Faculty Publications
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Item Optimizing Solid Waste Management: A Holistic Approach by Informed Carbon Emission Reduction(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2024) Hegde, S.; Sumith, N.; Pinto, T.; Shukla, S.; Patidar, V.Reducing carbon monoxide (CO) emissions is imperative for safeguarding human health and environment. CO adversely affects respiratory health, contributing to respiratory problems and, in severe cases, fatalities. Its reduction aligns with the broader efforts to combat climate change, as CO is often emitted alongside other greenhouse gases. Environmental consequences include air pollution and its detrimental impact on ecosystems. Compliance with emission standards is essential, and reducing Carbon emissions can lead to social and economic benefits, such as increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs. Moreover, the focus on emission reduction drives technological innovation, fostering the development of cleaner and sustainable technologies. In essence, addressing CO emissions is vital for creating a healthier, more sustainable future. However, in most of the cases, there has been no much importance given in scientific management of solid wastes. This has therefore resulted in large magnitude of carbon emission causing serious implications. This paper presents a novel approach to solid waste management, combining carbon emission assessment with advanced object detection technology. We develop an integrated waste management model that employs machine learning techniques for the identification and categorization of metals, non-metals, and plastics within the solid waste stream. To optimize waste sorting and recycling processes, we implement an efficient object detection system that leverages computer vision algorithms. This system enhances the precision of material identification within solid waste, thereby improving sorting accuracy. Additionally, we establish a database to quantify carbon emissions associated with distinct waste management methods, encompassing incineration, composting, recycling, bioremediation, and landfills is used for this work. The novelty of the work lies in the integration of CO2 emissions data and object detection resulting into a decision-making model, providing a holistic evaluation of the environmental impact of varied waste management scenarios. The formulation of recommendations for sustainable waste management practices based on the integrated assessment of carbon footprints and material identification is easy to implement in real world.The technical framework proposed here, aims to inform decision-makers on adopting environmentally conscious strategies for waste management. © 2024 The Authors. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.Item Biochar-concrete: A comprehensive review of properties, production and sustainability(Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Barbhuiya, S.; Das, B.B.; Kanavaris, F.The utilisation of biochar in concrete has attracted considerable attention due to its potential in enhancing the properties and sustainability of this construction material. This in-depth review delves into various aspects of biochar-concrete composites. It commences by defining biochar and exploring its production methods, physical and chemical properties. Additionally, the review provides an overview of concrete, emphasising its composition, properties and the challenges associated with traditional production methods. The incorporation of biochar in concrete brings forth several benefits, such as improved strength and durability, enhanced thermal properties and the potential for carbon sequestration. The paper examines the production process of biochar-concrete composites, covering aspects like incorporation methods, biochar selection, mixing techniques and quality control measures. Furthermore, the sustainability aspects of biochar-concrete are evaluated, considering its environmental impact, life cycle assessment, carbon footprint reduction and economic feasibility. The review also addresses the challenges and future perspectives of biochar-concrete composites, along with opportunities for research and development. This comprehensive review presents valuable insights into the properties, production and sustainability of biochar-concrete composites. It serves as a guide for further advancements in the realm of sustainable construction. © 2024 The AuthorsItem Areca nut husk biochar as a sustainable carbonaceous filler for cement: Pyrolysis temperature and its effect on characterization, strength, and hydration(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Manjunath, B.; Ouellet-Plamondon, C.M.; Das, B.B.; Rao, S.; Bhojaraju, C.; Rao, M.This study addresses the gap in sustainable agro-based materials for cement by exploring locally available areca nut husk pyrolyzed into areca nut husk biochar (AB). The research investigated the effect of pyrolysis temperature (300°C, 400°C, and 500°C) on the characteristics of AB and its impact on cementitious performance. The study found that increasing pyrolysis temperatures led to lower yield, greater aromaticity, and increased surface area of AB. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed decreased functional groups in AB at higher temperatures, confirming enhanced carbonization. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed greater thermal stability of AB. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated a carbon-rich amorphous structure and crystalline graphite carbon formation in AB. Incorporating AB at 2 % into cementitious composites substantially increased the compressive strength compared to the control mortar. At 7 and 28 days, the compressive strength increased by 8 % and 12 % for AB 300, 16 % and 21 % for AB 400, and 27 % and 34 % for AB 500. This improvement was due to the micro filler effect of AB, which improved the compactness of the cementitious matrix. Hydration studies from TGA showed that the addition of AB accelerated early-stage hydration, with the degree of hydration increasing from 46 % (in control mix) to 48–53 % in AB blended mixes using Bhatty's method. FTIR analysis demonstrated improved hydration of silicate phases and C-S-H formation in the presence of AB, supported by XRD analysis. AB blended mortar reduced the CO2 equivalent emission by 22 % compared to the control mortar attributed to its carbon sequestration capacity. These results highlight the potential of AB as a sustainable carbonaceous filler for cementitious composites, offering an environmentally friendly option for future research in construction materials. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.Item Carbon sequestration and life cycle assessment of an industrial waste-derived carbon sink binder under saline water utilization(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) M, N.; Palanisamy, T.The development of low-carbon construction materials is essential to meeting global climate targets. This study presents a carbon-negative binder synthesized primarily from iron-rich industrial byproducts (mill scale), supplemented with fly ash, metakaolin, and limestone. Oxalic acid enhances iron dissolution and promotes stable carbonate formation during CO2 curing. Strength development occurs through direct CO2 mineralization, with carbonation curing conducted at 0, 1.5, and 3 bar using both normal and saline water. Specimens cured at 3 bar with saline water achieved compressive strengths exceeding 60 MPa and carbon sequestration rates up to 1.03% per day. Carbonation depth followed a square-root time relationship, with enhanced propagation under high-pressure saline conditions. Microstructural analyses (XRD, TGA–DTG, FTIR, FESEM) confirmed the formation of siderite, lepidocrocite, nesquehonite, and calcite within a dense matrix. Life Cycle Assessment indicated approximately 85% lower fossil-based global warming potential and over 80% reductions in water consumption compared to Ordinary Portland Cement, demonstrating a potable-water-free, resource-efficient binder suitable for circular and climate-resilient infrastructure. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Item Carbon capture efficiency of ultrafine cementitious substituents and fine aggregate alternatives subjected to accelerated CO2 curing(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Trivedi, S.S.; Ansari, F.; Karthik Kumar Goud, P.; Joy, S.; Das, B.B.; Barbhuiya, S.This manuscript examines the quantification of CO2 uptake, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, CH) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3, CC) formed for processed recycled concrete fines (RCF), supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and various sustainable fine aggregate alternatives subjected to accelerated carbonation process. A thermogravimetric (TG) analyser was used to enumerate the mass loss consequential from these compounds' breakdown at particular temperature range (400–500 °C for CH, 600–800 °C for CC, and CO2). The increased areas of peaks from fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of calcite and vaterite polymorphs for carbonated RCF and SCMs at 875 cm?1 and 714 cm?1 respectively whereas the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (Ca2.25[Si3O7.5(OH)1.5].8H2O or CSH gel) is confirmed by the increased stretching vibrations of Si-O bond at 970 and 1030 cm?1. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) found the presence of useful compounds such as aragonite, calcium silicate hydroxide (Ca4Si5O13.5(OH)2) and portlandite that further confirmed the carbonation of RCF, SCMs and various fine aggregate alternatives. The formation of these compounds in carbonated specimens resulted in a significant fall in Ca/Si atomic ratio to a maximum of 98 % that further signifies the denseness in microstructure owing to precipitation of CaCO3 and CSH gel deposition. The filled cracks and pores represented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images in carbonated specimens demonstrates the suitability of adopted carbonation regimes. The physical performance of RCF, SCMs and various fine aggregate specimens post accelerated carbonation highlights the increase in bulk density, specific gravity and reduced water absorption levels and volume changes that is an area of grave concern for incorporating recycled materials in construction sector. In addition, the CO2 uptake of various carbonated specimens is found using TG analysis demonstrates the highest uptake for RCF at 32.4 % surpassing various other utilised SCMs and fine aggregate alternatives used in the research work. It is to be noted that metakaolin and ultrafine fly ash shows minimal CO2 uptake owing to the manufacturing process. The findings of this study recommend the use of processed RCF and various other SCMs and fine aggregate alternatives for potential carbon dioxide sequestration through accelerated carbonation technology. © 2024 Elsevier LtdItem Reinforcing NiO microsphere structural stability via amorphous carbon sheets obtained from waste milk for lithium-ion capacitor application(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2025) Lakshmi Sagar, G.; Brijesh, K.; Mukesh, P.; Hegde, A.P.; Kumar, A.; Paliwal, A.; Bhat, K.S.; Nagaraja, H.S.In the pursuit of sustainable chemistry and environmentally friendly energy storage, the study addressed the limitations of nickel oxide utilized as the active material for the anode in lithium-ion capacitors. Despite its abundance and favorable environmental properties, NiO suffered from significant volumetric expansion and slow electrochemical kinetics compared to carbon materials. To overcome these issues, amorphous carbon was extracted from spoiled waste milk through a simple combustion process, effectively converting biomass waste into renewable resources. The engineered NiO/amorphous carbon composite, synthesized through hydrothermal and annealing processes, mitigated the limitations of NiO. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the deposition of amorphous carbon sheets encasing NiO microspheres, which preserved structural integrity during electrochemical cycling. The amorphous carbon acted as a stabilizing matrix, encapsulating NiO microspheres to mitigate volumetric expansion and enhance lithium-ion transport kinetics. Electrochemical tests demonstrated a specific discharge capacity of 1230 mAh g?1 at a current density of 100 mA g?1, retaining 401 mAh g?1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g?1, nearly doubling the retention performance of pristine NiO. Furthermore, the NiO/AC//AC lithium-ion capacitor achieved an energy density of 25.4 Wh kg?1 at a power density of 1991 W kg?1, maintaining 96% capacity after 3500 cycles. This study highlighted the potential of waste-derived carbon in developing high-performance, sustainable energy storage systems. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.Item Formulation of a carbon sink binder through multi-objective optimization using response surface methodology(Elsevier B.V., 2025) M, N.; T, P.This study presents the development and multi-objective optimization of a cement-free, carbon-sequestering binder system formulated entirely without Ordinary Portland Cement. The binder integrates iron-rich industrial waste, fly ash, metakaolin, and limestone, activated through oxalic acid to promote iron carbonate formation during CO? curing. Response Surface Methodology was employed to model and optimize the combined effects of oxalic acid dosage, CO? curing pressure, CO? and air curing durations, water-to-binder ratio, and specimen geometry on compressive strength. The statistical model demonstrated high predictive reliability R² = 0.9847; predicted R² = 0.949 with a desirability score of 1.000. An optimized formulation comprising 2 % oxalic acid, 3 bar CO? curing pressure, 14 days of CO? curing, 5 days of air curing, and a water-to-binder ratio of 0.17 achieved an experimental compressive strength of 62.8 MPa with only 3.41 % absolute error from the predicted value. This strength exceeds typical neat cement paste ranges 25–35 MPa, highlighting the system's potential as a viable cement paste substitute. Microstructural analyses XRD, FTIR, FESEM confirmed the formation of siderite, calcite, goethite, and dense low-porosity matrices, while TGA-DTG validated CO? uptake via carbonate formation. Over 75 % of the binder consists of upcycled industrial waste, supporting circular economy goals and significantly reducing embodied carbon. The generalized regression model enables predictive strength estimation across curing regimes and mix designs, offering a reproducible, scalable approach for developing high-performance, low-carbon construction materials. © 2025 The Author(s)Item Effect of CO2 curing on phase compositions of nano silica blended cementitious mortar partially replaced with carbonated recycled fine aggregates(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Trivedi, S.S.; Ansari, F.; Das, B.B.; Barbhuiya, S.This manuscript examines the quantification of CO2 uptake, hydration and carbonation phases such as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2, CH), calcium carbonate (CaCO3, CC), magnesite (MgCO3), hydromagnesite (MgCO3.Mg(OH)2.4H2O, Hmgs), siderite (FeCO3) and subsequent carbonation and hydration degrees (CD, HD) in cementitious mortar (CM) incorporating colloidal nano silica (CNS) and carbonated and uncarbonated recycled concrete fine aggregates (RCF) subjected to accelerated carbonation curing (carbonated RCF- CRCF, Non-carbonated RCF- NCRCF). The RCF was prepared through multi cycle jaw crushing technology followed by repeated abrasion cycles and subsequently treated using accelerated carbonation. The mass loss resulting from the breakdown of these compounds at specific temperature ranges (220–350 °C for Hmgs, 250–400 °C for FeCO3, 400–500 °C for CH, 460–900 °C for MgCO3, and 600–800 °C for CC and CO2) was calculated using a thermogravimetric (TG) analyzer. The main findings of this research work confirms the presence of vaterite, calcite, tobermorite (Ca2.25[Si3O7.5(OH)1.5].8H2O or CSH gel), and magnesite polymorphs for CM incorporating 6–9 % CRCF and 1 % CNS as validated by the increased areas of peaks from fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis at 714 cm?1, 875 cm?1, 1007 cm?1, and 1405 cm?1, respectively which is further recognized by the increased peak intensities in X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The important findings from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the development of additional C-S-H and calcite phases filling the pores and densifying the matrix in CRN mixes while the Ca/Si atomic ratio significantly decreased up to 67 % for CRN-19 mix as found by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The fresh and hardened state properties of blended mixes highlight the increase in dry density and compressive strength that are found maximum for CRN-19 mix of 57.9 MPa at 28 days owing to the highest rate of strength contribution of 27.95 % from the mix components such as 9 % CRCF and 1 % CNS. However, the flowability is observed to get reduced for all the mixes with CRN-13 mix illustrating approximately 83 % flow values with reference to the control mix. Furthermore, the durability performance of CRCF based primary mixes and all the secondary blends are found to show lowest ingress of chloride ions and permeable porosity values, illustrating up to 73 % and 39 % fall respectively to that of control mix at 28 and 56 days cured samples. Based on the comprehensive investigation and analysis, it is recommended to use pre-carbonated RCF and CNS for developing sustainable CM and achieving CO2 sequestration. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd