Bhubaneswar, May 9: The Centre for Nano Science and Nano Technology (CNSNT), run by the SOA University, has successfully developed a method for successful conversion of carbon dioxide to solar fuels. Researchers at the centre have developed a prototype for photocatalytic conversion of water to hydrogen fuel using solar light, its Director Prof. Kulamani Parida said. “The research centre, set up in 2013, is committed to acquire expertise in a broad range of topics including energy, environment and fine chemical synthesis which will fulfill the demand of future generation,” he said.
The workshop has been supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, New Delhi, Department of Science and Technology and Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Mumbai. Prof. Parida said CNSNT’s major thrust was in the area of nanofabrication guided by requirements of high degree of control at the nano metre scale. In addition, characterization of nano scale materials in order to fully understand their unique properties was essential, he added.
Describing Nano Science and Nano Technology as a vibrant subject, Prof. Nanda said it could be utilized to address serious issues like sustainability and environment which were global concerns. The central government had set up nano centres at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru and IIT, Mumbai. “The CNSNT was collaborating with IISc, Bengaluru while IIT, Mumbai had also assured cooperation,” he said.
A number of experts in the field including Dr. A.K.Tyagi from the Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, Prof. B.M.Reddy from Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, Prof. B.M.Bhanage from Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Prof. L.B.Shukla from Institute of Applied Environmental Biotechnology Innovation, Bhubaneswar and Prof. S.Gokhale from National Chemical Laboratory, Pune were attending the workshop as resource persons.
