.R.This work presents an unique premature failure of steam superheater tubes in a fertilizer plant. The heat exchanger tube bundle made of SA 213 grade T11 steel suffered from wall thinning in the vicinity of baffles causing reduction in wall thickness of the tubes leading to perforation and leakage of steam from the tube-side into the shell-side during service. The work presents details of metallurgical failure analysis involving: site inspection, visual inspection, chemical analysis, X-Ray diffraction, microstructural analysis, and computational fluid dynamics analysis. The qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses and X-Ray diffraction carried out on superheater residue followed by microstructural analysis of failed tubes confirmed that the tubes suffered from aggressive corrosion attack at certain locations due to hot flue gas carrying alkaline salts and refractory fines. To understand the mechanism of thinning and the reasons for the tube bundle failure only at certain locations, a detailed CFD analysis was carried out on model of the heat exchanger which simulated the flow pattern of the hot gas. The analysis comprehensively demonstrates that the hot gas carrying both corrosive and erosive species caused erosion-corrosion of the tubes in the vicinity of tube-baffle junction that lead to wall thinning and subsequent failure of the tube bundle. Suitable remedial measures are suggested to minimize such failures in future. © 2020 Elsevier LtdItem Effects of chemical pretreatments on material solubilization of Areca catechu L. husk: Digestion, biodegradability, and kinetic studies for biogas yield(Academic Press, 2022) Vannarath, A.; Thalla, A.K.This study aimed to understand the pretreatment-aided anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic residues and to assess the substrate solubilization capacity of pretreatment processes. We evaluated the feasibility of biogas production using chemically pretreated Areca catechu L. (Arecanut husk, AH). AH was pretreated for 24h at two different temperatures—25 °C and 90 °C with four different chemicals viz. H2SO4 (acidic), NaOH (alkaline), H2O2 (oxidative), and ethanol in 1% H2SO4 (organosolv) under each temperature. AH solubilization assessment included analyses of parameters such as volatile solids to total solids (VS:TS) ratio, soluble chemical oxygen demand, total phenolic content, and biomass composition. Alkaline pretreatment of AH at 90 °C resulted in the maximum biogas yield of 683.89mL/gVS, which was 2.3 times more than that obtained using raw AH without pretreatment. Methane content of biogas produced using AH pretreated with 2–10% of NaOH was found to be between 71.53% and 75.06%; methane content of biogas using raw AH was 62.31%. In order to describe the AH degradation patterns, biogas production potential from pretreated AH was evaluated using bacterial kinetic growth models (First-order exponential, logistic, transference, and modified Gompertz models). The modified Gompertz and logistic models (correlation coefficient >0.99) were found to have the best fit of all kinetic models for the cumulative experimental biogas curve. We formulated a multiple linear regression equation depicting the biodegradability index (BI) as a technical tool to determine biomethane production; BI is represented as a function of biomass composition (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin), with a high correlation (>0.95). Based on our analyses of AH pretreatment and substrate utilization for biogas production, we propose that the biochemical composition of lignocellulosic residues should be carefully considered to ensure their biodegradability when subjected to anaerobic digestion. © 2022 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 Red Mud Neutralisation by CO2 Promotes Alkali Recovery and Higher Scandium Extraction(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2025) Abhilash; Shrivastava, S.K.; Rahman, M.R.; Meshram, P.To ensure the complete utilization of red mud and parallel reduction in carbon footprints from alumina production, it is very important to tackle the alkalinity in red mud which poses problems in the processing of bauxite residue. Despite various methods, this article stresses the use of CO2 neutralization which has been employed to address alkalinity (2176 ppm) and simultaneously recovers the alkali under atmospheric pressure, which assisted in improved scandium extraction. Under conditions of particle size < 50 ?m, 20% pulp density, 3-4 atm pressure, room temperature, in 30 min brought down the pH from 9.99 to 6.26, with 36–37% alkali recovery and capturing 28.8 g CO2/kg red mud. The neutralized red mud serves as an excellent feed for acid leaching to extract Ti and REEs. With 2 M sulfuric acid at 10% pulp density and 90 oC, 96% La, 95% Ce, and ~ 90% Sc were recovered in 2 h. The residue after the second stage operation was rich in Fe, Al and Si and thus can be processed by a hybrid pyro-hydro-metallurgical process, for achieving complete valorization of red mud while recovering critical metals. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.Item Recycling waste plastics and biowaste into high-performance NiCo-MOF/activated carbon electrocatalyst for overall water splitting(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Nayak, M.P.; Rao, L.; Rodney, J.D.; S, S.; Rohit, A.G.; Badekai Ramachandra, B.R.Environmental and energy crises are the most significant global challenges. Developing non-precious and environmentally sustainable electrocatalysts remains critical for advancing renewable hydrogen production. This study presents a novel hybrid electrocatalyst comprising a NiCo-BDC Metal-Organic Framework (NiCo-MOF), where the BDC (Benzene 1,4-di carboxylic acid) ligand was obtained by recycling waste poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles, integrated with activated carbon (AC) derived from dried drumstick (Moringa olifera) biowaste, via a one-pot hydrothermal method. The research emphasizes optimizing the AC content within the MOF matrix to enhance catalytic performance. The synergistic interaction between NiCo-MOF and AC significantly reduces the overpotentials required for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) in an alkaline medium. Notably, the optimized composite, NiCo-MOF@40AC, exhibited enhanced crystallinity, BET surface area, and electrocatalytic activity. At a current density of 100 mA cm?2, NiCo-MOF@40AC achieved overpotentials as low as 217 mV for HER with a Tafel slope of 105.6 mV dec?1 and 315 mV for OER with a Tafel slope of 42.2 mV dec?1. Furthermore, this material demonstrated robust stability over a 24 h chrono potentiometric test, maintaining performance at an elevated current density of 200 mA cm?2. In a two-electrode system, NiCo-MOF@40AC needed only 1.58 V to sustain a current density of 10 mA cm?2, exhibiting stability over 48 h and 24 h at a current density of 10 mA cm?2 and 400 mA cm?2, respectively. An average faradaic efficiency was found to be 93.48 % for HER and 91.91 % for OER. These findings highlight the potential of NiCo-MOF@40AC as an efficient electrocatalyst, characterized by a high surface area, rapid electron transfer, favorable structural properties, and enhanced reaction kinetics. © 2025 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC