# Tblproject

protitle:
Reconfigurable Microstrip Antenna with Beam forming and Beam steering for 5G applications

prointro:
The future of communication systems will be dependent on the success of 5G system as it is going to offer high data rate, high speed connectivity with low latency rate and high device density. 
End to end device communication for several real time applications are to be facilitated by 5G. The medical applications of 5G are tremendous like telemedicine, remote surgery etc.

proobj:
To implement reconfigurable microstrip antenna.
To design array of reconfigurable  microstrip antenna with beamforming and beam steering capabilities.

prometho:
1. Design of reconfigurable microstrip antenna: 
A microstrip antenna may be made to work in different frequency bands by making it reconfigurable. This feature is achieved by many means- 
-by using active devices: the microstrip antenna could be taken as resonant structure having inductance and capacitance in it which can be altered by the capacitance of simple semiconductor devices like Varactor diode, PIN diode or MOS.
-by using mechanical arrangements: several mechanical arrangements have been proposed in the past to change the physical specification of antenna to change he resonant frequency. These include cavity backing, Via loading , plastic deformation techniques. 
Design of array of reconfigurable antenna: 
Once the single antenna is designed, the array of such elements can be formed to design reconfigurable antenna array. Some amount of resonant frequency deviation is expected due to mutual coupling which can be reduced by using several decoupling techniques available [decoupling techniques]. Though increasing the separation among the elements can improve the isolation but will increase the overall size of the array.
Beam forming and steering through tuning the array elements: By using different algorithms to adjust excitation and phase of fed signal, the beam can be formed in desired direction. Number of beam can also be formed by controlling these parameters at different band of frequency.

prosummary:
The proposed work focuses on reconfigurable antenna with beam forming and beam steering abilities that can work in multiple 5G bands. The structure will provide frequency hopping with ability to beam shaping and steering. As per the need, the antenna will be able to provide multiple services in different band of operation. The antenna developed for 5G applications so far stick to single frequency band or wide frequency band but the frequency band is not selectable. If wide band antenna is taken, noise component will be high and designing multiband structure is very hard to achieve. The simplest way to work in different frequency bands is hopping over different frequency band electronically. This will keep S/N ration under desired limit and make reception more reliable.  By working in different frequency band multiple services with different power and radiation characteristic requirement may be given to different client or devices.

proEoutcome:
An antenna that can hop over different 5G bands.
An antenna capable of forming number of beams and can ster in the desired direction.


protitle:
Design and Development of high-speed textured surface circular thrust pad bearing for optimum dynamic performance.

proarea:
Fluid film textured surface thrust bearing

prointro:
Recently, surface texturing is emerging as a new technique to enhance the tribological performance of the hydrodynamic fluid film bearing. In this technique, patterns of micro-texture are intentionally induced/produced over bearing surfaces, as an array of discrete (micro-dimples) or continuous (micro-grooves) features. The idea/concept of applying texture features over bearing surfaces are actually borrowed from the special surfaces textures (scales) observed on the skins of marine animals and plants. For instance, the textured scales and aerodynamic surface of fish, helps in reducing the frictional drag. These micro-features are advantageous in terms developing additional load carrying capacity by hydrodynamic action as well reduces friction by acting as a reservoir of lubricant and entrapping wear debris. Some experimental studies are also reported to simulate the behaviour of surface texture in piston rings and mechanical seals over reduced model. These studies are basically performed using pin-on-disc apparatus. There is dearth of experimental study which can simulate textured surface thrust bearings in more realistic operating conditions. The main aim of the project is to design and develop energy efficient thrust bearing that can provide better steady state and dynamic performance. Firstly, numerical simulation will be performed to obtain optimum attributes of micro-texture for film stiffness and minimum film frictional power-loss. Secondly, the textured surface bearing with optimum shape and size will simulated experimentally. The numerical and experimental performance indices will be quite useful in the implementation of micro-texture in thrust bearing manufactured and used in industries such as turbomachinery, power plants, hydraulic pump etc.

proobj:
Development of a test rig to determine the suitability of textured surface in thrust bearings employed in turbomachinery.

prometho:
Work Plan: The project will be completed in a maximum of 36 months from the date of receipt of approval and funds from DST, GOI. 
Activity: The proposed work is planned to be completed within 36 months. This includes the establishing the test-rig, development of numerical model and experimental validation of thrust bearing system. 
I.	Literature dealing with the mathematical modelling of texture surface thrust pad bearings. 
II.	Mathematical Modelling of thrust bearings.   
III.	Deriving necessary flow governing equation (Reynolds equation). 
IV.	Non-dimensionalization of the generalized Reynolds equation (using reference parameter). 
V.	Non-dimensionalization of the three dimensional energy equation (using reference parameter). 
VI.	Finite element formulation in development of numerical model. (Application of Galerkin’s technique )
VII.	Use of mass-conserving fluid film cavitation algorithm. 
VIII.	Establishment of the convergence criterion. 
IX.	Formulating algorithm and flow chart to set the numerical solution scheme. Establishing solution procedure to compute fluid film pressure distribution by solving Reynolds equation using appropriate boundary conditions. 
X.	Mathematical post processing; Expression for different seady state and dynamic performance indices such as load carrying capacity, fluid film frictional power loss, fluid stiffness and damping coefficients etc. will be computed. 
XI.	Non-dimensionalization of the different bearing performance indices. 
XII.	Dimensionalization of the bearings performance indices as per the reference parameter. 
XIII.	Optimization of surface texture pattern (shape, size and dimensions). 
XIV.	Purchase and modification of the thrust bearing test-rig.
XV.	Testing and evaluation of bearing performance indices using thrust bearing test-rig. 
XVI.	Interpretations of the results, conclusions/design improvements from the mathematical model and experimental results from the thrust bearing test-rig.

prosummary:
Nowadays, machines are made to operate in stringent (heavy load and high speed) operating conditions. Bearing is a critical part of our modern rotating machinery such as steam power plant, Hydropower plant, nuclear and aerospace applications. The overall performance of such systems to a great extent depends on the performance of these bearings. Fluid Film bearings as compared to rolling element bearings are vastly used in industrial applications to support the extremely heavy loads and simultaneously providing better dynamic characteristics to the system. The performance of bearings is of paramount importance as a loss of energy by friction/material loss due to wear account for huge economic and environmental burden. Hence, great attention should be paid to design and develop energy-efficient high load sustaining hydrostatic/hybrid thrust pad bearings operating under stringent and precise operating conditions.
The performance of hydrostatic thrust bearing can be significantly influenced by a proper selection of geometric shape of the recess and lubricant used in the bearing system. With recent advancement in manufacturing, intricate recess shape such as sectorial, elliptical, triangular etc. can be produced relatively with ease.
Recently, surface texturing is emerging as a new technique to enhance the tribological performance of the hydrodynamic fluid film bearing. In this technique, patterns of micro-texture are intentionally induced/produced over the bearing surfaces, as an array of discrete (micro-dimples) or continuous (micro-grooves) features. The idea/concept of applying texture features over the bearing surfaces are actually borrowed from the special surfaces textures (scales) observed on the skins of marine animals and plants. For instance, the textured scales and aerodynamic surface of fish help in reducing the frictional drag. Also, natural texture on the surface of the frogs and lizard, help them to walk/crawl over the wet surfaces/walls. These micro-features are advantageous in terms developing additional load carrying capacity by hydrodynamic action as well reduces friction by acting as a reservoir of lubricant and entrapping wear debris. The beneficial effects of surface texture in fluid film bearings are recognized (theoretically) by many researchers over last decades. Some experimental studies are also reported to simulate the behaviour of surface texture in piston rings and mechanical seals over reduced model. These studies are basically performed using pin-on-disc apparatus. There is dearth of experimental study which can simulate textured surface thrust bearings in more realistic operating conditions. The main aim of the project is to design and develop energy efficient thrust bearing that can provide better steady-state and dynamic performance. This will be accomplished firstly, by performing numerical simulation to obtain optimum attributes of micro-texture (i.e. shape and dimensions) for fluid film stiffness and minimum fluid film frictional power loss. Secondly, the textured surface bearing with optimum shape and size will be simulated experimentally under given operating conditions. The numerical and experimental performance indices will be quite useful in the implementation of micro-texture in thrust bearing manufactured and used in industries such as turbomachinery, power plants, hydraulic pump, aerospace application, etc.

proEoutcome:
•	A numerical model will be developed to simulate the performance of high-speed thrust bearing used in turbomachinery. The developed model will be used to generate bearing design data operating under more realistic condition.
•	The usefulness of providing micro texturing over bearing surface will be explored numerically. This will provided optimum attributes (shape and dimension) which will better rotor-dynamic performance in the bearings. 
•	The thrust bearing having optimum micro-texture would be tested on the developed/modified test rig.  It is expected that outcome from developed bearing will be quite useful in the design of energy-efficient high load sustaining thrust bearings.


protitle:
Fabrication and Characterization of 2D Hybrid MXene Composed Nanostructured Materials for Future Energy Storage and Conversion

proarea:
Material Science, Catalysis, Energy Storage and Conversion

prointro:
	Explore the applications of newly developed hybrid 2D MXenes composed nanostructured materials for energy storage and conversion devices such as supercapacitor, batteries, fuel cell, and electrochemical water splitting.

proobj:
1. Design and develop new synthetic routes for 2D MXenes to address the difficulties related to present methods in terms of functional group, porosity, hybrid structure and interlayer distance.
2. Understanding the growth mechanism of 2D MXene, and thereby control their morphology, structure and surface area.
3. Design and develop the cost-effective approaches for the synthesis of synergistic 2D hybrid system composed of MXene

prometho:
This project aims the development of MXene composed hybrid nanostructured materials, an emerging group of 2D layered material as electrocatalysts for energy storage and conversion. The proposed work will be progressed around the emphasis on the synthesis method development, structural and functional synergies, and energy conversion and storage-related applications of MXene composed hybrid structure.

prosummary:
the proposed research proposal will be the development of process to realize electroactive MXene composed hybrid nanostructured materials for energy storage and conversion. Furthermore, the proposed study will bring a better understanding on the structural and functional synergies between MXene and layered metal dichalcogenides (LMDs), layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and transition metal oxides (TMOs). The multidisciplinary nature of the proposed work is strong, involving a combination of design, synthesis and electrochemical applications. As a result, the proposed study will be valuable in the areas of two-dimensional materials, electrocatalysis, water splitting, fuel cell, batteries, supercapacitors, nanomaterial, and electrode materials for future energy storage and conversion.

proEoutcome:
Much effort is necessary to develop efficient electroactive material and hence the plan of action will be as follows: 
(a) Develop cost-effective methods for MXene and their hybrid nanostructures 
(b) Deep understanding of physical and electrochemical properties of MXene and their hybrid nanostructures
(c) Establishment of basic set up for the electrochemical characterization and measurements of electrode materials
(d) Technology development for the synthesis of electrode materials by cheap and scale up routes at feasible economic cost.
(e) Decisive results on the potential and key parameters for the improvement and optimization of MXenes based nanocomposite materials for future energy applications.


protitle:
Experimental Investigation of Novel Frequency Null Detection and Removal Method for Microwave Breast Imaging

prointro:
Frequency selection is very crucial for scattered electric field data collection and microwave image reconstruction. Frequencies which produce very little or zero scattered electric field due to high losses are known as frequency nulls for microwave breast imaging system. Frequency nulls are present because breasts are heterogeneous medium for microwave signals. If frequency nulls are part of scattered electric field data then they result into slow and poor microwave image reconstruction. Detection and removal of frequency nulls can improve microwave image reconstruction quality. Adaptive and robust (breast model independent) method for frequency null detection and removal is required due to heterogeneous nature of the human breast models.

proobj:
Establishment of standard robust frequency selection method for better microwave breast imaging. This will help researcher at the international level.

prometho:
Scattered electric field data is collected by using mathematical modeling and simulation. The effect of frequency nulls on microwave image reconstruction is simulated. Now, novel and robust frequency null detection and removal method is developed by setting breast model independent threshold. Experimental validation is done after getting satisfactory results through simulation. Experimental test bed is going to be build using antenna system and breast phantoms printed by using 3D printer. Now, the method is validated experimentally using the test bed. Comparison of simulated and experimental results provide validation of this novel and robust method. This method will help researcher to improve speed and quality of microwave image for breast cancer detection.

prosummary:
First component of research work includes extensive literature review, mathematical modeling and simulation. A robust frequency null detection and removal method is going to be developed through mathematical modeling and simulation of microwave breast imaging system. Here prime goal is to find out frequencies which produces null scattered electric field due to numerical breast phantoms. Different types of numerical breast phantoms will be used to check the robustness of null detection and removal method. Null detection and removal will be developed and tuned by using multiple simulations. Second component of research work includes experimental test bed setup which can be done in parallel with first component. Antenna simulation and fabrication facilities are available with in university so it can be done faster. 3D breast phantoms are available as stereo lithography files in online repositories which can be directly used with 3D printer. Experimental validation and comparison are essential to validate robustness and correctness of this novel method.

proEoutcome:
Novel, robust and breast patient independent frequency null removal method is developed for microwave breast imaging. The method is helpful in the development of a standard frequency selection procedure for microwave breast imaging products. This research work is going to lay foundation for fast and accurate microwave breast imaging. Frequency null removal is going to open doors for direct inversion method with regularization. This proposed research work is helpful in the development of fast, accurate, low cost and mobile microwave breast imaging for breast cancer detection. Experimental test bed will help in the implementation of the artificial intelligence assisted microwave image reconstruction for better breast cancer detection.


protitle:
Design and development of 2D-MXene/conducting polymer based nanocomposites for  energy storage  and electro-catalytic sensing applications

prointro:
The oxidative polymerization approach proposed for the synthesis of polyaniline-based nanocomposites is a very attractive approach due to its simplistic nature, time effective and environmentally friendly approach. It is hypothesized that using this approach polyaniline-based nanocomposites can be easily be prepared by simple in-situ polymerization method leading to the improvement and advancement of some properties of nanocomposites for wide variety of application.
MXenes are a new family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides that were discovered and developed recently, that can be used in many applications. These applications include lithium-ion and sodium-ion energy storage systems, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and water purification. Due to its attractive electrochemical properties, good flexibility, easy processing, and high conductivity with minimal thickness MXenes can be the promising material, for sensors and energy storage application.
By combining MXene with conducting polymers such as polyaniline, it is proposed that we can tailored the properties such as high conductivity, higher surface area, higher electrocatalytic and energy storage activities etc. due to synergistic effect.
Thus, MXene/conducting polymer-based nanocomposites owing to their unique properties can be explored as the future materials for energy storage and sensing devices.
Based on the above-mentioned hypothesis the following research questions arises:
1. Can MXene and conducting polymer-based nanocomposites can be synthesized using the simple in-situ polymerization approach or there must be the development of another approach for preparing such nanocomposites?
2. Can the properties of conducting polymer be augmented by incorporating MXene with the polymer matrix? What might be the possible ratio of polymer to MXene in order to synthesize enhanced nanocomposites?
3. Whether MXene/conducting polymer-based nanocomposites can function as effective electrocatalyst for sensing devices and electrochemical energy storage? If yes, what will be the possible mechanism of this phenomenon?

proobj:
1.To design and synthesize a library of high surface area 2D- MXene nanomaterials having different morphologies. 
2. Synthesis of MXene and C.P based nanocomposites 
3. Comprehensive characterization and analysis of synthesis nanomaterials and nanocomposites. 
4. Chemical, electrical and stability analysis of the designed nanomaterials.
5. Detailed experimental investigations of the synthesised nanomaterials for electrical energy storage and sensing performance to predict possible commercial application.
6. To explore the possibilities of commericialization of MXene for enhancing MXene based research in India

prometho:
3.1.1.1.	Synthesis of MAX Phases and MXene’
MXene will be synthesized by etching process from a precursor MAX Phase. For the preparation of MAX Phase, Ti2AlC (Mesh~400) and TiC (99.5%, ~ 2 microns, Alfa Aesar) powders will be mixed in a 1:1 molar ratio and will be ball milled for 24h using zirconia grinding balls. The ball milled powders will then be heated to 1400 ºC in a tube furnace under a flowing argon atmosphere at a heating rate of 5 ºC/min and will be kept there for 2 hrs. Synthesized bulk Ti3AlC2 would then be milled using titanium carbide tips and sieved through a 400 mesh to obtain MAX Phase powders with an average particle size of ~32 microns.
Similarly, V2AlC powder (MAX Phase) will also be prepared by mixing V, Al, and C powders with molar ratio of 2 : 1.3 : 1, followed by 24h of ball milling, and heating at 1400 ºC for 4h. Finally, the MAX phase powder will be etched by using HF to yield desired MXenes. The Schematic representation for the synthesis of MAX Phase and MXene. 
3.1.1.2.	Synthesis of Conducting polymer (Polyaniline (PANI))
Polyaniline will be synthesised by the oxidative polymerisation of distilled aniline that is dissolved in aqueous HCl (1 M), using ammonium persulfate (APS) as an oxidant. Aniline (0.0215 mol) will dissolved in 30 ml of an aqueous solution of HCl (1 M), and APS (0.0268 mol) will be dissolved in 35 ml HCl (1 M). The oxidant solution would then added slowly to the aniline solution with continuous stirring at 25°C. The reaction mixture would then be stirred continuously for two hours. The reaction mixture will be filtered and washed with HCl (0.5 M) until the filtrate became colourless and subsequently with DI water until the filtrate became neutral. The obtained polymer will be dried in a vacuum oven at 60°C overnight. The green colour of the obtained polymer will be an indication for the formation of conductive polyaniline emeraldine salt.
PANI coated MXene nanocomposite will be prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization of aniline by keeping the feed ratio of aniline to MXene fixed. Calculated amount of aniline would be dissolved in an aqueous solution of HCl (1 M). Then, calculated amount of MXene will be dispersed in this solution and sonicated for 1 hour. Later on, both the solution would then be gradually mixed under vigorous stirring at room temperature. The reaction mixture will be stirred continuously for few hours. The reaction mixture will then be filtered and washed with HCl (0.5 M) until the filtrate became colourless and subsequently with DI water until the filtrate became neutral. The obtained composites will be dried in a vacuum oven at 60°C overnight.

prosummary:
First Year
Literature review (Mxene and Conducting Polymers based nanocomposites)
Synthesis of different kind of MXene 
Characterization 
Application study
Data compilation, writing manuscript and submission
Second Year:
Literature review (MXene based nanocomposites)
Synthesis of nanocomposites
Characterization 
Application study
Data compilation, writing manuscript and submission
Third Year
Literature review (2D Mxene and conducting polymers based nanocomposites)
Synthesis of nanocomposites
Characterization 
Application study
Data compilation, writing manuscript and submission
Throughout the project
Literature review for establishment of MXene synthesis research facilities
Identification of facilities and vendors
Procurement of instruments
Commissioning and installation
Fully functionalised lab

proEoutcome:
3 research articles
3 full conference papers
1 Supercapacitor based device development
Possibility of commercialization of MXene.


protitle:
SustainAble post-processing of Food/mEdicinal cRops using active and passive solar drying for diFferent climatic cOnditiOns in InDia (SAFER FOOD)

prointro:
With a strategic global goal of sustainable development in conception, there is a need to conserve both the natural environment and world’s scarce, non-renewable resources for our future generations. The growing standard of living must be such that it contributes to the prosperity, excel in non-economic aspect, and attain quality life. The sustainable development balances environment, social and economic aspects such that the enhancement of one is not at the cost of other. This forms the basic aim of implementing various programs, policies and projects. The UN estimates around 40% of food in India is wasted [1]. With 22% percent of population being under nourished, the food wastage statistics are alarming. Thus, there is a need for implementing sustainable methods to preserve food items such that their nutrition value is not compromised. 
The target of the present project is the development of sustainable technology for food crop preservation. There are food items like vegetables, fruits, milk, meat etc., which are more perishable than some other food like cereal, pulse and nuts etc. Another important category is medicinal plants that require storage, such that their medicinal properties are retained. A general outlook for food preservation is extending the life of a food by preservatives that retard their rate of spoilage. Food spoilage is a serious problem in India, where up to 30% of all fruits and vegetables spoil before being sold into the markets [2]. This is the result of a long and inefficient distribution chain as well as a lack of proper food storage during distribution. Produce often changes hands numerous times before finally reaching an end market several days later. During this time, produce spoils because of the lack of cold storage, packaging, and processing. Cold storages in rural India are limited in number, expensive to afford and insufficient to cater all the needs. The packaging used is often rudimentary and does not adequately prevent spoilage or keep pests out. Currently, only 20 percent of food produced in India is processed; 80 percent of all food sold in market is not dried, canned, or processed to prolong the shelf life [3]. During harvesting there is surge in supply thus, reducing the cost significantly on the other hand during off-season the prices are at surge this is due to demand and supply mismatch. An efficient way is to introduce a method that may be cheap, affordable and enhance the crop life such that its nutritional value is retained. A traditional approach is crop drying [4], a technique being used from ages. However, the loss in nutritional content is seldom quantified. This research specifically studies the impact of solar drying under different configurations to attain the best food quality in terms of nutrition value. The temperature of drying is a key parameter, and this study attempts to regulate the temperature through passive conditioning using PCM incorporation within the dryer. It is a well known fact that with increase in dryer temperature reduces the t it is often overlooked that it is at the cost of nutrient value [5,6]. Thus, effective temperature regulation through PCM during day/ night and its corresponding impact on the nutrition value will be studied.

proobj:
(1) Developing practical and innovative low cost active and passive solar energy based solutions to address the post-harvest food processing and preservation (2) Identification of potential PCMs for constant temperature solar drying in different climatic conditions of India (3) Develop the methodology for retention of nutritional quality of dehydrated food (4) Experimentally assess the solar drying in controlled temperature and quality check of dehydrated food

prometho:
(i)	PCM identification and incorporation within the active and passive solar dryer, and test the potential to control the temperature, during the drying process.
(ii)	Experimental analysis of constant temperature verses traditional food and medicinal crops drying in various configurations 
(iii)	Identify the pretreatment methods before drying to retain nutritional quality of dehydrated products 
(iv)	Measurement of nutrients in dehydrated food using standard test methods and minimize nutrient loss

prosummary:
(i)	PCM identification and incorporation within the active and passive solar dryer, and test the potential to control the temperature, during the drying process
(ii)	Experimental analysis of constant temperature verses traditional food and medicinal crops drying in various configurations 
(iii)	Identify the pretreatment methods before drying to retain nutritional quality of dehydrated products 
(iv)	Measurement of nutrients in dehydrated food using standard test methods and minimize nutrient loss

proEoutcome:
(i)	To provide a comprehensive review on PCMs suitable for active and passive solar dryer in different climatic conditions of India
(ii)	To identify suitable and effective pretreatment methods for retaining the nutritional value of food and medicinal crops, before drying
(iii)	Development of a robust test setup for active and passive solar drying integrated with PCM for studying the drying characteristics of food and medicinal crops


protitle:
Facile synthesis of 2D-MXene/conducting polymer based nanocomposites for high performance supercapacitors and sensing applications.

proarea:
Nanomaterials for electrochemical energy storage

prointro:
The oxidative polymerization approach proposed for the synthesis of polyaniline-based nanocomposites is a very attractive approach due to its simplistic nature, time effective and environmentally friendly approach. It is hypothesized that using this approach polyaniline-based nanocomposites can be easily be prepared by simple in-situ polymerization method leading to the improvement and advancement of some properties of nanocomposites for wide variety of application.
MXenes are a new family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides that were discovered and developed recently, that can be used in many applications. These applications include lithium-ion and sodium-ion energy storage systems, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and water purification. Due to its attractive electrochemical properties, good flexibility, easy processing, and high conductivity with minimal thickness MXenes can be the promising material, for sensors and energy storage application.
By combining MXene with conducting polymers such as polyaniline, it is proposed that we can tailored the properties such as high conductivity, higher surface area, higher electrocatalytic and energy storage activities etc. due to synergistic effect.
Thus, MXene/conducting polymer-based nanocomposites owing to their unique properties can be explored as the future materials for energy storage and sensing devices.

proobj:
1. To design and synthesize a library of high surface area 2D- MXene nanomaterials having different morphologies. 
2. Synthesis of MXene and conducting polymer based nanocomposites.
3. Comprehensive characterization and analysis of synthesis nanomaterials and nanocomposites. 
4. Chemical, electrical and stability analysis of the designed nanomaterials.
5. Detailed experimental investigations of the synthesised nanomaterials for electrical energy storage and sensing performance to predict possible commercial application.
6. To explore the possibilities of commericialization of MXene for enhancing MXene based research in India.

prometho:
The projects aims at synthesis and characterization of MXene from MAX Phase and MXene-PANI nanocomposites. The detailed methodology is discussed under three heads (a) Synthesis of MAX Phases and MXene (b) Synthesis of Polyaniline (PANI) (c¬) Preparation of MXene/PANI/ based Nanocomposite. 
1.	Synthesis of MAX Phases and MXene
MXene will be synthesized by etching process from a precursor MAX Phase. For the preparation of MAX Phase, Ti2AlC (Mesh~400) and TiC (99.5%, ~ 2 microns, Alfa Aesar) powders will be mixed in a 1:1 molar ratio and will be ball milled for 24h using zirconia grinding balls. The ball milled powders will then be heated to 1400 ºC in a tube furnace under a flowing argon atmosphere at a heating rate of 5 ºC/min and will be kept there for 2 hrs. Synthesized bulk Ti3AlC2 would then be milled using titanium carbide tips and sieved through a 400 mesh to obtain MAX Phase powders with an average particle size of ~32 microns.
Similarly, V2AlC powder (MAX Phase) will also be prepared by mixing V, Al, and C powders with molar ratio of 2 : 1.3 : 1, followed by 24h of ball milling, and heating at 1400 ºC for 4h. Finally, the MAX phase powder will be etched by using HF to yield desired MXenes. The Schematic representation for the synthesis of MAX Phase and MXene. 

2.	Synthesis of Conducting polymer (PANI))
Polyaniline will be synthesised by the oxidative polymerisation of distilled aniline that is dissolved in aqueous HCl (1 M), using ammonium persulfate (APS) as an oxidant. Aniline (0.0215 mol) will dissolved in 30 ml of an aqueous solution of HCl (1 M), and APS (0.0268 mol) will be dissolved in 35 ml HCl (1 M). The oxidant solution would then added slowly to the aniline solution with continuous stirring at 25°C. The reaction mixture would then be stirred continuously for two hours. The reaction mixture will be filtered and washed with HCl (0.5 M) until the filtrate became colourless and subsequently with DI water until the filtrate became neutral. The obtained polymer will be dried in a vacuum oven at 60°C overnight. The green colour of the obtained polymer will be an indication for the formation of conductive polyaniline emeraldine salt.

3.	Preparation of MXene/PANI/ based Nanocomposite
PANI coated MXene nanocomposite will be prepared by in-situ oxidative polymerization of aniline by keeping the feed ratio of aniline to MXene fixed. Calculated amount of aniline would be dissolved in an aqueous solution of HCl (1 M). Then, calculated amount of MXene will be dispersed in this solution and sonicated for 1 hour. Later on, both the solution would then be gradually mixed under vigorous stirring at room temperature. The reaction mixture will be stirred continuously for few hours. The reaction mixture will then be filtered and washed with HCl (0.5 M) until the filtrate became colourless and subsequently with DI water until the filtrate became neutral. The obtained composites will be dried in a vacuum oven at 60°C overnight.

prosummary:
MXenes are a new family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides and nitrides that were discovered and developed recently, that can be used in many applications. The main aim of this project is to synthesise MXene/conducting polymer-based nanocomposites possessing unique properties to be explored as the future materials for energy storage and sensing devices. The project aims to establish the set up and methods for MXene synthesis and later explore various nanocomposites with conducting polymers as electrochemical storage devices and sensors. The entire research will be conducted in three years as per the following plan:
First year of project:
•	Literature review (MXene and Conducting Polymers based nanocomposites)
•	Synthesis of different kind of MXene 
•	Characterization 
•	Application study
•	Data compilation, writing manuscript and submission
•	Literature review for establishment of MXene synthesis research facilities
•	Identification of facilities and vendors
•	Procurement of instruments
•	Commissioning and installation
•	Fully functionalised lab
	
Second year of project:
•	Literature review (MXene based nanocomposites)
•	Synthesis of nanocomposites
•	Characterization 
•	Application study
•	Data compilation, writing manuscript and submission

Third year of project:
•	Literature review (2D MXene and conducting polymers based nanocomposites)
•	Synthesis of nanocomposites
•	Characterization 
•	Application study
•	Data compilation, writing manuscript and submission

proEoutcome:
3 research articles
3 full length conference papers
Possibility of commercialization of MXene


protitle:
Waste Material Derived Nano-Materials for Improved Rheological Properties of Bitumen

prointro:
The current project aims to utilize waste products derived nano materials as an additive and fillers to bitumen mixture towards improving the rheological properties and performance in pavements. First of the waste product is lignin coming from paper and pulp industry which comes in its alkaline form from the paper industry. Lignin as an additive to bitumen can also be alternative to conventional polymers, styrene butadiene styrene co polymer (SBS) and alike, for making polymer modified bitumen. Lignin can be seen as a complex matrix that can improve the strength, load bearing capacity and rigidity of the pavement. Certainly, lignin can be seen as a promoter that improves the rheological properties of bitumen and gives thermal stability as well. Carbon based nano-materials (nanotubes) will be synthesized using the waste plastic that is another menace for the current generation. Nano silica will be obtained from silica rich biomass; in case rice husk. Nano materials as fillers will work for the improvement in performance of bituminous mixture in terms of aging, fatigue cracking, and rutting properties,. These nano materials and lignin will be used with parent bitumen for altering the rheological properties of bitumen and thereby improving the overall performance in various paving applications. The project is aimed to convert bulk wastes (plastic, biomass and lignin) and converting to wealth with benefits to the environment. The work is aimed at the utilization of the lignin towards improving the performance of road pavements and a step towards creating wealth from waste.

proobj:
The project has a higher objective of improving road pavement by using waster derived nanomaterial and waste lignin, a biopolymer and waste from paper industry. Few are the sub-objectives to understand and give fruitful output from the project.
•	Extracting lignin from different sources of biomass and/or derive from paper industry waste.
•	Synthesize nano silica from biomass and CNTs through pyrolysis of waste plastics. 
•	Understanding the effect of lignin addition to bitumen on the rheological properties and performance of bituminous mixture in road pavements.
•	Understanding the effect of nano materials as fillers to bitumen and see the effect on the rheological properties and performance of bituminous mixture.
•	Modifying lignin and its effect in improving the anti-stripping property of bituminous mix.
•	Functionalizing of nano materials and see its effect in improving the property of bituminous mix.
•	Evaluating and alternating the performance of bitumen mixture with addition of lignin and nano materials.

prometho:
Project cycle will be majorly having steps in repetition
1.	Extraction of Lignin from biomass and/or collect from Paper Industry and/or purchase commercially available Lignin
2.	Synthesis of CNTs through pyrolysis of waste plastics
3.	Synthesis of nano silica from rise husk waste
4.	Blending lignin/nano materials with bitumen as additive with or without modifications
5.	Testing and Characterization of Bitumen Blend / Aggregates
6.	Analyzing and Incorporating Changes Required

prosummary:
Work Plan
•	0-6 Months
o	Staff recruitment
o	Setup the project facility – purchase the chemicals and equipment’s required
o	Keep update on the current state of the art in the domain
o	Interact with the Industry to get lignin
o	Start with collecting raw material (biomass) for extraction of lignin.
o	Start with collecting raw material for nano silica synthesis.
•	07-18 Months
o	Work on extraction of Lignin from biomass
	Soda process
	Kraft lignin process
o	Work on the synthesis of nano silica and carbon nanotubes
o	Blend of extracted lignin and bitumen – proportions (1-5%) with/without SBS
o	Blend of nano materials and bitumen – proportions (0.5-2%) with/without modifications
o	Simultaneous testing and characterization of bitumen mixture
o	Publicizing work through conference and journal publications
o	Installation of procured equipment for CNT synthesis
o	Installation of procured equipment for Bitumen Characterization
•	19-30 Months
o	Synthesis of modified nano materials using amine modifiers
o	Synthesis of modified lignin using amine modifiers
o	Blend modified lignin and bitumen – proportions (1-5%) with/without SBS
o	Simultaneous testing and characterization of bitumen mixture
o	Publicizing work through conference and journal publications
•	30-36 Months
o	Publicizing work through conference and journal publications
o	Documentation and report writing

proEoutcome:
The outcome of the project will give a newer dimension to utilization of waste plastics, biomass and lignin in improving road pavement apart from its usage in converting to chemicals. Rice husk, a waste biomass will also be utilized to synthesize valuable nano silica. Waste plastics will be used in producing nano carbon materials which will be addition product from waste plastics apart from being direct additive to aggregate mixture.  Utilization of lignin, a waste from paper and pulp industry will help improving the overall economics of the process. 
•	Improvement in the rheological properties and performance of bituminous mixture in road pavements.
•	Indian subcontinent has different weather conditions and needs different properties in bituminous mixture. Nano materials will be helpful in designing the mixture with required rheological properties with the needed changes obtained with optimizing the loading and parameters.
•	Conventional polymers used in the synthesis of polymer modified bitumen (PMB) are costly, lignin may act as an alternative to these polymers and thereby affect the cost of PMB significantly. Lignin with modifications can be seen to target improvement in the specific property of bitumen
•	The research output will help other researchers in the area to further explore nano materials and lignin utilization.


protitle:
Electrostatic Spray and CVD Based Textured and Solid Lubricated cBN-TiAlN-Graphene Coatings for Cutting Tools

prointro:
The machine tool industry has a market size of ~ $ 2.9 billion in India, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20%. The India’s tool manufacturing industry positioned itself as one of the major players in the global markets. As per Gardner Research Survey conducted in 2017, India ranks 12th in the global production and 8th in consumption. As many international companies (e.g. Lockheed Martin) are setting up their manufacturing facilities in India in collaboration with their Indian counterparts and fueling a rapid growth in the Indian manufacturing sector, there is a growing demand for several machining tools. At this juncture, ensuring the development of high quality tools with longer life times and better lubrication capabilities becomes a critical factor in order to minimize the down time in manufacturing and reduce the total expenditures.

proobj:
A.	Developing a new coating methodology in combination of CVD and Electrostatic Spray for coating the cutting tools and perform case studies on cBN-TiAlN coatings
B.	Deposition of graphene on the textured cBN-TiAlN coatings and evaluate its lubricating characteristics

prometho:
This project proposes to develop the discontinuous or porous particulate cBN coatings initially on the tool by an electrostatic spray process following which the CVD deposition of TiAlN, and then graphene will be deposited to obtain the coatings in two different and consecutive steps. Although graphene might be a continuous layer to begin with, where the coating covered the whole tool surface, but as the machining starts, it gets polished. In our proposed approach of developing these tool coatings, the CVD deposition of TiAlN ensures a strong composite base for cBN-TiAlN coatings with TiAlN matrix and hard cBN dispersion. On top, the deposition of graphene layers completes the filling process of the valley texture between the cBN particulates. The high strength/hard cBN particulates should provide the cutting operation, whereas TiAlN should provide the high strength matrix to hold the cBN particulates along with good thermal conductivity. The graphene layers (top layers) in between the cBN particulates are expected to provide lubrication as well as faster heat dissipation from the work piece/tool interface. The advantages of these coatings lies in the deposition of graphene in the valley structures where it should be retained until the wear of the cBN particles takes place and provide a good lubricity between the work piece/tool interface. At the same time, any excessive wear of graphene in the valleys could yet lead to reduced contact area between the work piece and the coating, which could again become an advantage for the reduced friction and the temperature rise during the machining process. On top, the oxidation of graphene during the machining operation could form graphene oxide, which could be exploited as a lubricant with the addition of small amounts of water during the operation, unlike the oxidized MoS2. Thus, the above proposed coatings will be investigated for their performance while machining Ti and Ni based alloys that are usually known as “hard to machine” materials due to the chemical interaction between the work piece and the tool. The studies proposed are expected to provide a reference for the application of textured composite coatings while implementing graphene as a lubricant as well as a good thermal conducting agent in the coatings.

prosummary:
A.	Developing a new coating methodology in combination of CVD and Electrostatic Spray for coating the cutting tools and perform case studies of cBN-TiAlN coatings
     In this objective, the focus will be on developing cBN-TiAlN composite coatings on tungsten carbide tool substrate. This will be achieved by combination of electrostatic spray and CVD processes in sequence. Initially, cBN particles will be deposited using electrostatic spray on the tool substrate. As the cBN particles get charged in the spray gun they get sprayed onto the substrate/tool that is connected to the opposite polarity where they are stuck through electrostatic forces. However, these coatings are not physically very strong and do not possess any mechanical strength. In fact, due to the random shape and sizes of the cBN particles, the electrostatic spray deposited coatings will end up having discontinuity and porosity. Following this, the CVD technique will be implemented. The TiO2 and Al powders will be mixed in equal weight ratio and then placed inside the CVD chamber, and for Nitrogen source the commercial grade N2 gas will be used. Deposition of TiAlN will be carried out at three to four different temperatures in order to ensure a good quality and enough strength in the composite coatings of cBN-TiAlN. After completion of CVD, the preliminary scratch tests will be done on the coatings in order to ensure their adhesion/strength using standard scratch tests. The phase and composition of TiAlN coatings will also be confirmed using X-ray diffraction and Energy Dispersive X-ray analyses, respectively. Once the coating process optimization is done, the coatings will be evaluated for their hardness and mechanical integrity using the Vickers’s hardness and scratch tests.

B.	Deposition of graphene on the textured cBN-TiAlN coatings and evaluate it lubricating characteristics

After first stage of coating, the tool will be coated with a solid lubricant i.e., graphene. Graphene deposition will be done in two independent methods – (a) CVD deposition, and (b) Tumbling method. However, for lubrication performance tests, a cylindrical bar with flat surfaces will also be coated with cBN-TiAlN-Graphene along with the tools, and then used for pin-on-disc measurements

C. Perform the machining operations on Ti and Ni alloys with the above proposed coatings on the tool inserts
In order to evaluate the performance of the coated tools, machining experiments will be conducted on Ti and Ni based alloys. Selection of these materials based on the fact that these materials are considered to be the difficult to cut materials.
D. Evaluate the performance of above coatings and understand their wear mechanism
In this study we will be mainly concentrating on the flank wear and crater wear to assess the machining performance of the tool. Maximum flank wear width and crater depth will be used to assess the tool failure criterion

proEoutcome:
•	In-situ textured surface of the tool during the deposition stage itself
•	Provide the room for solid lubricant coating (e.g. graphene) and facilitating in solid lubrication on the textured morphology of the tool coating
•	Low cost process when compared with the PVD/CVD coating technologies
•	Proposed coating strategy has the potentials to replace/reduce the usage of cutting fluid thereby enable the coating technologies one step closer to the green manufacturing.
Product: Reduce the usage of cutting fluids and provide good services for machining applications, where the enhanced tool life along with reduced friction, wear and temperature rise will enable this technology to be more attractive from the commercial point of view


protitle:
Solar powered solid desiccant + liquid desiccant incorporated VCR based space cooling system for hot and humid condition

prointro:
The global energy consumption is increases at rapid rate and is expected to rise by 50% within the time frame of 2010 to 2040 as shown in Fig. 1(a) while the growth of annual energy demand by end-use sectors during the same time frame is shown in Fig. 1(b) [0]. This rapid rise on energy consumption further increases the CO2 emission probably by 10% in the time frame of 2017-2040 [0]. So, it is necessary to take the forward steps to save the climate as per the target set by Paris climate agreement [0]. This situation leads towards the dual challenge where we have to meet the required energy demand with less CO2 emission. Further, the building sector needs approximately. Brookings India’s report predicts the uplift in the total commercial electricity share (by air-conditioning) from the current 50% to 75% by 2030 [1]. The same report predicts the household comfort demand will increase its power usage share from the contemporary 7% to 45% by 2030. Thus today’s need, particularly in India, is to address this energy demand required for the space cooling purpose. The same is possible by developing an energy efficient cooling system which reduces the requirement of high grade energy like electricity.

proobj:
This project focuses on the implementation of the combine solid and liquid desiccant with VCR system with the following goals.
(i) Developed thermo-economic numerical modeling of the hybrid system
(ii) Determination of optimum operating (i.e. liquid desiccant flow rate, speed of the solid desiccant wheel, refrigerant flow rate in the VCR system etc.) and geometric parameters (i.e. height of the desiccant column, mesh size of the desiccant wheel, heat exchanger parameters etc.) of the hybrid system to maximize the energy saving from numerical modeling by adapting optimization algorithm.
(iii) Based on the numerical analysis and optimization, developed a design module of the proposed system which can gives the required size of the hybrid system for specified comfort condition and atmospheric air quality.
(iv) Experimental investigation to determine system performance for various atmospheric air qualities (i.e. Air temperature, air humidity)  
(v) Evaluation of energy saving, economic analysis and payback period of the proposed system as compared to standalone VCR system.

prometho:
Objective – 1: Developed thermo-economic numerical modeling of the hybrid system:
	The numerical modeling of the proposed system includes the modeling of various sub components of the system as mention below.
(1) Dehumidifier and regenerator modeling: A packed bed column with randomized packing structure counter-flow dehumidifier and counter-flow regenerator is adopted in the proposed work. The simultaneous heat and mass transfer occurring in the dehumidifier or regenerator can be predicted well by solving the governing differential equations (mentioned below) numerically (finite difference model). Runge-Kutta fourth order numerical method is used to solve system of differential equations resulted from mass and energy balance for both 
(2) Air-to-Air heat exchanger (HE 1) modeling: This heat exchanger is used for the pre-cooling of atmospheric air stream entering the evaporator by heating the air stream exiting the evaporator as it needed to bring the air to comfort condition. Due to air as the interacting fluids only, the compact plain plate-fin heat exchanger is selected. 
(3) Evaporator modeling: A fin and tube heat exchanger is used as an evaporator to extract the heat from the air. The recently developed refrigerant R515B (replacement of R134a) is used in evaporator. The R515B have zero ODP and GWP is of around 293.

(4) Condenser modeling: A shell and tube heat exchanger is used as a condenser. Proposed system uses condenser heat for liquid desiccant regeneration by heating the weak desiccant exiting the dehumidifier. 

(5) Water-to-Desiccant heat exchanger (HE 1) modeling: This heat exchanger is used to cool the strong desiccant solution from regenerator to perform well in dehumidifier again. Shell and tube heat exchanger is considered with water inside the tubes and desiccant in shell.

(6) Economic modelling: Assessment of work required for the VCR system, pumps, and fans are evaluated to obtain the running cost. Based on the design of various components as mention above in point 1 to 5, capital cost of the system is evaluated. Finally based on both the cost total cost of the system can predicate.
  
Objective – 2: Second objective of the proposed project will achieved by adapting the “Heat Transfer Search (HTS)” [YY] optimization algorithm to the numerical model developed during the fulfillment of the 1st objective. HTS is an efficient optimization algorithm for the optimization of any engineering problem. HTS algorithm is applied to obtain the best operating parameter (e.g. liquid desiccant flow rate, speed of the solid desiccant wheel, refrigerant flow rate in the VCR system etc.) and geometric parameter (e.g. height of the desiccant column, mesh size of the desiccant wheel, heat exchanger parameters etc.) of the system to maximize the energy saving.

Objective – 3: After finalizing geometric and operating parameters, the fabrication of actual system is started. Few components which are decided based on selection (like Compressor of VCR system, expansion valve, pump, fans, solar panel etc.) can be purchased directly while remaining components will fabricated in the workshop as per the obtain optimized design. Objective – 4: Once the entire set-up is fabricated and assembled, actual experiments are started. The experiments will conduct for different air temperature and air humidity throughout the year. Further, the experiments will also conduct to identify the effect of various operating pavements on the performance of the system. Also compile the data of energy required during each experiment scenario which will used to evaluate economic benefit of the proposed system.

Objective – 5: Based on the results obtained with the help of experiments, economic evaluation of the proposed system is carried out by comparing it with the energy required for standalone VCR system to handle the same cooling load. Through the economic analysis it will be possible to find out the breakeven point of the proposed system as compared to standalone VCR system

prosummary:
As mentioned earlier that expected rise of the global energy consumption is about 50% within the time frame of 2010 to 2040. The building sector needs approximately one third of the predicated global energy for the space cooling/heating purpose. Further, the rise in annual demand of the building sector is more than the other end-use sectors [0]. In building sector, the space cooling equipment will consume the maximum electricity and account for approximately 30% of global energy need by 2050 [00]. One of the main reasons behind this scenario is global warming which further increases the cooling degrees days [000]. The effect of cooling degree days is more in India as compared to other part of the world. In our country, air-condition used for the space cooling is worked with the vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) technology. The VCR system runs with the high grade energy (i.e. electricity). For energy saving, the VCR system is incorporated with the desiccant. In desiccant incorporated VCR system, as a desiccant material, liquid or solid desiccant can be used with VCR system. Both, solid and liquid desiccant have its own advantage and disadvantage. In recent time, researchers tried to incorporate either solid or liquid desiccant based system with VCR system. Thus, there investigation is limited only up to utilization of either liquid or solid desiccant system with VCR system. Energy saving potential of combine solid and liquid desiccant along with VCR system had yet to explore. The hybridization of liquid desiccant and solid dehumidification with vapour compression based refrigeration systems can improve the overall system performance and hence add on the aspect of energy conservation and efficient air moisture removal process for hot and humid climates. This project focuses on the implementation of the combine solid and liquid desiccant with VCR system. In that way the proposed project leads toward the development of the energy efficient system which can address the dual challenge of higher energy requirement with less CO2 emission in coming years. The pictorial view of the gap between the present system and proposed system is shown in Fig. 2

proEoutcome:
---- Demonstration of the project to various peoples from the different industrial, government, and commercial sectors, college students, and individual peoples with economic benefit of the proposed system as compared to existing system.
--- The proposed system design will be given to various industrial sectors, government sectors, and commercial sectors with the economic benefit so they can adopted it and in turn save the considerable amount of electricity    	
---- Output of the research work will published in the journals like Energy, Energy Conversion and Management, Building Energy, Applied Energy etc.so the research community across the globe can get benefited from the proposed technology


prometho:
The proposed work is planned to be completed within 36 months. This includes the establishing the test-rig, development of numerical model and experimental validation of thrust bearing system. 
I.	Literature dealing with the mathematical modelling of texture surface thrust pad bearings. 
II.	Mathematical Modelling of thrust bearings.   
III.	Deriving necessary flow governing equation (Reynolds equation). 
IV.	Non-dimensionalization of the generalized Reynolds equation (using reference parameter). 
V.	Non-dimensionalization of the three dimensional energy equation (using reference parameter). 
VI.	Finite element formulation in development of numerical model. (Application of Galerkin’s technique )
VII.	Use of mass-conserving fluid film cavitation algorithm. 
VIII.	Establishment of the convergence criterion. 
IX.	Formulating algorithm and flow chart to set the numerical solution scheme. Establishing solution procedure to compute fluid film pressure distribution by solving Reynolds equation using appropriate boundary conditions. 
X.	Mathematical post processing; Expression for different seady state and dynamic performance indices such as load carrying capacity, fluid film frictional power loss, fluid stiffness and damping coefficients etc. will be computed. 
XI.	Non-dimensionalization of the different bearing performance indices. 
XII.	Dimensionalization of the bearings performance indices as per the reference parameter. 
XIII.	Optimization of surface texture pattern (shape, size and dimensions). 
XIV.	Purchase and modification of the thrust bearing test-rig.
XV.	Testing and evaluation of bearing performance indices using thrust bearing test-rig. 
XVI.	Interpretations of the results, conclusions/design improvements from the mathematical model and experimental results from the thrust bearing test-rig.

prosummary:
Nowadays, machines are made to operate in stringent (heavy load and high speed) operating conditions. Bearing is a critical part of our modern rotating machinery such as steam power plant, Hydropower plant, nuclear and aerospace applications. The overall performance of such systems to a great extent depends on the performance of these bearings. Fluid Film bearings as compared to rolling element bearings are vastly used in industrial applications to support the extremely heavy loads and simultaneously providing better dynamic characteristics to the system. The performance of bearings is of paramount importance as a loss of energy by friction/material loss due to wear account for huge economic and environmental burden. Hence, a great attention should be paid to design and develop energy efficient high load sustaining hydrostatic/hybrid thrust pad bearings operating under stringent and precise operating conditions.
The performance of hydrostatic thrust bearing can be significantly influenced by a proper selection of geometric shape of the recess and lubricant used in the bearing system. With recent advancement in manufacturing, intricate recess shape such as sectorial, elliptical, triangular etc. can be produced relatively with ease.
Recently, surface texturing is emerging as a new technique to enhance the tribological performance of the hydrodynamic fluid film bearing. In this technique, patterns of micro-texture are intentionally induced/produced over the bearing surfaces, as an array of discrete (micro-dimples) or continuous (micro-grooves) features. The idea/concept of applying texture features over the bearing surfaces are actually borrowed from the special surfaces textures (scales) observed on the skins of marine animals and plants. For instance, the textured scales and aerodynamic surface of fish, helps in reducing the frictional drag. Also, natural texture on the surface of the frogs and lizard, help them to walk/crawl over the wet surfaces/walls. These micro-features are advantageous in terms developing additional load carrying capacity by hydrodynamic action as well reduces friction by acting as a reservoir of lubricant and entrapping wear debris. The beneficial effects of surface texture in fluid film bearings are recognized (theoretically) by many researchers over last decades. Some experimental studies are also reported to simulate the behaviour of surface texture in piston rings and mechanical seals over reduced model. These studies are basically performed using pin-on-disc apparatus. There is dearth of experimental study which can simulate textured surface thrust bearings in more realistic operating conditions. The main aim of the project is to design and develop energy efficient thrust bearing that can provide better steady state and dynamic performance. This will be accomplished firstly, by performing numerical simulation to obtain optimum attributes of micro-texture (i.e. shape and dimensions) for fluid film stiffness and minimum fluid film frictional power loss. Secondly, the textured surface bearing with optimum shape and size will simulated experimentally under given operating conditions. The numerical and experimental performance indices will be quite useful in the implementation of micro-texture in thrust bearing manufactured and used in industries such as turbomachinery, power plants, hydraulic pump, aerospace application etc.

proEoutcome:
•	A texture pattern will be developed to improve the dynamic performance of system through numerical simulation. A test-rig will be purchased and modified to test the performance of the optimized surface textured pattern. This test rig is able to measure various performance parameter such as fluid film pressure, load supporting capacity, fluid film frictional power loss etc.  
•	Results of experimental test rig and Mathematical model will be interpreted for various model of the bearing and lubricant (like ISO VG-46, 32). This result will be help bearing designer and rotor-dynamics engineer to obtain better performance form the bearing.  
•	In the work, effect of texture attributes and configuration will be tested for bearing performance. It is expected that outcome from developed bearing will be quite useful in the design of energy efficient high load sustaining thrust bearings.


protitle:
Stability analysis of hybrid sandwich functionally graded piezoelectric material plate under harsh environment

proarea:
Sandwich structures and nonlinear vibration

prointro:
In recent times, the dynamic stability of the structures is of prime importance for the researchers. The vibration control can be achieved in one or the other way which includes altering the material properties or by implementing and designing a certain type of active vibration control system. The former process can be functional by fabricating the structures in which material properties varied in accordance with certain mathematical rules across the transverse direction i.e. FGM. Since the material property can be varied up to a certain limit and hence structural vibration can be controlled within a definite limit. This can be overcome by implementing the active vibration control of the structures whereby the controlling force is proportional to the magnitude, nature, severity and several other factors of the vibration produced. The active vibration control is performed by fixing the piezoelectric layer on both sides of the structure surface which will act as an actuator and sensor, respectively. But due to reduced surface bonding abilities, low reliability and structural dissimilarities of piezoelectric ceramics may lead to separation from the host material. In addition, the aforementioned possibilities intensified when structures working under harsh environments. This disadvantage can be abridged by continuously graded the piezoelectric material and the host material across the transverse direction in order to have good bonding and high reliability. Also, the effect of structural dissimilarities can be avoided. There is the dearth of an experimental study that can simulate functionally graded piezoelectric materials (FGPMs) in more realistic operating conditions. The main aim of the project is to design and develop a sandwich plate with functionally graded piezoelectric material that can provide more efficient and precise control of vibrating structures. 
This will be accomplished by modeling and designing the functions that define the volume fraction of the constituent materials for the sandwich FGM plate with FGPM layers. Then, to determine the optimum configuration based on the deflection and stresses developed across the sandwich plate under different working environments. The optimized configured sandwich plate will be simulated experimentally under given operating conditions. The numerical and experimental performance indices will be quite useful in the implementation of functionally graded piezoelectric layers to be used in industries such as aerospace, naval, ships, etc.

proobj:
The newly proposed mathematical model and developed plate configuration will assist in analysing and controlling the structures subjected to high excitations and working in harsh environment.

prometho:
The formulation for plate problem begins with selecting the plate theory which will capture the realistic displacement field for a particular problem. The mathematical formulation then begins with determining the effective material properties based on volume fraction of constituent material for hybrid sandwich FGPM plate. Next step in formulation is to determine the type of nonlinearity that will exist in the present problem. The formulation porosity model and temperature distribution in which distribution of micro-voids and temperature are in accordance with material property variation in the thickness direction.The nonlinear temperature distribution is modelled using 1D steady state heat conduction equation. The Hamiltonian formulation is implemented to derive resulting governing equations. The assessment of the nonlinear behavior of hybrid sandwich FGPM plate qualitatively for predicting the stability such as periodic, quasi-periodic, chaotic etc. is performed by different tools

prosummary:
The present project will result in an analysis of new hybrid sandwich functionally graded piezoelectric material plate in which constituent material of host material and piezoelectric material are also continuously graded at the interfaces. In addition, stability of the plate vibration is analysed qualitatively and quantitatively based on geometrically nonlinear dynamics tools. In this project numerical and experimental simulations will be performed on hybrid sandwich functionally graded piezoelectric plate resting on different boundary conditions and working in different working conditions. The results and major conclusions from this work will provide designers with desired information/database to design the optimized plate configuration prior to manufacturing and conducting hit and trial experiments on the structures.

proEoutcome:
The results and major conclusions from this work will provide designers with the desired information/database to design the optimized plate configuration prior to manufacturing and conducting hit and trial experiments on the structures.


protitle:
Solar powered integrated solid and liquid desiccant incorporated vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) based space cooling system for hot and humid condition in India

prointro:
The global energy consumption is increases at rapid rate and is expected to rise by 50% within the time frame of 2010 to 2040. This rapid rise on energy consumption further increases the CO2 emission probably by 10% in the time frame of 2017-2040. So, it is necessary to take the forward steps to save the climate as per the target set by Paris climate agreement . This situation leads towards the dual challenge where we have to meet the required energy demand with less CO2 emission. Further, the building sector needs approximately. Brookings India’s report predicts the uplift in the total commercial electricity share (by air-conditioning) from the current 50% to 75% by 2030 [3]. The same report predicts the household comfort demand will increase its power usage share from the contemporary 7% to 45% by 2030. Thus today’s need, particularly in India, is to address this energy demand required for the space cooling purpose. The same is possible by developing an energy efficient cooling system which reduces the requirement of high grade energy like electricity. The vapour compression refrigeration (VCR) system is generally used for space cooling in commercial and house hold application. The space cooling (i.e. VCR based air-conditioning system) dealing with a significant latent heat load along with the sensible load is an intense electricity (high-grade energy) consumption case in humid and hot regions like India. Vapour compression-based refrigeration systems alone can perform both sensible cooling and latent cooling. As an alternative, the liquid desiccant or solid desiccant based air dehumidification concept can be proved fruitful wherein the humidity load (latent heat load) can be handled by the desiccant material. Also, desiccant dehumidification technology appears more attractive as it gives good air dehumidification performance. 
As a desiccant material, liquid or solid desiccant can be used with VCR system. Both, solid and liquid desiccant have its own advantage and disadvantage. In recent time, researchers tried to incorporate either solid or liquid desiccant based system with VCR system. Thus, there investigation is limited only up to utilization of either liquid or solid desiccant system with VCR system. Energy saving potential of integrated solid and liquid desiccant along with VCR system had yet to explore. The hybridization of liquid desiccant and solid dehumidification with vapour compression based refrigeration systems can improve the overall system performance and hence add on the aspect of energy conservation and efficient air moisture removal process for hot and humid climates. This project focuses on the implementation of the combine solid and liquid desiccant with VCR system

proobj:
This project focuses on the implementation of the combine solid and liquid desiccant with VCR system with the following goals.
(i) Developed thermo-economic numerical modeling of the hybrid system
(ii) Determination of optimum operating (i.e. liquid desiccant flow rate, speed of the solid desiccant wheel, refrigerant flow rate in the VCR system etc.) and geometric parameters (i.e. height of the desiccant column, mesh size of the desiccant wheel, heat exchanger parameters etc.) of the hybrid system to maximize the energy saving from numerical modeling by adapting optimization algorithm.
(iii) Based on the numerical analysis and optimization, developed a design module of the proposed system which can gives the required size of the hybrid system for specified comfort condition and atmospheric air quality.
(iv) Developed a methodology to integrate solid and liquid desiccant system. Also, developing a methodology to integrate hybrid solid and liquid desiccant system with VCR system   
(v) Experimental investigation to determine system performance for various atmospheric air qualities (i.e. Air temperature, air humidity)  
(vi) Evaluation of energy saving, economic analysis and payback period of the proposed system as compared to standalone VCR system.

prometho:
The above mention objectives of the projects are achieved with following methodology.
-- Numerical modelling of the proposed system to obtained the optimized design of the system
-- Followed by the fabrication of optimized designing of the solid and liquid desiccant system
-- Followed by the integration of desiccant system with VCR system and solar system
-- Followed by the Series of experimentation to evaluate the system performance 
-- Followed by the economic evaluation of the proposed system with standalone system

prosummary:
Step – 1: Developed thermo-economic numerical modeling of the hybrid system: The numerical modeling of the proposed system includes the modeling of various sub components of the system
Step – 2: Second objective of the proposed project will achieved by adapting the “Heat Transfer Search (HTS)” optimization algorithm to the numerical model developed during the fulfillment of the 1st objective. HTS is an efficient optimization algorithm for the optimization of any engineering problem. HTS algorithm is applied to obtain the best operating parameter (e.g. liquid desiccant flow rate, speed of the solid desiccant wheel, refrigerant flow rate in the VCR system etc.) and geometric parameter (e.g. height of the desiccant column, mesh size of the desiccant wheel, heat exchanger parameters etc.) of the system to maximize the energy saving.
Step – 3: Developing the methodology to integrate solid and liquid desiccant system with each other. Followed by the methodology development of integrate solar system with the desiccant system. Finally, methodology developed for integrating solar based solid and liquid desiccant system with the VCR system.
Step – 4: After finalizing the methodology to integrate the entire system, the fabrication of actual system is started. Few components which are decided based on selection (like Compressor of VCR system, expansion valve, pump, fans, solar panel etc.) can be purchased directly while remaining components will fabricated in the workshop as per the obtain optimized design. 
Step – 5: Once the entire set-up is fabricated and assembled, actual experiments are started. The experiments will conduct for different air temperature and air humidity throughout the year. Further, the experiments will also conduct to identify the effect of various operating pavements on the performance of the system. Also compile the data of energy required during each experiment scenario which will used to evaluate economic benefit of the proposed system.
Step – 6: Based on the results obtained with the help of experiments, economic evaluation of the proposed system is carried out by comparing it with the energy required for standalone VCR system to handle the same cooling load. Through the economic analysis it will be possible to find out the breakeven point of the proposed system as compared to standalone VCR system

proEoutcome:
-- Development of a solar powered solid-liquid integrated energy efficient cooling system which
drastically reduces the use of high grade electric energy and also reduces the CO2 emission --
Demonstration of the project to various peoples from the different industrial, government, and
commercial sectors, college students, and individual peoples with economic benefit of the
proposed system as compared to existing system. --- The proposed system design will be given to
various industrial sectors, government sectors, and commercial sectors with the economic benefit
so they can adopted it and in turn save the considerable amount of electricity ---- Output of the
research work will published in the journals like Energy, Energy Conversion and Management,
Building Energy, Applied Energy etc.so the research community across the globe can get
benefited from the proposed technology


protitle:
Smart Ecosystem to Facilitate Elderly People in Ambient Assisted Living Environment

proarea:
Engineering Science, Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering

prointro:
The population of older adults will be approximately 250 million around the year 2050 as per the estimation from the United Nations word prospectus in 2017. Due to the increase in medical facilities, the elderly population in the world is increasing at a rapid rate. As the number increases, the needs of the older adults are growing as well as the percentage of elderly persons living lonely is also increasing significantly due to social changes. This situation demands the solution of several problems such as loneliness, chronic conditions, social interaction, transportation, day-to-day life and many more for an independent living person. The goal of ambient assisted living (AAL) is to improve the way how older adults can live in a better way with the help of state-of-the-art assistive technologies.  The European Union has identified several objectives for AAL.
•	Living in a preferred environment with independence
•	Constant health monitoring
•	Promoting smart systems for better living
A considerable percentage of the elderly population may not be able to interact directly with new technologies. This situation needs some substantial development towards the use of assistive intelligent systems. This proposal aims to address the answer to this problem through practical implementation of AAL ecosystem by fulfilling the objectives mentioned above.

proobj:
•	Assisting older adults in living independently
•	Continuous health monitoring of elderly people 
•	Continuous activity recognition of elderly people
•	Real-time actuation for taking corrective measures based on health monitoring and activity recognition
•	Developing smart ecosystem for better living of elderly people

prometho:
1. Literature survey: The challenges addressed by state-of-the-art AAL approaches are listed . Though many solutions are available, there are still many areas which require more efforts in research and development.
•	Most of the articles haven't provided framework and architecture; the study is specific to the ad-hoc solution to a specific problem. 
•	Generalize framework and architecture is required to address the activity recognition problem. Interleaved and concurrent activities are discussed in very few research articles. 
•	Human behaviour is unpredictable, and each person performs activity in his/her way.  These are essential parameters for an ideal AAL system.
•	 Some solutions are promising, but the computational complexity is a major issue to provide real-time feedback to the occupants. 
•	Most of the available empirical approaches are performed in a very constrained environment makes usability limited to a very specific problem.
In this project, hybrid sensing, human activity recognition and actuation mechanisms will be used to develop a prototype AAL system which will work in real-time. 
2. Experimental Set-up: In this proposal, a framework for Smart Activity Recognition is proposed to develop an AAL prototype, as outlined. This prototype will demonstrate a complete ecosystem. The heart of the prototype will be a low-cost development board like Raspberry Pi. The cameras will be used as environmental sensors to monitor the activity of the elderly person in home. Wearable sensors viz. ECG sensor, blood pressure sensor and other sensors will be used to monitor the health condition of the elderly person at discrete instants of time. To recognize the activity, various machine learning/deep learning algorithms will be applied on the available data. Open-source libraries such as Keras, Sci-kit learn, Tensorflow, Theano and more will be used to develop the intelligent human activity recognition system. To test, validate and train the machine learning algorithms, standard UCI machine learning dataset will be used. The hardware platform will consist of high-end CPU and dedicated GPU boards. The whole monitoring system will run in real-time.
The outcome of the framework will decide the actuation. The intelligent control strategies will be used to achieve high accuracy. 
3. Results and Analysis: Experimental results will be compared using the following metrics for the validation of the proposed framework: (i) Classification accuracy, (ii) Confusion Matrix and, (iii) F1 Score.

prosummary:
1. Literature survey of AAL systems,
technologies used, available solutions, research
gap (0-6 months)
2.Sensor interfacing, experiments using ML
algorithms, find limitations and suitability for
proposed framework (7-12 months)
3. Activity and behavior recognition, Feature
Extration, Publication(s) (13-18 months)
4.Actuation algorithm and testing (19-24 months)
5. Proposed algorithm, implementation and
experimental evaluation, Validation,
Publication(s) (25-30 months)
6. Results and analysis, Final report generation (31-36 months)

proEoutcome:
•	Overall output: Smart Ecosystem
•	Products: Wearable health monitoring system and activity recognition system, Software which has complete implementation of health monitoring,  activity recognition and actuation for taking corrective measures using intelligent algorithms

FAScheme:
Scheme for supporting R&D in emerging fields of S&T on state priority areas under STI fund


protitle:
Material analysis and characterization using machine vision techniques

prointro:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a big role in modernization of industrial processes; design, analysis & synthesis of new materials; development of new techniques for quality monitoring and assurance; material life prediction; material performance with respect to changes in structural and elastic properties under various constraints such as temperature, pressure etc.; and most importantly quicker adoption of industry 4.0 standards. The researchers involved in such activities are from different domains and teams. The project proposal aims at developing strategies for easier incorporation of machine vision into multidisciplinary research activities irrespective of the profile of researchers and domain. This project is expected to enhance a wider adoption of latest technologies and tools for further multi domain process optimization.

proobj:
I.	Investigation on the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) for material analysis.
II.	Investigation on the usage of artificial intelligence for material characterization.
III.	Development of material quality monitoring mechanisms.
IV.	Development of a proper structure for choice and selection to be made while investigating a material.
V.	Popularize the use of AI with the help of knowledge sharing of research activities.

prometho:
The project proposal aims to popularize and ease the use of artificial intelligence in the area of material analysis and characterization. This includes not only visual domain sensor data (images) but also sensor data (single or multi dimension) from different spectrums. Hence, it enables the capture and subsequent use of various parameters representing different material properties.

prosummary:
Machine vision is a subset of artificial intelligence which involves image capture, manipulation, image transformation algorithms and smart system design. This helps in making process automation faster, reliable and highly efficient. It also leads to identification of new techniques for improved performance. Also, the material properties can be static or dynamic in nature which means that the developed models can be deployed in real time applications. These are further supported by highly advanced and cost effective computational hardware and software frameworks.

proEoutcome:
The fund utilization takes place in the form of Purchase of text books and monographs
Purchase of minor equipment such as workstation, laptop, etc, Purchase of software for research purposes, Travel support and payment of registration fee for invited talks or presenting a paper in national and international conferences, Travel support for collaborative visits in India and abroad, Travel support and other logistics for inviting students and young researchers for research activities.


protitle:
"Integrated Design and Demonstration
of Intensified CO2 Capture with cost-effective advanced Process. (INDIA-CO2)",

proarea:
CO2 Capture, Process Development, Thermodynamics and Kinetics Modeling, Simulation

prointro:
The present-day focus is to enable near-zero CO2 emissions from power plants and other carbon-intensive industries. Globally, power and industry accounts for about 50% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) can result with significant CO¬2 reductions from power plant industrial units (MI IC#3). One need of the hour is, therefore, to carry out disruptive research in the area of CO2 Capture, with aim to develop techno-economically efficient solvent for CO2 capture using regenerative chemical process.

proobj:
This project aims to develop a scale-up unit through engineering design, development, and fabrication for the demonstration of efficient CO2 capture in an absorber-regenerator system with significant intensification of mass transfer and micromixing by using efficient CO2 capture fluid

prometho:
A novel high capacity and high reactivity blended and efficient solvent for CO2 capture will be developed/screened/tuned from our existing research and experimental results which will be used in the capture devices. Experimental methodology consists of evaluation of thermo-physical properties such as density, viscosity, surface tension, thermodynamics and vapor-liquid equilibrium at wide range of temperature and pressure, Kinetic and rate modeling, process modeling and simulation A techno-economic evaluation of the amine-based process that will be carried out and compared with commercial benchmarked Monoethanolamine process to justify the amine under investigation is commercially competitive.

prosummary:
Design, development & fabrication of indigenous CO2 capture laboratory bench scale pilot plant consisting of absorber, regenerator, lean rich heat exchanger, flash,
and intensified CO2 absorber, etc., with the working principle of regenerative chemical absorption of CO2, in the activated and blended amine solvent. CO2 capture the Absorption and regeneration study of CO2-with selected solvent
system with respect to absorption and regeneration efficiency, effect of thermophysical properties and regeneration energy requirement. etc.

proEoutcome:
The outcomes of this project would be an effective Carbon Capture Process Technology based on regenerative chemical absorption. The solvent developed in this study would have desirable characteristics such as higher reaction rate with CO2, higher thermodynamic equilibrium capacity for CO2 absorption, lower regeneration energy requirement as compared to commercial amine such as monoethanolamine
(MEA).


protitle:
Immutable Lightweight Remote User
Authentication Scheme using Elliptic Curve
Cryptography

prointro:
With increasing focus of the government on smart city, need of focusing on Internet of Things(IoT)
based protocol designing, topological designing, communication designing, and security of data
becomes more important[1].

proobj:
With increasing focus of the government on smart city, need of focusing on Internet of Things(IoT)
based protocol designing, topological designing, communication designing, and security of data
becomes more important[1].

prometho:
With increasing focus of the government on smart city, need of focusing on Internet of Things(IoT)
based protocol designing, topological designing, communication designing, and security of data
becomes more important[1].

prosummary:
With increasing focus of the government on smart city, need of focusing on Internet of Things(IoT)
based protocol designing, topological designing, communication designing, and security of data
becomes more important[1].

proEoutcome:
With increasing focus of the government on smart city, need of focusing on Internet of Things(IoT)
based protocol designing, topological designing, communication designing, and security of data
becomes more important[1].


protitle:
Development of metaheuristic algorithm for real life optimization based on the simulation of thermoregulation behaviour of human body

prointro:
The optimization problems associated with any field of science, engineering, economics etc. are always complex due to involvement of large number of variables which may be continuous or discrete in nature. These problems also involve variety of inequality and equality constraints. The nature of the problem can be linear, nonlinear, quadratic, polynomial, cubic etc. based on its application. Further, the real life optimization problems may be multi model in nature and possess more than one optimum solution with different values of associated variables and constraint. All these characteristic makes the real life optimization problems complex and challenging for existing metaheuristic algorithms. Thus, it is necessary to developed robust metaheuristic algorithm which can address any type of real life optimization problem

proobj:
The proposed project is focused on the development of metaheuristic algorithm where individual equation is responsible for exploration and exploitation during optimization. To develop such optimization algorithm, it is necessary to identify and simulate the natural process which continuously changing its behaviour according to requirement.

prometho:
Identify the natural process which continuously changing its behaviour according to requirement. 
Mathematical simulation of this process for optimization
Experimentation on benchmark functions

prosummary:
The objective of the proposed project work is to develop exploration and exploitation search mechanism by simulating both the phenomenon of regaining the normal body temperature. The process of thermoregulation to conserved the heat is best example of exploitation (as the blood vessel constrict, the blood flow movement is slow). Similarly, process of thermoregulation to reject the body heat is best example of exploration (as the blood vessel dilates, the blood flow movement is increases).  
So, proper simulation of both the process results in an efficient optimization algorithm with individual exploration and exploitation search mechanism. The execution of exploration and exploitation search mechanism during the course of optimization is controlled by number of generation. So, during the early part of the search, exploration is executed while after certain number of generation exploitation replaces the exploration.

proEoutcome:
Metaheuristic algorithm with proper exploration and exploitation for real life optimization problem


protitle:
Studies on optical, electrical and microstructural properties of MoS2, SnS2 and MoS2-SnS2 hybrid nanostructured thin films for solar cell applications

proarea:
Nanoscale materials for energy-based application

prointro:
Solving the problems of decreasing fossil fuel supplies, environmental concerns and growing energy needs requires new materials and technologies for renewable energy harvesting, conversion, and storage. In materials science, one of the most studied material is graphene. Due to its rich chemistry and fascinating physical/chemical properties with a wide range of applications, graphene and graphene-based structure have been explored extensively for application like catalysis, sensing, energy storage, etc. Though being the best candidate with excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength with super-flexibility, graphene suffers from the intrinsic crisis of having metal like characteristics. The metal-like behaviour with zero band gap make it unsuitable for application in optoelectronics, where there must possess an optimum band gap. Other sister materials (Mxene, Carbon nitride, titatnium carbide, etc.) involve expensive fabrication process and harsh synthesis conditions. To achieve better efficiency, new materials are being explored in single or in combination to overcome the limitations of the existing materials like graphene.
The 2D layered transition metal chalcogenides serves as suitable substitute with easy synthetic routes and comparative physical and chemical properties. These have a unique layered crystalline structure, made of two different atoms within a plane and a strong iono-covalent bonding and a weak (van der Waals) bonding between the planes. The latter aspect permits controlled layer peeling, going from bulk down to almost a monolayer (just a unit cell thick). Different combination of constituents led to more than 40 distinct TMDs, among these the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is highly researched material after the graphene and it accounts to almost the half of the total research carried out on all the TMDs together. Its physical appearance is almost similar to graphene and is more privileged due to its low cost, high abundance, and non-toxicity.
The design of MoS2 NPs-Metal sulfide hybrids could be a good strategy to enhance the electrocatalytic performance of MoS2 by the synergistic effect of electronic injection to the parent materials. Because the similar material structure, the different band structure of the composite materials and the alignment of the energy levels at the interface can facilitate the separation of electrons and holes, as well as efficient and fast interfacial charge transfer. Based on this assumption and owing to its layered structure, SnS2 has been chosen as the partner to couple with MoS2 to facilitate the electron transfer which is the basis of majority of solar and energy based applications.
The proposed project involves the synthesis of MoS2, SnS2 and MoS2-SnS2 hybrid nanostructured thin films for solar cell applications. The hybrid nanostructures can be used as absorbers or as electron- or hole-transport materials in thin-film solar cells. Studying the optical, electrical and microstructural properties of the proposed hybrid nanostructured thin films will allow us to make advances in materials synthesis that can be generalized to have a broad scientific and technological impact.

proobj:
i.	The synthetic methods employed will be colloidal chemistry driven by thermal decomposition of appropriate precursors in the presence of ligands and surfactants. Metal sulfide nanoparticles with different properties will be integrated to form nanocomposites (i.e. hybrid structures or core-shell nanostructures and thin films). 
ii.	The nanomaterials will be thoroughly characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen physisorption surface area and pore volume measurement (BET method), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis and imaging, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy   (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). 
iii.	Studies on optical, electrical and microstructural properties of MoS2, SnS2 and MoS2-SnS2 hybrid nanostructured will be conducted in collaboration with the host institute (IIT Gandhinagar).

prometho:
This project aims to chemically synthesize hybrid metal sulfide nanoparticles by facile and economical colloidal routes. Synthesis of MoS2, SnS2 nanoparticles and their hetero-nanostructures will be carried out by thermal decomposition of suitable precursors under different conditions. The precursors will be either commercially obtained or made in the laboratory by simple preparation routes. The synthesis will involve the use of ligands like oleic acid, oleylamine, octylamine, docecylamine, ethylenediamine, etc. to obtain desirable morphologies. 
The prepared nanoparticles will be characterized by a complete array of techniques, as listed above, to provide complete information about their composition, crystal structure, size, shape, surface chemistry, and optical properties. The array of characterization methods available provides multiple measurements of the same quantities and related quantities to provide a complete and self-consistent set of properties that will allow the development of quantitative relationships among processing conditions, structure (size, shape, phase, and composition), properties, and performance. Additional characterization methods will be employed as needed. For example, for structures that exhibit photoluminescence (PL), we will measure PL spectra, photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra, and PL lifetime spectra. All of these characterization methods provide intrinsic properties of the materials. 
The electrical resistivity, carrier concentration, and the carrier mobility will be measured using the AC HEMS (Model: 8404 AC/DC HMS, Lakeshore at host Institute) For the electrical measurements pellets (1 cm diameter and 3 mm thickness) will be prepared in a pelletizer, Four probe contact of the pellet prepared will be made with the  Van Der Pauw configuration with indium metal and then electric and magnetic fields will be applied. The transport gap measurements and surface electronic characterization of SnS2, MoS2, and hybrid nanostructures will be carried out using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)/scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) analysis. The particles will be deposited on freshly cleaved highly oriented pyrolytic graphite by the drop cast method. STM images will be taken using the Pt/Ir tip (PT-10; Supplier: Bruker corporation) of 0.25 mm diameter and 8 mm length under ambient conditions using the STM attachment of the scanning probe microscope. Further, the local current-voltage (I-V) characteristics from the SnS2, MoS2, and hybrid nanostructures will be recorded in the STS mode.

prosummary:
To sustainably meet the global demand for energy, researchers are continuously trying to improve existing technologies and create new ones. Continuous research efforts have produced numerous options to address the environmental issues caused by the use of oil and gas as energy sources. Much progress has been made in this direction for the development of energy conversion and storage devices, including solar cells, batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. Despite much progress, their use is not a widespread due limitation of the properties of the material. The present situation demands the development of materials with low-cost, light-weight, high-efficiency and environment-friendly characteristics. 
2D Transition metal sulfide nanoparticles have been of great interest due to their unique properties which make them promising candidates for applications in diverse fields.[REF] Recently MoS2 has emerged as a promising material with a direct bandgap of 1.8 eV.[REF] Similarly, Among the 2DLMCs, group IV metal chalcogenides (GIVMCs, metal = Ge, Sn; chalcogen = S, Se, Te) provide an opportunity for sustainable electronic and photonic systems recently due to the low-cost, earth-abundant, and environmentally friendly features. 
The analysis on the web of science indicates that in the past 10 years only 11 reports are available on the proposed combination. The results of analysis incite the curiosity to investigate this combination, which is not explored much especially in India. Also, the rich chemistry of metal sulfide nanoparticles that combine unique optical, electronic, and magnetic properties with excellent redox reversibility has the potential for applications in diverse areas and hence can serve as components in many future technologies. Here, we propose the synthesis of hybrid metal sulfides in the form of heterostructures of MoS2-SnS2, Specific material combinations can be used as absorbers or as electron- or hole-transport materials in thin-film solar cells; as photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, or photo-electrocatalysts; and as electrodes in lithium-ion batteries or supercapacitors. 

The present research proposal aims at improvement in the properties of the material by coupling them synergistically to have better material characteristics. The proposed research intends to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of MoS2-SnS2 hetero-nanostructure to analyze their candidature as electrode materials and nanomaterials with enhanced properties and better efficiency, from a class of materials that consists of earth-abundant, low-cost, and mostly non-toxic elements. The proposed research would help us to search for answers to the existing challenges of energy conversion and storage.

proEoutcome:
After the successful completion of the project, we will have optimized the synthetic process for the preparation of MoS2-SnS2 hetero-nanostructure. 
Detailed investigation of optical, microstructural and electrical properties of synthesized hybrid and parent nanomaterials will give us insights about their candidature for different applications

FAScheme:
DST-SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING RESEARCH BOARD
TEACHERS ASSOCIATESHIP FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE


protitle:
Development of Low Cost and Flexible Memristor Devices for High
Density Data Storage and Neuromorphic Applications

prointro:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our lives significantly in the last few years. Even at the earliest stages of commercialization, we have seen the power and potential of AI to support workers, diagnose diseases, and improve national security. Conventional digital computers are not efficient for brain-like (neuromorphic) computing such as artificial neural networks, which creates a tremendous
demand in terms of memory as well as computation. The next stage of artificial intelligence requires devices and circuits that mimic biological processes efficientelly. In particular, memristor based synaptic device must be capable of learning in hardware. They must retain distinguishable states, be suitable for parallel computing and operate at high speed and low power consumption. Earlier attempts towards the fabrication of such devices have been limited by disruption of the synapse memory during reading operations. Essentially, the act of remembering can cause the synaptic device to forget. This proposal supports research to explore the synaptic mechanism that circumvents this issue. These devices will be based on the hybrid materials, which have a resistive switching that can be reversed by an applied electric field. These synaptic or memoristor devices will be made from perovskites, materials with organic and inorganic components that are loosely bound by van der Waals forces. This approach will enable the realization of high-performance devices by informing the selection of materials and circuits for neuromorphic computing along with the high density data storage. The results from this award will thereby benefit the Indian economy, national security, and health by enabling fundamental advances in the science and technology of artificial intelligence. The PI will also introduce and disseminate knowledge on materials and devices to enable AI by outreach to students.
The research objective of this project is to explore, understand and exploit the memristor properties and characteristics in halide perovskites for the development of flexible artificial synapses. The key idea is to exploit the non-volatile resistive switching in multifunctional perovskites. Van der Waals halide perovskites carry outstanding semiconducting property from separate functional groups so one could decouple and optimize properties. In this project, the investigatorss will predict and understand the intrinsic/extrinsic properties of proposed materials under external stimuli, and evaluate and
understand the device characteristics and performance. The investigators will synthesize high quality flexible thin film of halide perovskite materials, fabricate two-terminal artificial synapses/circuits, study the structural-functional relationship by determining the device performance. This work will, therefore, advance knowledge of fundamental material physics, memristor storage, synaptic switching dynamics as well as ideal circuit architectures of novel resistive devices based on layered halide perovskite materials.

proobj:
Objectives:
The overall goal of this project is to develop room-temperature solution-processed memristor devices for novel technological applications. The sub-objectives of this project are:
(a) Fabrication of stable Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite (HOIP)) thin films and memristor devices.
 Understanding the growth mechanism of the thin films by by AFM, XRD, XPS etc, and thereby control their nanomorphology and surface composition.
 Development of a process for fabricating stable and low cost memristor devices on the flexible substrate (Fig 1).
(b) Characterization of thin film and memristor devices for high density data storage and neuromorphic computation
 Developing the structural and functional relationship for the efficient memristor using electrical, optical and electrical characterization techniques.
 Measurements of the synapse functions, including short-term plasticity (STP), long-term plasticity (LTP), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), paired-pulse depression (PPD), and spikerate-dependent plasticity (SRDP) and develop the in-depth understanding establishes the device design rules for artificial computation.
(c) Modelling of the neuromorphic neural network and comparison of the neuromorphic simulation with developed hardware
 Design of the neuromorphic neural network model in traditional language (ie.in MNIST dataset).
 Implementation of the model in Field programmable gate array
 Development of the neuromorphic neural network based on custom developed perovskite-
based flexible memristor.
 Comparison of the performance of the developed hardware with the simulation results.
(d) Development of Multiferroic perovskite system includes
 Developing the methodology and design rules for tuning the structure-function properties
to optimize the magnetic ordering in RP perovskites.
 Establishment of the structure-function relations for optimizing magnetic ordering and
obtain a clear understanding of its origin(s) and mechanism to further facilitate memristor devices.

prometho:
This project aims at understanding the physical mechanisms of layered perovskite-based memristor device for different applications. Based on this, optimized stable memristors will be developed on flexible substrates at the lower fabrication cost. These devices can be used for data storage, quantum computation, circuit design and for neuromorphic applications at a later stage. The project execution strategy is summarized in fig. 4 and following are the details of the methodology to be followed:(a) Thin-film growth on flexible substrate and characterization: Development of experimental set-up to grow the layered mixed dimensional Ruddleson-Popper hybrid perovskite thin films on flexible substrates and thereafter study their crystallinity and subsequently control the film morphology to obtain the pinhole free film. As projected easier processability and low fabrication cost, a solution process spin coating methodology will be used for developing the perovskite films. Traditional 3D HOIPs will also be studied for performance comparison. The films will be characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photon spectroscopy, absorption, emission spectroscopy etc. for the optimization. It can also include the synthesis of a new organic spacer to enhance the stability and electronic properties in layered perovskite compared to the existing alkyl organic cations.
(b) Low temperature memristor device fabrication and characterization: Perovskite layer and subsequent transporting layers will be deposited on the flexible substrate by spin coating method. To achieve a uniform wet film of perovskite and transporting layers, control of solvent composition, the stoichiometry of the solute, substrate and solvent temperature etc. is necessary. The architecture used for the memristor device will consist of a perovskite layer sandwiched between two electrodes (anode/perovskite/cathode). Selection of either electrode is very important for the physical/chemical interaction to obtain the resistive switching behavior. The device performance will be optimized to improve its operating voltages (set/reset), data storage capacity and switching speed. These objectives will be achieved by varying the perovskite composition, electrodes, and interfacial layers. Scan rate variations, impedance analysis, and low-temperature characteristics will be taken under high vacuum to measure the trap distributions and characteristic decay times. Endurance, stability, and mechanical robustness testing will be done over several switching and bending cycles.

prosummary:
Conventional digital computers are not efficient for brain-like (neuromorphic) computing such as artificial neural networks, which creates a tremendous power demand. The next stage of artificial intelligence requires devices and circuits that mimic biological processes. In particular, synaptic devices must be capable of learning in hardware with low power consumption. They must retain distinguishable states, be suitable for computing and operate at high speed with low powerconsumption. However, the ongoing research is lacking of the low cost fabrication of such devices with flexibility and higher stability. This proposal proposes the development of the synaptic device (room-temperature processing, low power consumption, easier processability and stable) and explore the multiferroic perovskite by tuning the magnetic properties for neuromorphic computation as well as spintronic applications. These devices will be based on the hybrid perovskite materials, which have a spontaneous polarization that can be reversed by an applied electric field. This polarization can be read non-destructively by light, fulfilling the requirement for a synaptic device.
So far, most of the memristor devices reported in the literature are based on conventional 3D- perovskite using rigid substrates. However, these devices are environmentally unstable due to the higher sensitivity of these 3D perovskite with moisture and oxygen. In fact, this has been a persistent challenge for perovskite based devices such as solar cells, light emitting diodes etc. and the search for a solution led towards the environmental stable system. Moreover, the inflexibility of these devices makes them in-applicable as a synaptic device to mimic the neuromorphic functionality. Mixed dimensional layered perovskites which comprise of different layers of lead halide network sandwiched between insulating organic cations have emerged as the alternative in the field of solar cells and light- emitting diodes. The hydrophobic nature of the insulating layer between conducting inorganic layers will prevent the water ingression in device and thus higher stability of memristor with excellent charge transport properties.
Novelty of proposed approach and why will it be successful?:
In the current status, the major focus of the entire scientific community working in the field of perovskite is solar cells, light emitting diodes and photodetectors. The in-depth potential of this magic material in the field of data storage, computation, and neuromorphic is yet to reveal. There are only few reports on drift-diffusive synapses devices using three dimensional halide perovskite. However these perovskites are environmentally unstable and degrade on exposure to the oxygen and humidity. Ruddlesden popper perovskite or mixed dimensional perovskite are recently emerged as new class of perovskite with excellent electrical and optical properties. A new organic spacer other than widely used such as PEA, BA will be used to provide the better environmental stability and device performance. The part of this project also aims to develop the fabrication process for high-density devices on flexible substrates aligned with the electronic and medical applications.

proEoutcome:
The deliverables of the project are:
1. This project is expected to result in the development of a low-cost fabrication process to achieve stable high-performance memristor devices on flexible substrates. Based on the study and optimization of crystal structure and growth mechanisms of layered HOIPs, prototype memristor devices are expected to be realized.
2. A clear understanding of the mechanism of charge storage, switching and their relationship with materials engineering in memristor devices for neuromorphic applications.
3. This project will uncover the potential of RP perovskite thin films for flexible application in high-density data storage and neuromorphic computation and guidelines will be established for performance improvement.
4. This project will develop the design rules for tuning the structure-function properties to optimize the magnetic ordering in RP perovskites to enhance the capabilities of memristor devices.
5. At least two Doctoral level students are expected to be trained in the fabrication and characterization of flexible memristors.


protitle:
IoT Enabled Intelligent Energy Management System for Sustainable Energy Access for Future Smart Grid

prointro:
Development of microgrids demands higher penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) especially the renewable energy sources (RES) such as solar and wind. But the power generation patterns of RES, which are distributed over the grid, are intermittent in nature and dependent on location and climate, so they pose significant challenges for the predictability and reliability of the power supply.  From the utility perspective, DER, e.g., PV located close to distribution system loads can lead to power flow reduction, loss minimization, voltage profile improvement and loadability enhancement. However, the high penetration of this intermittent renewable resource together with demand variation has introduced many challenges to distribution systems such as power fluctuations, voltage rise, high losses and low voltage stability [22]. Such problems can be addressed by controlling DER using the seamless interoperability and connectivity provided by the IoT technology. As the underlying scientific and engineering research questions are being answered, there is no doubt that IoT enabled smart grid/microgrids will play an extremely essential role in future sustainable power and energy systems.

proobj:
	To design, develop, operate and control a test bed for an advanced microgrid through Internet of Things (IoT).
	Seamless integration of DERs (both dispatchable and non-dispatchable). 
	To achieve continuous and reliable power with the hybrid operation of DERs based on renewable energy with battery energy system (BES).
	Real-time monitoring and communication of smart-grid/microgrid parameters such as voltage, current and power to determine optimal generation set points of DERs.
	To mitigate network constraints which take into account uncertainties of load, distributed generation, network topology and Smart Grid interventions.
	To facilitate demand-side response that provide ancillary services for power system operation.
	To implement information exchange and communication protocol in laboratory environment to build an efficient smart-grid/microgrid test bed. This would support the researchers in this domain for designing, analysing and comparing different control techniques more effectively and conveniently.
	To propose optimized control of smart-grid/microgrid for minimization of energy losses.

prometho:
The plan of this project is structured into majorly four frameworks. 
I.	Microgrid Design
The prototype for microgrid is planned to implement which will have the combination of dispatchable generators such as conventional synchronous generator, non-dispatchable generators such as solar power generators and energy storage devices such as battery energy sources. The distribution network will be formed with the load nodes which demands real and reactive power.
II.	Control of generation and load to ensure optimal performance of microgrid
	The load demand connected at the nodes of distribution network which is continuously varying. The variation in this load demand greatly alter the power flow in distribution network, thus node voltages changes and real-reactive power losses in the system increases. The voltage changes and losses in microgrid can be minimized significantly if real and/or reactive of generating sources are coordinated with each other through proper communication network. 
III.	Communication through IoT
The exchange of information between generation and load through communication network play vital role for the successful implementation of microgrid. The voltage, current, real power and reactive power signals at generator end and load end are measured and communicated to energy management system, which can only be accomplished with IoT implementation. 
IV.	Energy Management System
Energy management system determines the optimization strategy for the operation and control of generating sources such that the microgrid should operate with rated voltage and minimized real-reactive power losses.

prosummary:
The plan of this project is structured into majorly four frameworks. 
I.	Microgrid Design
The prototype for microgrid is planned to implement which will have the combination of dispatchable generators such as conventional synchronous generator, non-dispatchable generators such as solar power generators and energy storage devices such as battery energy sources. The distribution network will be formed with the load nodes which demands real and reactive power.
II.	Control of generation and load to ensure optimal performance of microgrid
	The load demand connected at the nodes of distribution network which is continuously varying. The variation in this load demand greatly alter the power flow in distribution network, thus node voltages changes and real-reactive power losses in the system increases. The voltage changes and losses in microgrid can be minimized significantly if real and/or reactive of generating sources are coordinated with each other through proper communication network. 
III.	Communication through IoT
The exchange of information between generation and load through communication network play vital role for the successful implementation of microgrid. The voltage, current, real power and reactive power signals at generator end and load end are measured and communicated to energy management system, which can only be accomplished with IoT implementation. 
IV.	Energy Management System
Energy management system determines the optimization strategy for the operation and control of generating sources such that the microgrid should operate with rated voltage and minimized real-reactive power losses.

proEoutcome:
Following are the proposed outcomes of the project:

i.	Energy efficient and optimized performance of smart grid
	Voltage profile improvement
	Energy losses minimization 
	Automated and Remote Operation of DERs through IoT
	Demand side management for peak shaving
ii.	Development of research resources in the area of smart grid
iii.	Undergraduate, post graduate and Ph. D Students will get realistic exposure to in the development of smart grid design, operation and its control through IoT
iv.	Exploration for B Tech, M Tech & Doctoral dissertation related works.
v.	Training & workshop for students, faculties, industry persons and utility operators
vi.	Research publication in referred Journals/Conferences.


proobj:
To assess the employ ability of transgenders

prometho:
Both qualitative and quantitative data would be collected from 200 transgenders across the state of Gujarat through a self constructed questionnaire

proEoutcome:
In case of successful reality check on the mentioned issue, the research can drive the recruitment policy towards a flexible and biased free legislation. The need to address employees or the candidates approaching the organization for employment on the basis of their merit, skills and attitude will create an overall holistic and healthy platform which can enhance the organization and the nation.
After the identification of transgender in terms of skill, knowledge and attitude, there would be more bias free and less stereotyping in the society which would lead to more harmonious and stable work environment. The employers too could be motivated to employ more transgenders and have a positive outlook towards the community


prointro:
SG deploys various types of devices for monitoring, analysing and controlling the grid. Such monitoring devices are deployed at power plants, transmission lines, transmission towers, distribution centres and consumers premises, and their numbers amount to the hundreds of millions or even billions. One of the main concerns for SG is the connectivity, automation and tracking of such large number of devices, which requires distributed monitoring, analysis and control through high speed, ubiquitous and two-way digital communications. It requires distributed automation of SG for such devices or “things”. This is already being realized in the real world through the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The IoT is defined as a network that can connect any object with the Internet based on a protocol for exchanging information and communication among various smart devices in order to achieve monitoring, tracking, management and location identification objectives.

prometho:
1. Time varying power flow analysis of distribution network in presence of RES sources
2. Optimization of reactive power set points of DER to minimize power losses
3. Hardware prototype for smart grid with solar based power generation and battery energy storage

prosummary:
I.	Microgrid Design
The prototype for microgrid is planned to implement which will have the combination of dispatchable generators such as conventional synchronous generator, non-dispatchable generators such as solar power generators and energy storage devices such as battery energy sources. The distribution network will be formed with the load nodes which demands real and reactive power.
II.	Control of generation and load to ensure optimal performance of microgrid
	The load demand connected at the nodes of distribution network which is continuously varying. The variation in this load demand greatly alter the power flow in distribution network, thus node voltages changes and real-reactive power losses in the system increases. The voltage changes and losses in microgrid can be minimized significantly if real and/or reactive of generating sources are coordinated with each other through proper communication network. 
III.	Communication through IoT
The exchange of information between generation and load through communication network play vital role for the successful implementation of microgrid. The voltage, current, real power and reactive power signals at generator end and load end are measured and communicated to energy management system, which can only be accomplished with IoT implementation. 
IV.	Energy Management System
Energy management system determines the optimization strategy for the operation and control of generating sources such that the microgrid should operate with rated voltage and minimized real-reactive power losses.

proEoutcome:
i.	Energy efficient and optimized performance of smart grid
	Voltage profile improvement
	Energy losses minimization 
	Automated and Remote Operation of DERs through IoT
	Demand side management for peak shaving
ii.	Development of research resources in the area of smart grid
iii.	Undergraduate, post graduate and Ph. D Students will get realistic exposure to in the development of smart grid design, operation and its control through IoT
iv.	Exploration for B Tech, M Tech & Doctoral dissertation related works.
v.	Training & workshop for students, faculties, industry persons and utility operators
vi.	Research publication in referred Journals/Conferences.


proarea:
Household and Village Survey of 5 adopted villages by PDPU.

prointro:
As the coordinator for UBA 2.0 on behalf of PDPU, the project undertakes the household and village survey of the five adopted villages by PDPU.

proobj:
The aim is to link higher education institutions with set of five villages in order to contribute to the social and economic betterment of the adopted village communities

prometho:
The research undertakes the individual house survey and the village survey; the data need to be uploaded on the UBA portal and the action plan based on the collected data requires to be submitted in order to identify the potential areas where in the said Educational Institute can contribute

prosummary:
the survey of the five villages has already been completed and the data submission on the portal is in progress

proEoutcome:
the potential are to create the link between an Academic Institute and the villages are Education, Technology and Water Purity

FAScheme:
50,000/- has been credited to PDPU Account as First Installment


protitle:
Artificial Intelligent powered fake image or video detection system

prointro:
Recent advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) have facilitated many fake image generation techniques and tools. For example, the deep generative model is one of such tools that enables photorealistic fake image generation, which is almost indistinguishable from the real one. In this regard, fake image detection has become more challenging. It has become even more important for forensic setup, where the authenticity and integrity of the images play a major role in decision making.

proobj:
Development of a smart surveillance system by providing state of art fake image/video detection modality.

prometho:
Development of AI powered solution for fake content detection

prosummary:
In our proposed work we are going to address these issues and will provide a solution that will identify the fake image and will locate the tampered region. The proposed work involves the development of a deep machine learning architecture to detect fake images and localize tampering. Further we will investigate the possibilities to incorporate analytical models for better understanding the possible intention and impact of such fake images/videos on security, economy and social fabric of a nation.

proEoutcome:
(a) An AI powered software/API that will detect the fake image.

(b) It will provide the morphological information of the fake image.

(c) Analytical model that will provide the information of social impact of the detected fake image on the security.

(d) Analytical model that will provide the information of economic impact of the detected fake image.


protitle:
Forecasting and Predication Analysis using Clustered Data Visualization Models for COVID-19

prointro:
With the exponential growth of the spread of corona virus (COVID-19) worldwide, the need of technology is required to only predict the disease but also forecast its broad impact over the time. The series of COVID-19 is as follows as per the records from the Johns Hopkins University Center for Systems Science and Engineering (JHUCSSE), (i) the first case of COVID-19 person to be hospitalized in Wuhan on 16-Dec-2019. (ii) Cluster of pneumonia of unknown etiology reported on 31-Dec-2019. (iii) Huanan Seafood Market shutdown on 01-Jan-2020. (iv) Corona virus is isolated and named 2019-nCov. (iv) 2019-nCov gnome released on 12-Jan-2020 (v) First reported case of human-to-human in Guangdong on 20-Jan-2020 (vi) Shutdown of public transportation in Wuhan on 23-Jan-2020 (vii) Shutdown of private transportation in Wuhan on 26-Jan-2020 (viii) World Health Organization (WHO) named the 2019-nCoov as COVID-19.

proobj:
1. To study the pros and cons of the various existing Data Models
2. To prepare the analysis report of each data models that will be helpful for designing more accurately predict and forecast scheme for COVID-19. 
3. To apply the identified data visualizing models for COVID-19 and see the train model as to real time data. 
4. To propose a new data visualize model with reduced overhead and enhanced accuracy.

prometho:
1. To study the pros and cons of the various existing Data Models
2. To prepare the analysis report of each data models that will be helpful for designing more accurately predict and forecast scheme for COVID-19. 
3. To apply the identified data visualizing models for COVID-19 and see the train model as to real time data. 
4. To propose a new data visualize model with reduced overhead and enhanced accuracy.

prosummary:
1. To study the pros and cons of the various existing Data Models
2. To prepare the analysis report of each data models that will be helpful for designing more accurately predict and forecast scheme for COVID-19. 
3. To apply the identified data visualizing models for COVID-19 and see the train model as to real time data. 
4. To propose a new data visualize model with reduced overhead and enhanced accuracy.

proEoutcome:
1. To study the pros and cons of the various existing Data Models
2. To prepare the analysis report of each data models that will be helpful for designing more accurately predict and forecast scheme for COVID-19. 
3. To apply the identified data visualizing models for COVID-19 and see the train model as to real time data. 
4. To propose a new data visualize model with reduced overhead and enhanced accuracy.


protitle:
Battery Thermal Management: A Solution for Eco-friendly Transport in Indian Scenarios

prointro:
With level of pollution shooting up substantially and Air Quality Index (AQI) higher than 400 is a serious concern and is rated as ‘Severe’ by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).  The level of pollution in Delhi, NCR and 8 other cities was rated as ‘Severe’ during December 2019 and January 2020. The major contribution to the same is due to localized pollution and a significant amount of which is due to vehicular transportation. As per the Global Mobility Summit (September 2018) NITI Aayog emphasised on use of Zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and incorporate it in Indian Policy framework. With this goal, about 10 GWh power from Li-ion cells would be required by 2022 and five times of this (50 GWh) is expected by 2025. The major concern in these batteries are its weight, range and its life. Another important parameter is atmospheric conditions here in India. Contrary to cold conditions in western countries, the weather in India is mostly warm. This significantly affects the battery performance and results in thermal runaway. A battery pack needs cooling depending on the ambient temperature and its usage, as charging discharging of battery involves significant heat rejection, which results in temperature rise. It is observed that heat generation for a 3C battery can be as high as 27%. For Indian conditions, due to higher ambient temperature and harsh traffic conditions, air-cooling is not sufficient. Thus, there is a need to implement a unique system for cooling, that must be compact, lightweight and must be able to absorb and reject large amount of heat and maintain optimum battery temperature. This present study focuses on developing a Battery thermal management system that could be implemented in the EV’s thus, making them workable for Indian Conditions and enhancing battery life. Thus, providing an energy-efficient solution to the major cause of localized pollution in cities.

proobj:
•	Driving profile of the standard EV module and run through the energy demand profile while drawing the current and investigate the temperature profiles both through experimental and modelling routes.
•	Cell level studies of the temperature rise and charging discharging profiles
•	Assessing the impact of ambient temperature on battery temperature rise profiles for peak temperature conditions in India 
•	Perform cooling performance analysis, including the use of optimum PCMs, to assess their suitability for the practical application within EV’s.

prometho:
Step 1: Thermal Design of the battery pack
The design of the battery pack will be made in ANSYS design modeller with real time dimensions. The cooling system’s design parameters will be optimised through analytical study to fit in the battery pack as per the ambient conditions. Passive cooling system using PCMs will be incorporated in the battery pack as the first step towards BTMS. Various configurations and designs can be made in the design modeller for parametric analysis of the battery pack. Meshing is the most important step in CFD simulations. The mesh quality highly affects the convergence and speed of the results. Various meshing methods are there for different problems in ANSYS FLUENT. In this study Multi-zone meshing method, sweep-meshing methods along with hex dominant method for different case scenarios will be followed. 
Step 2: Setting up the problem in FLUENT and result analysis for finding optimized model using optimization algorithms
In the study Multi-Scale Multi-Domain (MSMD) battery module will be used. The model includes three electrochemical submodels, namely, the Newman, Tiedemann, Gu, and Kim (NTGK) empirical model, the Electric Circuit model (ECM), and the Newman Pseudo-2D (P2D) model having different level of complexity. NTGK model is the simplest and the least expensive model requiring the minimal input. ECM model is a semi-empirical model. It has limited capability for predicting the battery dynamic behaviour. Newman P2D Model is the most comprehensive physics-based battery model. It is computationally expensive, and it require extensive user input of battery related fundamental information. Time dependent input for the current, voltage, or power can be loaded in the setup from data obtained with experiments. This will call for experimental setup for obtaining input data for battery models using an environment chamber where ambient conditions can be varied as per Indian climatic conditions. The battery pack’s maximum temperature rises with hyper ambient conditions which needs to be studied via experiments and numerical modelling. The transient analysis of the battery pack at different ambient can be then viewed in the ANSYS post-processor. The data obtained will then be optimized in MATLAB/PYTHON to find out the best case scenario using recent times optimisation algorithms like Genetic Algorithm or a multi objective algorithm like NSGA II. The optimisation will require rigorous data which will be obtained from the CFD simulations. 
Step 3: Development of Li-ion battery pack for extracting experimental data
Lithium-ion battery pack of 48 V will be built-up by using Li-ion cells by series/parallel connection with the battery management system (BMS). During charging/discharging of the battery pack, increase in the temperature of the battery pack is expected due to exothermic reactions happening inside the cell. Different amount of heat may release under different ambient temperature conditions. A 16-channel temperature data logger along with the T-type thermocouples connected to the battery pack will measure the temperature of the battery pack during charging/discharging cycles. By using battery charge-discharge, the electrical output of the Li-ion battery pack of 48 V will be extracted during charging and discharging at various C-rates under different ambient temperatures by using DC electrical load.
Step 4: Effect of PCM on the experimental energy delivery from the Li-ion battery pack
Next, the optimized configuration as obtained in step 2 will be implemented and tested using battery charge discharge tester for temperature drop during charging-discharging, at various temperatures, will be determined experimentally with respect to the conventional battery pack without any cooling strategy. A detailed survey on suitability of PCM for application will also be carried out in this step.
Step 5: Optimal working conditions under the influence of thermal management system
By using battery impedance tester the impedance of the battery at various temperatures can be noted. By analysing the obtained impedance data under different ambient temperatures, the electrochemical behaviour and physical processes occurring within the batteries during charge/discharge of the battery pack can be understood. This understanding paves way forward in designing a better thermal management system to reduce the extent of exothermic reactions which are the major cause of reducing the life of the battery pack. A safe optimum temperature can be obtained for the operation of Li-ion battery pack for different application including electric transportation. This study is expected to provide a system for maintaining the optimum temperature of the battery pack during its use.

prosummary:
Air pollution is one of the major problems India is facing; a major contributor being the transportation sector. Air pollution is the main cause of climate change that leads to extreme weather conditions in the cities. The air quality index in major cities in India has been much beyond the recommended values. As per the monitoring database (WHO, 2018) for 100 countries, the top 15 cities  with PM2.5 pollution level had 14 Indian cities [16]. Vehicular pollution on road is major contributor to this air pollution which results in poor AQI in cities. This is evident from the fact that with the lockdown, due to Covid-19, a great amount of depression in AQI in metro cities like Delhi, India was witnessed.  Thus, a shift towards electric vehicles would lead to a reduction in air pollution and meeting the goals of IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). There has been significant reasons of why Electric vehicles are now more emphasized by governments world-wide. One of the major reason is the localized pollution being generated causing very poor AQI having serious health hazards. Burning of fossil fuel is also a major cause of climate change. Another reason is the advances in renewable energy which can be used to generate electricity for the EV’s. However, for EV’s to sustain in India there is a need for a systematic study to provide a solution to the problem of overheating and causing thermal runaway in the batteries during charging and discharging. This problem is further compounded due to warmer Indian conditions. 
 Acceptable temperature range of EV’s is between -20 ℃ to 60 ℃, while the optimum temperature range is 15 ℃ to 35 ℃. Thus, temperatures above 35 ℃ possess serious potential of thermal runaway in Li-ion batteries. Cooling systems are therefore needed to be designed with the following constraints:
1. The cooling systems should be lightweight and compact.
2. Cooling system should not act as a parasite on battery pack as most active cooling systems, thereby, decreasing overall EV efficiency.
3. The system should be able to perform well in adverse climatic condition.
4. The system should be cost effective and environment friendly with little or no emissions.
This study tries to investigate and provide a solution based on the simulation as well as actual testing of batteries with Phase Change Materials (PCMs) under various configurations to provide an optimized solution that can be implemented, thus, enhancing battery life, performance and making them energy efficient, thus, making transport is India eco-friendly and safe for human health.

proEoutcome:
Expected Outcomes
•	Development of a model to study the Li-ion battery pack performance considering variation in temperature due to ambient temperature and charging discharging.
•	To develop an experimentally working system in which a battery pack can be used to drive a 750 W motor used in an EV.
•	Development, testing comparison of cooling methods such as use of PCM, as a thermal management solution for an EV battery pack, to be implemented in Indian scenarios.

FAScheme:
Scientific and Useful Profound Research Advancement (SUPRA)


protitle:
Herbal antiviral nanocoating on fabric/fiber surface towards achieving bioprotection against Covid-19 and beyond


protitle:
Antiviral and photoactive coating on non-woven fabrics and
nano-porous substrates towards developing newly designed
respirator masks protective against Covid-19 and beyond


protitle:
imask: An innovative and secure face wearable for diseases

prointro:
The COVID-19 pandemic, a new corona virus disease, which was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and has since spread across 209 countries, affected at least 17,00,000 people and killed more than 1,00,000 people as per World Health Organization. There are many pandemics in history which were spread globally and many countries were socially and economically affected with extensive mortality rate. In many of these airborne diseases, the possibility of infection spread from one person to another is from droplets produced by the infected person’s coughs, sneezes, or through touching contaminated surfaces. WHO advised to wear mask to protect ourselves from the infection and also to prevent contamination of the surrounding area through coughs and sneezes.

proobj:
•	imask can protect the person from the infection spread through coughs and sneezes of the infected people.

prometho:
•	By location monitoring, we can track the history of the infected people.
•	Blockchain technology provide the transparency, visibility, accountability, and trust between all individual users.
•	Provide integrated platform where all legitimate parties like health care system, government, and service provider can access same record in a distributed manner.
•	Blockchain technology provide transparency, immutability and security to the imask record.

prosummary:
We will build the smart, innovative, and secure face wearable for airborne disease to protect and prevent the person from the infection spread.There will be an integrated platform where all legitimate parties like health care system, government, service provider, and data analyst can access recorded data in a secure and distributed manner. Integrated platform will also bring the transparency, visibility, accountability, and trust between all individual users. The Internet of Things enables the interconnection and integration of the physical world and the cyber space. Blockchain technology provide transparency, immutability and security to the imask record. Cloud storage provide the durability, availability, scalability, security and the easy management to the data.

proEoutcome:
We will build the smart, innovative, and secure face wearable for airborne disease to protect and prevent the person from the infection spread.There will be an integrated platform where all legitimate parties like health care system, government, service provider, and data analyst can access recorded data in a secure and distributed manner. Integrated platform will also bring the transparency, visibility, accountability, and trust between all individual users. The Internet of Things enables the interconnection and integration of the physical world and the cyber space. Blockchain technology provide transparency, immutability and security to the imask record. Cloud storage provide the durability, availability, scalability, security and the easy management to the data.


protitle:
Innovative Inspection Techniques for Industry 4.0

proarea:
Industry 4.0-Inspection of Additive manufactured Products

prointro:
Industry 4.0 is the trend towards automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies and processes which include cyber-physical systems (CPS), the internet of things (IoT), industrial internet of things (IIOT), cloud computing, cognitive computing and artificial intelligence (Stock T. and Seligerab G.).
With the advent of Industry 4.0, proliferation of technology has drastically changed the landscape of many industries, including manufacturing. Industry 4.0 will bring about improvements in many segments of product manufacturing (viz. design, manufacture, quality inspection, assembly,etc.). Many of the existing methods (viz. inspection), used in traditional manufacturing, cannot be deployed directly in Industry 4.0 environment. In this context, the proposed research work has assumed special significance.
Proposed research work will be focussing on designing and developing novel inspection techniques for use in Industry 4.0 environment.

proobj:
To design and develop automated product inspection methods for texture identification and texture parameter (viz. surface roughness, waviness and form error) measurement of both machined as well as additive manufactured components with the following features. 
•	High measuring speeds
•	Low cost of measurement
•	Amenable for automation
•	Ability to work in Industry 4.0 environment
•	100% inspection of components

prometho:
1.Specimen preparation
2.Setting up of Vision system: 
3.Software development: for texture identification and texture feature measurement
4. Experiment
5. Results, Analysis and Validation
6. Conclusion

prosummary:
1. configuring,
assembling and testing a
machine vision system

2. Analysis, Design, Software
development &Testing
3. Creating the test set-up, Image
acquisition & conducting the
experimentation.
4. Analysis, Conclusion/Project
report/Thesis preparation

proEoutcome:
The following are the output of the proposed method.
a.	Novel non-contact method for texture classification and texture parameter measurement
b.	Two Ph.D. Theses


protitle:
Development of MXene-Transition Metal Compound (sulfide and phosphide) Hetero-Nanostructures as Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting

proarea:
Material Science, Energy, Electrocatalyst, Fuel Cell and Water splitting

prointro:
Rapid consumption of fossil fuels and the associated serious environmental problems pose a severe threat to the world by releasing gases that cause air pollution and global warming. Therefore, the global demand for sustainable energy production is focused on developing technologies that utilize eco-friendly and zero-emission energy. The production of hydrogen via electrochemical water splitting is considered one of the most promising energy sources. Precious noble metals such as Pt, Ru, Ir, and their composites have been the most efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting, but their high cost and scarcity have severely limited their practical applications. Therefore, efficient electrocatalysts comprised of non-precious materials are crucial for the development of water splitting.

proobj:
The main objective of this proposal is the development of new hetero-structured electrocatalysts for water splitting, by using the two emerging materials, transition metal sulfide (TMS), phosphide (TMP), and 2D transition metal carbides or nitrides (MXene).

prometho:
1.	1st year
In the first year, the purpose of this work is to develop a synthetic strategy that can form 2D MXenes as support materials and hybrid metal compounds on MXenes as excellent electrocatalysts through the following methodologies. 1) Development and optimization of novel 2D MXene synthesis strategies with HF-free and nontoxic etchants. 2) Understanding the growth mechanism of 2D MXene and control of their morphology, surface functional groups, surface area, and electrical conductivity with transition metal doping. 3) Development of MXene/2D or 3D metal compound hybrids by inducing the physically/chemically interfacial interaction such as electronic coupling between MXene and metal compounds, phase segregation from the MXene, and metal compounds growth on MXene.
For understanding the properties of MXene and hybrid compound materials, the structure and characteristics of catalysts can be investigated by conducting morphology and phase analysis through TEM, SEM, and XRD.
2.	2nd year
In the second year, using the MXene optimized in the previous year, this work aims at the development of effective hybrid compounds as highly active and stable electrocatalysts through surface modification of MXene, morphology, and facet control of the metal compound. i) Various functional group modification of MXene for better wettability and gas evolution, as well as enhanced electronic transport. ii) Increasing the active surface area of the catalyst by the development of delamination methods of MXene/metal compounds and new synthesis methods to grow metal compounds on MXene vertically. iii) Facet control of metal compounds on MXene and investigating the correlation between catalytic properties and exposed facet of metal compounds or heterointerface between the MXene and metal compounds.
3.	3rd year
After developing MXene/metal compounds heterostructure catalysts for water splitting, studies will be conducted for applying practical electrolytic water splitting through the following methods. 1) Scale-up of MXene/metal compound catalysts synthesis 2) Encapsulation of porous carbon to prevent separating the two materials induced by high operating temperature and harsh conditions in practical application 3) Control the composition of the catalyst ink and formation of single-cell for overall water splitting to evaluate catalytic performance in practical application.

prosummary:
Recently, transition metal sulfide (TMS) and phosphide (TMP) have attracted as promising candidates for efficient electrocatalysis due their excellent catalytic activity and cost-effective advantage. However, they have poor intrinsic conductivity, high electrical resistance, and low stability in water splitting reaction. On the other hand, layered 2D structured transition-metal carbides or nitrides (MXene) has also received considerable attention for energy conversion and storage technologies due to high oxidation resistance, large surface area, and hydrophilic nature. Moreover, MXene has fast charge transfer and corrosion-resistance derived from high electrical conductivity and chemical stability, which is suitable for water splitting. MXene can be used as a support material, instead of corrosive carbon, to prevent electrochemical corrosion during extended operation and repeated cycling for water splitting. Nevertheless, their robust tendency to self-restack due to hydrogen bonding or Van der Waals interaction is one of the major obstacles and substantially daunting their electrochemical performance.
As a result, hybridization of transition metal based-materials and MXene could be an effective strategy to complement each disadvantage and enhance the electrocatalytic activity and stability towards water splitting.

proEoutcome:
•	Technical aspects: Contribution to the development of water splitting electrocatalysts for sustainable and clean energy production in up-coming hydrogen society.
•	Economical and industrial aspects: We can accelerate the commercialization, secure intellectual property rights for water splitting electrocatalysts, and dominate the competitiveness of the technology through the fundamental research that can lay the cornerstone of MXene/Transition metal chalcogenide
•	Social aspects: Through cooperation in research, we will overcome the drawbacks of global energy and environmental problems. Participating students will become prospective researchers with international communications, experiences and exchange visits.
•	Publications: 5 
•	Patent applications: 2

FAScheme:
India-Korea Joint Program of Cooperation in Science and Technology 2020


protitle:
An IoT based Distribution and Monitoring system for subsi-
dized food grain delivery in India using fog computing approach

proarea:
IoT, Fog Computing, Blockchain Technology

prointro:
The project aims to resolve the current issues existing in the subsidized food-grain distribution system (ration-distribution) with the IoT and fog computing approach. We have analyzed the existing system and found that the current system is facing the problems of high equipment costs, single-node failure with centralized server system, and slow speed networks. Also in the current situations, the thumb impression systems increase the chance of viral disease spread. We have identified these issues and want to design a unique solution that can address all these problems together.

proobj:
To use the current technology for the betterment of society by reducing the corruption and smoothening the governance of ration distribution

prometho:
We are planning the project for three years. In each year in an incremental way, we are going to address each of the issues we have identified in the system. 
In the first year, we are going to design the distributed protocols for maintaining the transaction history between supplier, distributor, and beneficiary of the ration distribution system. In the second year, we are going to design an IoT device with an alternate of a mobile application for data entry and display operations. In the third year a fog computing network for faster data storage and retrieval operations will be designed.

prosummary:
The research work will be carried out with the recruitment of project personnel. The necessary equipment will be purchased as and when needed from the available grant. The research will be validated with the publication of research papers in various conferences and journals.

proEoutcome:
The output will be a design of a specialized device that includes the feature of biometric scanning and data entry. The device will have a plug-and-play facility with low power consumption. A fog computing network for faster communication will be designed. A blockchain-based distributed protocol will be designed for data communication between supplier, distributor, and beneficiary.


protitle:
Electrostatic Spray and CVD Based Textured and Solid Lubricated cBN-TiAlN-Graphene Coatings for Cutting Tools
(submitted - March 9th 2020)

proarea:
Nano, Micro, Materials Science, Manufacturing

prointro:
Proposed research is on developing nano materials based solid lubricant coating on tools for enhanced tool life and machining performance for practical applications.

prometho:
Experimental approach: 
1. Synthesis of nano coatings
2. Evaluation of the coatings for their chemistry - structure - property
3. Assess their performance in machining operation/practical applications
4. Look into the practical/economic viability

prosummary:
Experimental approach: 
Nano coatings will be developed following proprietary processes, and then evaluated for their chemistry - structure - property - performance. especially, they will be assessed for micro and macro machining applications in the practical arena.

proEoutcome:
1. Development of nano textures and nano coatings
2. Providing solid lubrication
3. Enhanced tool life


proarea:
Nano, Energy, Materials Science, Batteries, Supercaps

prointro:
Synthesis of carbonaceous and metal oxide nanomaterials on large scale for energy storage applications

proobj:
1. Develop a platform for large scale production of nano materials
2. Understand the process scale-up challenges and solve them

prometho:
Process carbonaceous raw materials from waste or coal or any metal precursor and turn them into oxide on a large scale using low power input and quick processing techniques.

prosummary:
Develop nanomaterials using a patent pending process and evaluate the process scale up challenges for large scale production, and then assess the materials produced for energy storage applications.

proEoutcome:
1. Process scale up for large scale production of nanomaterials
2. Reduce the cost and time of production for nanomaterials
3. Evaluation of commercial viability of the process


prointro:
Develop low cost production technologies for the synthesis of nanomaterials of carbon and metal oxide based for energy storage applications

proobj:
The main objectives of this proposal are to
• Setup a nanomaterials research laboratory
• Synthesize nanomaterials/nanostructures of carbon, silicon and metal oxides using nano reactor and extend the research toward process scale up
• Analyze above synthesized nano materials for structure – property – performance correlations, especially for energy storage
• Provide research opportunities to the undergraduate and graduate students and present/publish research outcomes in the conferences/journal articles/patents

prometho:
Develop nano materials
Understand the process challenges in the nanomaterials processing
Develop process scale up for large scale production of nanomaterials
evaluate the nanomaterials for different applications including energy storage
Commercialize the patent pending process

prosummary:
Develop low cost production technologies for the synthesis of nanomaterials of carbon and metal oxide based for energy storage applications

proEoutcome:
1. Setup a lab with capability to synthesize the nanomaterials - April 2020
2. Confirmation of large-scale synthesis of nanomaterials using microwave technique – May/June 2020
3. Submit a proposal to DST Nano mission on large scale synthesis of nanomaterials – May/June 2020
4. Submit a proposal on multivalent ion batteries to DST – August 2020
5. A conference presentation – September 2020


proobj:
The main objectives of this proposal are to 
• Setup a nanomaterials research laboratory 
• Synthesize nanomaterials/nanostructures of carbon, silicon and metal oxides using nano reactor and extend the research toward process scale up 
• Analyze above synthesized nano materials for structure – property – performance correlations, especially for energy storage 
• Provide research opportunities to the undergraduate and graduate students and present/publish research outcomes in
the conferences/journal articles/patents

prometho:
- Develop nano materials 
- Understand the process challenges in the nanomaterials processing 
- Develop process scale up for large scale production of nanomaterials 
- Evaluate the nanomaterials for different applications including energy storage 
- Commercialize the patent pending process

prosummary:
Patent pending (confidential) - Not much info can be revealed in this aspect

Develop low cost production technologies for the synthesis of nanomaterials of carbon and metal oxide based for energy storage applications

proEoutcome:
Patent pending (confidential) - Not much info can be revealed in this aspect

1. Setup a lab with capability to synthesize the nanomaterials - April 2020
2. Confirmation of large-scale synthesis of nanomaterials using microwave technique – May/June 2020 
3. Submit a proposal to DST Nano mission on large scale
Research Project Details
4. synthesis of nanomaterials – May/June 2020 
5. Submit a proposal on multivalent ion batteries to DST – August 2020 
6. A conference presentation – September 2020


prointro:
With rapidly growing world population, the industrial waste has been exponentially increasing in the process of meeting consumer demands. Especially, the solid waste from the consumer and manufacturing sectors has been growing quite rapidly [1]. As a result, the landfills have been receiving extensive volumes of solid/industrial waste. At this juncture, transforming the large amounts of industrial solid waste into an alternative resource or product will help preserve the depleting non-renewable resources. In addition, it will also help solve the environmental and exhausting landfill problems. The utilization of industrial solid waste in concrete, which is a predominant construction material, has attracted more attention, especially from the cement replacement point of view, which is a major contributor to the global green-house gas emissions.

proobj:
•	To study and compare the physical and chemical properties of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), with raw and pulverized BA and CWP to help understand their chemistries/phases and particle size etc., to help establish a best mixing proportion of binary binders and mortars.
•	To understand the effect of pulverization parameters on the final particle size of BA and CWP. (Note: CWP will be pulverized depending on the requirement of obtaining finer particle size compared to the cement particle size).
•	To identify suitable percentages of OPC, pulverized CWP and BA to produce binary concrete mixtures for M40 grade satisfying the mechanical and durability properties of concrete as per IS specifications.

prometho:
PULVERIZATION OF RAW MATERIALS
CWP AND BA
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
•	Chemical Composition 
•	Phase Analysis
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
•	Fineness/Particle size
•	Surface Area
•	Expansion
•	Setting Time
•	Specific Gravity
•	Consistency
BINDER (Cement + % BA)
(or)
BINDER (Cement + % CWP)
+
FINE AGGREGATE (< 4.75 mm)
+
COARSE AGGREGATE (10-20 mm)
MOULDING and CURING
(Curing For – 7, 28, 56, 90, 180 and 360 Days)
MICROSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

- X-ray Diffraction Analysis
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
DURABILITY PROPERTIES

- Ultrasonic pulse Velocity of concrete
- Chloride ion  penetration test
- Sulphate expansion test
- Creep & Shrinkage measurement
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

- Compressive Strength
- Split Tensile Strength
- Flexural Strength
- Bond Strength

prosummary:
Gujarat is known as a hub for industries and manufacturing sector in the whole country. As a result, it also houses a lot of industrial waste which needs a proper disposal to minimize the impact on the environment and public health. Hence, the proposed efforts will help find the alternative solutions to utilize the industry waste and help in minimizing their impact on environment/landfills and climate changes by reducing CO2 emissions through cement replacement. It will also reduce the burden on natural raw materials available in Gujarat and promote utilization of waste materials in construction. In addition, it will also help reduce the use of conventional materials that are facing acute shortage due to restrictions by law enforcing agencies on the quarry.
The use of CWP and BA in consumer and industrial applications will likely have a profound impact on the number of products from a variety of industrial sectors. These materials are required to be monitored for physical/chemical properties and impart enhancements to the engineered materials, including better mechanical properties, and improved durability properties. An important component of this research is the development of consistent risk and safety assessments for these materials to ensure their safety for human health and the environment. In this project, the main parameters for new materials utilize in concrete is durability aspects. To make project effective there are some parameters in this research need to monitor i.e. physicochemical properties, morphology, toxicity and mobility of BA and CWP.

proEoutcome:
The proposed project’s outcomes are:
(a) A cement replacement from the CWP waste and/or BA Waste in the submicron/nano particulate form, 
(b) Success of (a) will result in concrete/cement blocks/bricks for commercial applications.

This research work clearly demonstrates the effective utilization of industrial waste by-products in the civil engineering construction and help save the environment due to their unsafe disposal. It will also reduce the burden on natural raw materials used in cement manufacturing and thereby our dependence on the OPC and promote utilization of waste materials in construction. In addition, it will also help in reducing the use of conventional materials that are facing acute shortage due to restrictions by law enforcing agencies on the quarry.


protitle:
3D printing of organic-inorganic composite scintillation detectors

prointro:
Driven by challenges in the manufacturing of large and complex sized geometry scintillators, these composites have an amalgamation of scintillation properties of an organic and an inorganic scintillators. As inorganic scintillators have high light yield, density, atomic number, radiation and mechanical hardness while organic scintillators are fast and process able. The 3D printed organic-inorganic composites consist of nano sized particles of the specific halide and oxide inorganic scintillator nanoparticles embedded in a complex polymer matrix for improved characteristics or special detector properties. The composite scintillator will be developed using digital light processing (DLP), a popularly AM based technique. Various complex geometries such as well, fibres which are not easily feasible by other growth techniques. After optimizing the parameters, the manufactured scintillator will be characterized for various structural, optical, electronic and scintillation properties capable of detecting X-rays, low energy gamma rays and thermal neutrons. A prototype of a novel composite 1 mm thick film plastic scintillators of 1 and 1.5 inch diameter, will be delivered. After initial testing of the 3D printed composite plastic scintillator films, multiple samples can be manufactured in varied geometry as per the end user’s requirement.

proobj:
Development of new composite plastic scintillation materials for radiation detectors by Additive Manufacturing.
Optimize the transparency of the scintillator

prometho:
1st year: 2020-2021
Research Plan:
•	Procurement of the rare earth raw materials and the DLP (3D Printing) machine
•	Selection of suitable inorganic scintillator for composite preparation
•	Initial synthesis of halide and oxide inorganic scintillator nanoparticle powder using sol gel, co precipitation and solid state methods
•	Uniform distribution of inorganic scintillator nanoparticle concentration in the organic polymer matrix

Deliverables:
•	Selection and optimization of inorganic scintillator nanoparticle concentration in the organic polymer matrix
•	Inorganic scintillator nano powder

2nd year: 2021-2022
Research Plan:
•	Achieve a transparent solution of the polymer using suitable PMMA or PS 
•	Transparency optimization of organic-inorganic composite thin films
•	Preparation of the recipe suitable for the slurry
•	Preparation of the slurry with suitable photopolymer to be cured by light
•	3D printing/fabrication of the scintillator films

Deliverables:
•	Report of inorganic scintillator nanoparticle concentration distribution in the organic polymer
•	Development of the slurry to prepare scintillation detector that is suitable to be 3D Printed

3rd year: 2022-2023
Research Plan:
•	Characterization (structural, optical) of the 3D Printed halide/oxide composite plastic scintillators
•	Fabrication of  a novel composite thin film scintillation detector using Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D Printed technique
•	Performance studies of 1 mm thick composite thin film scintillation detectors in 1 and 1.5 inch diameter dimensions
•	Publishing papers in journal/conference proceedings
•	Final report preparation

Deliverables:
•	Novel prototypes of a 3D Printed composite plastic scintillator of following approximate dimensions will be delivered as per the end user’s requirement. 
o	1 mm thick of diameter 1 and 1.5 inch (disk)
o	1 mm diameter fibres
o	10 mm outer diameter, 20 mm height and 5 mm inner diameter well scintillator

prosummary:
The following is the stepwise activities for the development of electrochemical sensors using DLP technique (a popular AM technique using light as a source for binding layers).
1.	Preparation of the inorganic scintillator in powder form: Organic/ inorganic composites are organic polymer with an inorganic scintillator. They combine the advantages of the inorganic scintillator material (e.g., high light output, density, radiation hardness, rigidity, thermal stability) and the organic polymer (e.g., fast decay time, flexibility, dielectric, ductility, and process ability). For instance, inorganic Cesium iodide nanocrystals synthesised using sol-gel technique have been reported to have high luminescence yield (LY), fast emission decay, and most importantly, high Z (ZCs = 55 ; ZI = 53 and ZTl = 81 ) [1]. In the solid-state sintering technique high-purity constituent oxides, namely, Gd2O3, Ga2O3, Al2O3, and Ce2O3, are taken in a stoichiometric ratio and physically mixed together in a mortar and pestle. The powder needs to be sintered at 1400 °C for 24 h in a box furnace under air to get a pure phase of GGAG:Ce material [2]. The halide and oxide scintillation nano particle powders of CsI:Tl, LiI, GGAG:Ce, YAG:Ce will be prepared using sol-gel, co-precipitation and solid state reaction process depending on the inorganic scintillator power.
2.	Development of the slurry to prepare scintillation detector: Electrode morphology is influenced by the shape and size of the active material, conductive additive particles, the polymeric binder properties, and also on their mass ratio. A two-step mixing process as reported by Sen et al., [2] can be adopted: (Step-1) To make the organic-inorganic composites, polymer powder of PMMA and PS can be used. Commercially available PMMA or PS (Aldrich) can be dissolved in organic liquids like hexane, toluene, and acetone by ultrasonication to achieve a transparent solution of the polymer. The final solvent can be decided based on the clarity and the viscosity of the solution suitable for 3D printing; (Step-2) The amount of scintillation powder can be varied in suitable weight ratio to that of polymer powder. This solution was mixed with the polymer solution under constant stirring followed by ultrasonication to ensure proper dispersion in the polymer solution. A suitable transparent substrate/PMMA sheet can be used to deposit the composite under suitable thermal conditions. 
3.	Fabrication of scintillation detector using Digital Light Processing (DLP) technique:  Figure 1 demonstrates the working of manufacturing of a scintillation detector using DLP technique. In this technique, the photocurable liquid resign as prepared in Step 2 is contained in a chamber. The scintillation detector (of any required shape and design) is modelled in any of the commercial 3D modelling software and the file is exported into a .STL (Stereolithography) format. The .STL file is then converted to the 3D printable machine codes using any of the popular slicing algorithms. The machine code file is then fed to the DLP machine to print the scintillation detector. The following vital process parameters namely intensity of the projected light, viscosity (of the slurry), time for curing, thickness of the layer to be cured influence the accuracy and the printability of the scintillation detector. The printed scintillation detector maybe then taken for the postprocessing stages for testing [3-4].
4.	Study of scintillation detector performance: For application in radiation monitoring in the environment it is important to optically characterize the composite thin-films deposited by additive manufacturing approach. The optical characterization can be carried out by recording the absorption spectra, the photoluminescence spectra, and the radioluminescence spectra. The light output and radiation detection efficiency measurements of the composite plastic scintillators can be carried out by obtaining its energy spectrum using X-ray, gamma ray and neutron source.

proEoutcome:
The novelty of this project lies in detailed understanding of structure-property relations for a given composite material, which requires a combination of theoretical, device printing and spectroscopic methods. It also involves 3D printing and performance testing of inorganic composite thin film plastic scintillators of complex geometry such as well, fibres for radiation detection. Such kind of combined and detailed investigations are expected to be beneficial for future applications.
Based on the successful completion, the project can be envisaged towards building of end-user defined scintillation detectors in a large scale.


protitle:
Home and Community based Long Term Care for Elderly and family caregivers in India

prointro:
“We all age differently, but we can learn from shared
experiences and insights” - Nussbaum & Levmore, 2018.
Informal care – unpaid care from family and friends, is
viewed as an alternative to paid care. Relying on informal
care was a default policy option historically in absence of
systematic funding for formal care in countries like India.
This is increasingly untenable as population ages & number
of potential caregivers relative to number of care recipients
declines. Furthermore, in growing recognition that informal
care is not actually free when caregiver’s burden & reduced
labor market participation are considered. By 2030, elders
will bear nearly half of total disease burden in India. Based
on BKPAI data of seven states of India around 3.7 percent
elderly suffer from any ADL limitations, 34.7 percent from
any chronic morbidity, 34.7 percent from any locomotor
disability and 49.6 percent from any IADL limitations,
requiring LTC.

proobj:
Our study will be the first to measure the causal impact of
informal caregiving on care givers on key and multi-faceted
outcomes. Further the study will measure the causal impact
of informal care receiving versus formal long-term care on
key outcomes for the care recipient. Using the primary data
of Indians aged 65+ from 8 states and 16 districts, the
present study seeks information on informal care-givers and
existing public/private support to them.

prometho:
Based on the inception visits, the information on extent of
LTC requiring elderly, their care-seeking behaviour and care
givers across states will be used to develop the sample
design including stratification approach and sample size
determination. The present study will have two components,
a) the care requiring and care-giving pattern analysis using
the NSSO, SAGE, BKPI data and other secondary data, and
b) the collection of primary data at different levels of care
givers and care receivers. The research questions relevant
data will be collected from caregivers, care-receivers and
different stakeholders. The study will use a cross-sectional,
mixed-method approach comprising a community-based
elderly people’s survey, in-depth interviews of CMOs, old
age home etc. district and state level stakeholders as well
as the gatekeepers (son and partner) using a semistructured
interview guide. Supporting evidences will be
generated from Qualitative In-depth Interviews. Around 100
in-depth interviews/FGDs will be conducted at both system
and community level.

prosummary:
Approximately 8 percent (5294827 65+ person) of the
community-dwelling elderly need assistance with ADL-IADL
in India, and demographic trends point out an increasing
number in future. Assistance may be un/paid, provided in
home or in residential setting, though in India it is mostly
home based long term care. While informal care is unpaid
by definition, there is increasing evidence that this care is
not costless; care providers bear the burden of failing
health, lower earnings and lost labor market opportunities.
While receiving informal care may seem intuitively
appealing, we know little about the implications of this
setting for caregivers and outcomes for individuals receiving
the care. Therefore to assess the current burden of informal
caregiving, a rigorous evaluation of the outcomes of informal
care -giving is imperative. In order to do so, 960 HHs is to
be surveyed from 8 states of India and in-depth interview of
public/private stakeholders is proposed.

proEoutcome:
Indian society is going to be an aging society in near future.
At the same time, this society is also witnessing changes
which are not conducive for health care of elders. Informal
health care has produced enormous negative effect on
caregivers and it is no longer going to be sustainable. The
present study provides a window for looming crisis of Indian
society. LTC policy suggestions will help design
interventions to improve wellbeing of unhealthy, dependent
& insecure elderly and their informal caregivers.


protitle:
Development of MXene-Hierarchical Transition Metal Sulfide Hybrid Nanostructures as Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting

prointro:
Rapid consumption of fossil fuels and the associated serious environmental problems pose a severe threat to the world by releasing gases that cause air pollution and global warming. Therefore, the global demand for sustainable energy production is focused on developing technologies that utilize eco-friendly and zero-emission energy. The production of hydrogen via electrochemical water splitting is considered one of the most promising energy sources. Precious noble metals such as Pt, Ru, Ir, and their composites have been the most efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting, but their high cost and scarcity have severely limited their practical applications. Therefore, efficient electrocatalysts comprised of non-precious materials are crucial for the development of water splitting. Recently, transition metal sulfide (TMS) have attracted great attention as promising candidates for efficient electrocatalysts due their excellent catalytic activity and cost-effective advantage. On the other hand, layered 2D structured transition-metal carbides or nitrides (MXene) has also received considerable attention for energy conversion and storage technologies due to high oxidation resistance, large surface area, and hydrophilic nature. Hybridization of transition metal based sulfide-materials and MXene could be an effective strategy to complement each disadvantage and enhance the electrocatalytic activity and stability towards electrochemical water splitting. By virtue of their tunable chemical compositions and nanostructures, as well as synergistic effects of TMS and MXene, the hybrids will play an essential role in the design and development of novel yet excellent electrocatalytic nanomaterial.

proobj:
The objective of the proposal is the development of cost-effective and simultaneously, high performance electrocatalysts for water splitting, through fine tuning of their internal and external nanoarchitectures, morphology, electronic structure and ensemble effect of two materials.

prometho:
The aim of this proposal is to develop the hierarchical transition metal compounds and MXene based hybrid heterostructure. In this work, we will focus on the specificities and contemporary synthesis techniques to fabricate hybrid composites, which could synergistically improve the electrochemical performances and promote further development on novel MXenes/transition metal sulfide -based materials for electrochemical water splitting. 
In the first year, we have planned to develop a synthetic strategy that can form 2D MXenes as support materials and hybrid TMS hierarchical nanostructures on MXenes as excellent electrocatalysts through the following methodologies. 1) Development and optimization of novel 2D MXene synthesis strategies with HF-free and nontoxic etchants. 2) Understanding the growth mechanism of 2D MXene and control of their morphology, surface functional groups, surface area, and electrical conductivity with transition metal doping. 3) Development of MXene/2D or 3D hierarchical nanostructures TMS hybrids by inducing the physically/chemically interfacial interaction such as electronic coupling between MXene and TMS compounds, phase segregation from the MXene, and TMS growth on MXene. For understanding the properties of MXene and hybrid TMS materials, the structure and characteristics of catalysts can be investigated by conducting morphology and phase analysis through TEM, SEM, BET, and XRD.
In the second year, using the MXene optimized in the previous year, this work aims at the development of effective hybrid nanostructured material as highly active and stable electrocatalysts through surface modification of MXene, morphology, and facet control of the TMS. i) Various functional group modification of MXene for better wettability and gas evolution, as well as enhanced electronic transport. ii) Increasing the active surface area of the catalyst by the development of delamination methods of MXene/TMS and new synthesis methods to grow TMS materials on MXene vertically. iii) Facet control of TMS on MXene and investigating the correlation between catalytic properties and exposed facet of TMS or hetero interface between the MXene and TMS. Finally, after developing MXene/TMS based hybrid electrocatalysts for water splitting, studies will be conducted for applying practical electrolytic water splitting through the following methods. 1) Scale-up of MXene/hierarchical TMS catalysts synthesis and 2) Control the composition of the catalyst ink and formation of single-cell for overall water splitting to evaluate catalytic performance in practical applications.

prosummary:
The production of hydrogen via electrochemical water splitting is considered as one of the most promising energy sources. To replace high cost and scarce precious noble metal such as Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd etc, efficient electrocatalysts comprised of non-precious materials are crucial for the development of electrochemical water splitting. Therefore, we aim to synthesize novel hetero-structured electrocatalysts for water splitting, by using the advantages of two distinct emerging materials, the catalytic activity of transition metal sulfide (TMS) and high conductivity and stability of 2D transition metal carbides or nitrides (MXene). As a result, the main objective of the proposal is the development of cost-effective and simultaneously, high performance electrocatalysts for water splitting, through fine tuning of their internal and external nanoarchitectures, morphology, electronic structure and ensemble effect of two materials.

proEoutcome:
i.	Knowledge gained: We expect that the researchers, undergraduate and graduate students who will be participating and trained during this work will be the key to understand and solve the issues surmounting global energy deficiency and environmental problems.
ii.	Research publications: The proposed work through the fundamental research on the active electrocatalysts development and water splitting could produce up to 3 high-impact peer reviewed international publications.   
iii.	Patents: We will accelerate the commercialization, secure at least one intellectual property rights for development of water splitting electrocatalysts based on this work., 
iv.	Process and product development: After successful development of the MXene- Hierarchical TMS catalysts for overall water splitting, we have plan to undertake the studies for practical electrolytic water splitting through scale-up of catalysts synthesis and control the composition of the catalyst ink and formation of single-cell for overall water splitting to evaluate catalytic performance in practical application.
v.	Value addition: Through cooperation in research, we will overcome the drawbacks of global energy and environmental problems. Participating students will become prospective researchers with international communications, experiences and exchange visits.

FAScheme:
National Perspective Plans (NPP), Central Power Research Institute, Ministry of Power, GOI


protitle:
Proton exchange: A novel approach to enhance efficiency and stability in flexible perovskite solar cells

prointro:
Low-temperature solution-processable photovoltaic devices have recently generated large interest since they allow inexpensive ubiquitous application in the exponentially-growing market of flexible electronics. Hybrid perovskite solar cells are now at the frontline of this race due to the astonishing rise in their efficiency witnessed in the past decade. However, for devices such as flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) to be of practical use, two major challenges still need to be solved: (i) drop in efficiency on scale-up, and (ii) low stability and reliability due to easy co-ordination with water and oxygen molecules. This project aims to overcome these issues by developing a process for proton exchange in the perovskite, and by judicially selecting charge transport layers for improved device engineering. Tunable exciton binding energy, quantum well structure, out-of-plane oriented growth, and phase distribution of 2D/quasi-2D layered Dion-Jacobson (DJ) and Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) halide perovskites have enabled more stable PSCs, thus more attractive than their 3D counterparts. Grounded on such breakthroughs, this work will advance the synthesis of novel perovskite compositions and charge transport layers to enhance the robustness to water/oxygen molecules; as well as the simulation, fabrication, and characterization of F-PSCs and sub-modules (25 cm2) with a targeted efficiency of 18%. An in-depth investigation of the structural, optical, and electronic properties of the developed materials, including ultrafast charge carrier dynamics, will provide crucial guidelines for this work, as well as for potential application in other flexible electronic technologies (e.g. IoT).

proobj:
Objective 1: Theoretical calculations and simulation for perovskite synthesis and device engineering, respectively.

Objective 2: Development of new layered halide perovskite compositions, photonic crystals and thin films on flexible substrate. 

Objective 3: Design and development of flexible PSC fabrication and characterization for efficient and stable devices and state of the art for flexible module. 

Objective 4: Investigation and suppression of recombination loss mechanisms to enhance the PCE.

prometho:
(a)	Synthesis of a novel organic spacer and execution of proton exchange to improve the stability and optoelectronic properties in layered perovskites compared to the conventional perovskites with alkyl chains. Theoretical simulation will be employed to identify the best isotope exchange host, site, and fraction among the spacer cation or organic cation or both to develop an efficient perovskite system.
(b)	Simulation of the solar cell structure with p-i-n configuration to understand charge transport, light-matter interaction, its performance, and effects of bending using a combination of software such as TCAD Synopsys, Silvaco, COMSOL, Lumerical FDTD and Lumerical CHARGE, etc. 
(c)	Development of experimental set-up to grow the perovskite thin films on flexible substrates (PET, PFN, etc.), study their crystallinity, and subsequently control the film morphology by various approaches. The films will be characterized using XRD, FTIR, solid-state NMR, SEM, AFM, absorption, and emission spectroscopy. The data from characterization will be fed back for further device simulations.
(d)	Deposition of highly uniform perovskite and subsequent transport layers on the flexible substrate, which is one of the most critical aspects of this project. To achieve uniform layers, different deposition methods (spin coating, blade coating, and thermal evaporation), control of solvent composition, the stoichiometry of the solute, substrate and solvent temperature, etc. will be employed. Photonic crystal structure will also be developed for light trapping to enhance the device performance and thin films will be optically characterized by ultrafast spectroscopy to evaluate the charge transfer mechanism, trap density, charge carrier lifetime, and diffusion lengths. 
(e)	Development of state-of-the-art F-PSC in p-i-n configuration (f-substrate/ITO/HTL/perovskite/ ETL/cathode). A novel approach of carbon paste to deposit cathode will be preferred for suppressing interfacial interactions, easy processing, and reducing the cost (in comparison to the traditional electrode deposition by physical vapor deposition).  
(f)	The devices will be characterized under AM 1.5G illumination. The feedbacks from device performance will be used to optimize the fabrication process to improve the device efficiency parameters. The stability of the devices will be measured as PCE vs. time and PCE vs. illumination conditions. The mechanical stability of the device will be tested by bending angles and cycles vs. PCE.  The scan rate variation and impedance analysis will be conducted to develop an in-depth understanding of the influences of device flexibility on the ionic motion.
(g)	The device area will be further enhanced and tested, targeting the 25 cm2 sub-module area.

prosummary:
(a)	Synthesis of a novel organic spacer and execution of proton exchange to improve the stability and optoelectronic properties in layered perovskites compared to the conventional perovskites with alkyl chains. Theoretical simulation will be employed to identify the best isotope exchange host, site, and fraction among the spacer cation or organic cation or both to develop an efficient perovskite system.
(b)	Simulation of the solar cell structure with p-i-n configuration to understand charge transport, light-matter interaction, its performance, and effects of bending using a combination of software such as TCAD Synopsys, Silvaco, COMSOL, Lumerical FDTD and Lumerical CHARGE, etc. 
(c)	Development of experimental set-up to grow the perovskite thin films on flexible substrates (PET, PFN, etc.), study their crystallinity, and subsequently control the film morphology by various approaches. The films will be characterized using XRD, FTIR, solid-state NMR, SEM, AFM, absorption, and emission spectroscopy. The data from characterization will be fed back for further device simulations.
(d)	Deposition of highly uniform perovskite and subsequent transport layers on the flexible substrate, which is one of the most critical aspects of this project. To achieve uniform layers, different deposition methods (spin coating, blade coating, and thermal evaporation), control of solvent composition, the stoichiometry of the solute, substrate and solvent temperature, etc. will be employed. Photonic crystal structure will also be developed for light trapping to enhance the device performance and thin films will be optically characterized by ultrafast spectroscopy to evaluate the charge transfer mechanism, trap density, charge carrier lifetime, and diffusion lengths. 
(e)	Development of state-of-the-art F-PSC in p-i-n configuration (f-substrate/ITO/HTL/perovskite/ ETL/cathode). A novel approach of carbon paste to deposit cathode will be preferred for suppressing interfacial interactions, easy processing, and reducing the cost (in comparison to the traditional electrode deposition by physical vapor deposition).  
(f)	The devices will be characterized under AM 1.5G illumination. The feedbacks from device performance will be used to optimize the fabrication process to improve the device efficiency parameters. The stability of the devices will be measured as PCE vs. time and PCE vs. illumination conditions. The mechanical stability of the device will be tested by bending angles and cycles vs. PCE.  The scan rate variation and impedance analysis will be conducted to develop an in-depth understanding of the influences of device flexibility on the ionic motion.
(g)	The device area will be further enhanced and tested, targeting the 25 cm2 sub-module area.

proEoutcome:
a.	This project aims to deliver F-PSCs (1 cm2) and flexible solar sub-modules (25 cm2) with PCEs of 20 % and 18 % respectively.
b.	This project will develop a low-cost fabrication process to achieve stable and high-performance flexible PSCs for different applications such as large-scale roofing, electronic textiles, portable electric chargers, and power sources in space. 
c.	This project will deliver a novel layered perovskite composition by isotope exchange and the comprehensive understanding of the physical/chemical interfacial interaction with subsequent layers in solar cells by probing the structural, optical, electrical properties and ultrafast charge carrier dynamics. 
d.	Set the guidelines to design and develop the other flexible electronic devices such as LED, TFT, memristor, detector, etc., and novel perovskite composition useful for such electronic devices on the rigid platform as well.  
e.	At least two Doctoral level and two Master level students are expected to be trained on the fabrication and characterization of flexible perovskite solar cells.

FAScheme:
INDIA–PORTUGAL PROGRAMME OF COOPERATION 
IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY


protitle:
Development of photoactive granular adsorbents using metal oxide modified aluminosilicate geopolymers for removal of organic dyes and emerging contaminants from waste water

prointro:
Effective utilization of large scale industrial wastes and earth abundant materials has attracted significant attention to researchers towards exploring sustainable future. In this context, aluminosilicates are well-known abundant materials which are found in naturally occurring clays (e.g. metakaolin) or in industrial wastes (e.g. coal fly ash) produced from thermal plants. These materials can be used as precursor for the development of geopolymers which can further be tailored mechano-chemically in the form of adsorbents, construction blocks, and catalyst support. The use of geopolymeric adsorbents however is not wide spread till date for commercial purpose. Over the past decades, use of synthetic dyes in many industries, such as textile, ink, plastics, paper, cosmetics, etc. has caused serious environmental problems. Pharmaceutical hazards and illicit drugs are also causing severe problems as emerging contaminants that are present in low concentrations in water but can create negative impact on human health and/or ecosystems. Present proposal is aiming the development of spherical (diameter 5-8 mm) granules using metal oxide modified aluminosilicate (metakaolin, fly ash based) geopolymers for the removal of organic dyes and emerging contaminants (pharmaceutical hazards) from water. The modification of aluminosilicate based geopolymers with photo-active (under UV-vis) ceramic metal oxides (e.g. TiO2, ZnO, Fe3O4 etc.) will introduce photo-catalytic activity for the decomposition of adsorbed toxic organic moieties into relatively benign products. The composition of proposed composites materials and parameters for mechano-chemical processing of spherical granules will be optimized to achieve adequate mechanical strength, adsorption capacity and photo-active performances effective for practical applications.

proobj:
To develop aluminosilicate based spherical adsorbents

prometho:
	Task # 1: Preparation of geopolymeric gel from metakaolin and fly ash based precursors: 
Geopolymers are considered as amorphous aluminosilicates synthesized at low temperatures by chemical reaction between aluminosilicates and alkaline hydroxide/ polysilicates. In the proposed work, geopolymeric gel will be prepared by the chemical reaction of metakaolin clay and fly ash based aluminosilicate precursor with alkali polysilicate in aqueous medium [1-2]. The reaction conditions will be optimised to attain rheological features suitable for tailoring into spherical beads which will be used as adsorption of organic dyes. The metal oxides will be mixed further into the geopolymeric gel to prepare photoactive geopolymer which will be useful to decompose the adsorbed organic dyes under the presence of suitable wavelength of light.
	Task # 2: Shaping the geopolymeric gel into spherical adsorbents through different dripping techniques
Transforming a geopolymeric gel into a solid shape undergoes through a water-based polycondensation reaction which result a custom-tailored porosity in the final solid materials. Water content in the precursor slurry influences the intrinsic porosity of the geopolymer matrix since it acts as pore former during the polycondensation process. Moreover, depending on the viscosity and composition of the geopolymer pastes, it can be tailored in various near-net shape structures.

prosummary:
Ceramic, polymeric as well as carbon based materials are widely used as adsorbents for water treatment applications. Ceramic and carbon based materials although have good chemical and physical stability, their higher price in comparison to polymeric adsorbents often restrict their widespread use in industrial water treatment. On contrary, geopolymers are cost effective amorphous aluminosilicate which behaves like ceramic materials with structural mesoporosity, good mechanical, chemical stability and cation-exchange capacity. Another advantage of geopolymers in contrast to conventional ceramics is that these can be consolidated at (near) ambient conditions without high-temperature sintering. Consequently, geopolymeric adsorbents could offer a clean, low-cost, robust, long lifespan technology for industrial water treatment. In addition, the modification of aluminosilicate based geopolymers with photo-active (under UV-vis) ceramic metal oxides (e.g. TiO2, ZnO, Fe3O4 etc.) will introduce photo-catalytic activity that would be effective for the decomposition of adsorbed toxic organic moieties. Aluminosilicate (e.g. metakaolon clay, fly ash) materials are studied extensively till date for preparing various construction materials. However, the use of aluminosilicate based geopolymers for developing spherical bead adsorbents are not widespread yet.  In particular, the photoactive geopolymeric adsorbents which can play dual role for the adsorption as well as degradation of organic molecules are found limited in literature. In aluminosilicate geopolymer, a rigid three-dimensional network structure of SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedral are randomly interlinked by sharing O atoms [1]. The negative charge of tetrahedrally coordinated Al atoms inside the network is balanced by alkali metal cations. The intrinsic porosity in the geopolymer as well as the presence of removable alkali metal cations imparts the adsorption properties into it. 
The Principal Investigator (PI, from India), the Co-PI (from Canada) and other members from Indian team have expertise in the relevant field which will be important to solve anonymous research challenges towards successful implementation of the proposed activities.

proEoutcome:
1.	Technology for the development of aluminosilicate (metakaolin/ flyash) based spherical (diameter 5-8 mm) adsorbents for the adsorption of cationic dyes and pharmaceutical hazards
2.	Experimental results regarding the explorative study on the photo-active performance of semiconducting metal oxide modified alumina-silicate based adsorbents. 
3.	2 publications from the joint R & D effort between Indian PI and Canadian Co-PI.
Work Plan
	0-3 M
	4-6 M	7-9 M
	10-12 M	13-15
M	16-18
M	19-21 
M	22-24
M
Task # 1:  Preparation of geopolymeric gel from metakaolin and fly ash based precursors								
Task # 2:  Shaping the geopolymeric gel into spherical adsorbents through different dripping techniques								
Task # 3:  Study on rheological, compositional, micro-structural characteristics and mechanical properties of geopolymeric gel and derived products								
Task # 4:  Study the dye and emerging contaminants absorption capacities of photo-active metal oxide (MO) modified geopolymeric adsorbents								
Task # 5: Research activities towards regeneration of the developed geopolymeric adsorbents								
Task # 6:   Study on the kinetics for adsorption of dyes and emerging contaminants over the prepared adsorbents								
Task # 7: Fabrication of prototype working model for the adsorption of dyes and pharmaceutical contaminants from water using developed geopolymeric adsorbents								
Task # 8: Publication of research articles, preparing project report.  Organizing bilateral webinar for students/ researchers on water purification, analytical and environmental chemistry								
4.	Bilateral webinar (by Highly Qualified Personnel) for students/ researchers on water purification, analytical and environmental chemistry.

FAScheme:
Shastri Institutional Collaborative Research Grant (SICRG)


protitle:
Developing a Privacy Preserving Framework for securing Organizational Data Publication

prointro:
With the increased cases of cyber crimes, the current security framework adopted by government is not fully secure. The online storage of all citizen's data on cloud storage may attract the foreign bodies to hack and misuse that data. At the same time to digitize the nation and to make the oces paperless as an advent for building green nation, the online availability of data is must. The security policies issued by government need to be updated for building a more stronger wall against the security attacks, however these new policies may aect the performance of data processing and data retrieval because of large scale of computation. There is
always a trade-o between the security policies and performance issues. Instead of relying only traditional cloud implementation policies, a new approach/framework
should be developed which can assure the privacy of end user's data without degrading the performance.

proobj:
-> Analyze the current system to uncover the loopholes existing in storage, analysis and audit of government data.

 -> Propose a new framework to store, search and retrieve the data condentially without compromising one's privacy.

prometho:
The project will start with a detailed literature review and the analysis of the existing system to uncover the loopholes in the system. 
In the next step a new framework for the cloud system that is responsible to store, search, retrieve and analyze the citizens' data in a condential way will be provided. The granularity of the access control mechanism will be fine-grained so
as to preserve user privacy in a multi-tenant environment.
In subsequent work the extraction of information from the user's data without reading the actual data of any citizen will be develoed. While gaining the knowledge
from the encrypted data, the means to verify the authenticity and correctness of data will also be developed.
In the last phase of the work the mechanism for the audit by a third party to check the validity of the storage and operational work of the cloud storage will be developed. The audit system should not learn any condential data but at the same time it should also nd that the data has not been damaged or lost or has been manipulated in unauthentic way.

proEoutcome:
the development of a Privacy preserving framework for securing Organizational Data Publication


prointro:
Under the call for proposals, titled India EU Joint Call 2020: Integrated Local Energy Systems, technology interventions in following three cities:
(1) Roorkee (R), Uttarakhand,
(2) Surat (S), Gujarat, and
(3) Panjim (P), Goa
are proposed.

proobj:
Creating self-sustained fully decarbonized Local energy communities in India

prometho:
Preliminary audits
Site Surveys
Modelling and Simulation studies
Rooftop solar PV in Pilots
Small hydropower in pilots
waste-to-energy in pilots
Building energy efficiency in pilots

prosummary:
Roof top solar PV System (R, S)
1.1 Installation of pilot rooftop PV on municipal/ government buildings
1.2 Integrating Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with rooftop solar PV systems to enable DR measures and demand flexibility
1.3 Application of distributed-ledger technology for P2P trading of power from rooftop PV systems (R, S) (PDPU – Partner)
1.4 P2P energy trading and sharing among buildings with solar roof top systems
1.5 Developing a P2P energy sharing and trading model
1.6 Dynamic Pricing Strategy
1.7 Sustainable business model
1.8 Floating/canal top Solar PV on Ganga Canal
2 Hydrokinetic energy (R)
3 Waste to Energy (R)
4 E- Mobility- e-rickshaws charging stations, e-scooters (R, S, P)
5 Energy Efficiency buildings design, consumptions (R, S, P) (PDPU - Lead)
Enhancing building energy efficiency shall have the following components:
5.1 Reducing energy consumption through design measures
5.2 Reducing energy consumption through operational measures
5.3 Assessment of various aspects affecting the indoor air-quality, post COVID-19 scenario
5.4 Design and implementation of Net-Zero energy Building

proEoutcome:
Set of design measures that shall improve building energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
Set of operational strategies, which would enhance the building energy efficiency without affecting the occupants comfort.
 Coordinated demand response strategies to vary the building energy systems’ set point levels in order to assist peak demand management.
 Assess the impact of building planning and efficacy of the air pollution sinks on indoor air-quality with reduced risk of virus transmission enabling good health of the habitants.
 Develop adequacy scenario of artificial ventilation and air pollution sinks in commercial buildings, integrating thermal comfort with indoor-air quality.
 Apply for Green building certification.


protitle:
A Large Scale Redox Flow Battery integrated Hybrid cross Wind-Solar PV Energy Management
System

proarea:
Hybrid Energy systems, Smart energy, Smart grids, Battery Management system

prointro:
Energy is the most decisive player for the development of society. Over the last few decades, the use of energy increased vividly in various forms. There is a steep rise in the energy demand. Energy and associated infrastructure have become a tool to shape the economy of any country and that too in a sustainable form. India has recognized this fact and has embarked upon a comprehensive strategy to address the concerns of energy security of India. The need for a resource center was anticipated to keep pace with the fast developing and competitive energy industry, to plan for the future and to continuously build requisite intellectual capital and human resource skills. Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), was established by Gujarat Energy Research & Management Institute (GERMI) as a Private University through the State Act enacted on 4th April, 2007. PDPU has ever since worked towards its mandate to emerge as a world class Institution of Excellence in Energy Education, Research and Innovation. From Vibrant Gujarat, 2011 initiatives, PDPU has set to work being a leading Energy University. Development of this novel hybrid integrated renewable energy generation pilot will give a
momentum to the task undertaken for ensuring energy security. Under this EU – INDIA Horizon Fund Program our XWIND4INDIA consortium at an German weak tower wind onshore location at Geiselhöring , Bavarian , Germany a LOW budged X Wind rail test circle of about 700 m length (phase 1) we will at first evidently show, that comparable to state of the art wind tower plants according to this valid Bavarian wind atlas energy production of an 2 MW reference plant with about 1650 net capacity hours are possible to generate, our XWIND4INDIA demo plant will annually generate about 30 to 50 % more wind energy then todays state of the art wind tower technology.

proobj:
To demonstrate an integrated solution for grid connected Solar and Wind Power with Energy Storage based on Vanadium Redox Flow Battery

prometho:
PDPU, SMVDU and KITS have successfully implemented 1000 kW (solar farm), 900 kW rooftop solar and 100 kW rooftop solar power project, respectively, and demonstrated capability to operate technology of translational level (TRL) 9. Both PDPU and SMVDU solar power projects are grid integrated, inject clean energy into distribution network. However, balancing of solar power generation available from the solar power projects with distribution network load at all time is the biggest challenge in order to maintain frequency and voltage. Moreover, both these projects are unable to deliver power during night hours. Hence, one of the major objectives of this project is to overcome above limitations of existing solar power projects by installing Vanadium Redox Battery (VRB) based energy storage system in parallel with solar power projects.
2.The vanadium redox battery (VRB), also known as the vanadium flow battery (VFB) or vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB), is a type of rechargeable flow battery that employs vanadium ions in different oxidation states to store chemical potential energy. The vanadium redox battery exploits the ability of vanadium to exist in solution in four different oxidation states, and uses this property to make a battery that has just one electroactive element instead of two. The other objective of the project is to install VRFB as energy storage (TRL 9) in synchronization with solar power plants in order to balance generation-load demand. 
3. Determination of optimal sizing of VRFB based energy storage system to integrate with 500 kW pilot project (TRL 7) based on solar power generation.
4. Implementation and demonstration of integrated operation of solar PV power generation with VRFB based energy storage system on 500 kW pilot project (TRL 7) to validate the effectiveness of hybrid system. 
5. Optimal determination (Optimization /Analytical Techniques – TRL 7) of charging-discharging cycles of VRFB in order to follow the load demand for maintaining frequency and voltage in pilot local energy management systems. 
6. The key learnings of pilot projects will be extended to integrate large scale energy storage with existing grid connected 1 MW solar power project (TRL 8) in order to flatten generation-load profile and to minimize fluctuations in voltage and frequency.
7. Knowledge procurement through demonstration and training from EU partners (XWind, UG, Germany) for creation of specific knowledge and skill development in the novel cross-wind kite based XWind technology for a futuristic VRFB integrated XWind-Solar hybrid energy supplied Smart Grids (TRL 8).

prosummary:
Work Package 1
• Site Survey and shadow analysis
• Design of plant • EPC Tendering
• Procurement
• Installation and commissioning of
the rooftop solar plant
Work Package 2
• String sizing of solar PV
• String sizing of VRFB
• Integration of VRFB and rooftop
solar PV
Work Package 3
• Integration of rooftop solar PV with load
• Integration of DC-DC
bidirectional converter with VRFB
• Optimization of solar PV + VRFB
Work Package 4
• Detailed study of existing solar parks and installed rooftop plants for the current conditions
• Testing of bidirectional converters and inverters
• Integration of VRFB + Inverter with Grid
• Integration of Solar plants + VRFB with grid
Work package 5
• Monitoring of SoC of VRFB
during various climate conditions
• VRFB discharge study under
various permutations and
combinations of load
• Maintaining voltage and frequency
at point of common coupling

proEoutcome:
Hybrid Renewable energy systems can play a key role in helping India accelerate the decarbonization of power generation and lowering the cost of electricity in the medium term. If we can store some energy during excess renewable generation hours and release it into the grid during peak demand hours, the hybrid system can produce round-the-clock clean energy in response to varying levels of demand through the day. The storage can take many forms, such as batteries, pumped hydro or mechanical storage through flywheels. The overall output of the hybrid system can thus be matched against a required load on an hourly basis. In this way, it can provide both baseload and flexible power.
Hybrid systems are expected to become increasingly cost competitive, driven by reducing costs of battery storage and solar energy. An optimal combination of solar, wind and storage can deliver stable round-the-clock power even at today’s costs of around 6-7 Indian Rupees per kilowatt hour (kWh). Compared to baseload coal plants, this is significantly higher. Lithium-ion battery costs are expected to fall from current $220-240/kWh to below $100 in next 3-4 years. However, V-flow battery outcompetes Li-ion, and any other solid battery, for utility-scale applications. They’re safer, more scalable, longer-lasting, and there’s much more Vanadium than Lithium in the Earth’s crust. But commercialization suffers from the high cost of Vanadium extraction. Similarly, levelized costs of solar energy have plummeted from 4.63 INR per kWh in 2016 to 2.50 INR per kWh as of last quarter of 2019. It may fall as low as 2 INR per kWh in the next three to five years.
If the economics of hybrid systems do approach the above levels, they can potentially be competitive with 30-40 percent of existing coal-fired stations in India. They can therefore become a viable solution to meeting future base-load power requirements, all at zero carbon emissions and future cost-inflation proof.


protitle:
Mobile robotic medical helper with intelligent visual servo control

proarea:
Mobile Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Control Systems Engineering

prointro:
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown myriad of challenges to the whole world in all walks of life. Those public services which are in the front line of encountering COVID-19 virus are the most needy in terms of technological aid. The requirements on social distancing makes it even more challenging to discharge their duties. The technology of robots in general provide the mechanism for automating a certain task which may be repetitive. While the technology of fixed base industrial robots has matured quite significantly and autonomous cars are beginning to arrive on roads, strong contributions are still needed in the area of mobile ground robots to make the technology safe and efficient for healthcare sector. This proposal envisages to break new ground in mobile robot technology deployed for healthcare, especially in the context of solving problems posed by COVID-19 pandemic. Research in visual servo control and artificial intelligence will be used to achieve the autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance. The research coming out from this proposal will produce algorithms that enable mobile robots to carry a pay load while following a medical personnel.

proobj:
1. To build image processing algorithms so that the mobile robot understands gesture based sign language for following a person, stopping at a place and passing through the door.
2. To show a demonstration using visual servo control algorithms such that the mobile robot follows the medical professional while avoiding obstacles. 
3. To implement algorithms based on artificial intelligence such that the mobile robot autonomously goes from one point to the other on the hospital floor with 5 kg payload.

prometho:
There are mainly three work packages, one for each objective.  
1. Gesture based sign language: This relates to the first objective. First a set of signs will be decided as to which gesture by the medical personnel would command start, stop and pass through the door. Then the AI based image processing algorithms will be developed to teach the robot to identify those signs and a particular staff member.  
		 
2. Visual servo control algorithms: This relates to the second objective. The desired trajectory will be generated based on the distance and gesture measurement via camera mounted on the robot. There are several person tracking algorithms developed and training data available in recent times as discussed in literature review. The key contribution in this work package will be to give a ``driving policy" that combines human racking with obstacle avoidance. For hospital environment, safety is a challenge and it has never been achieved.
3. Autonomous movement: This relates to the third objective. The previous two work packages involve working with human. This work package will have the robot move from one point to the other autonomously with a typical payload in a hospital while avoiding moving obstacles in narrow corridors of a hospital.

prosummary:
The following plan of work will be used:
1. Month 1: Procurement of equipment and recruitment of JRF
2. Month 2: Software and Hardware training
3. Month 3 & 4: Person identification using Neural Networks
4. Month 5, 6 & 7: Visual Servo Control
5. Month 8, 9 & 10: Autonomous navigation using Visual SLAM

proEoutcome:
1. Experimental demonstration of successful identification of gestures.	
2. Experimental demonstration of the robot following a human.
3. Experimental demonstration of the robot moving autonomously in narrow corridors.
4. Manuscript of a potential research paper.


protitle:
Development of nanocomposite-based viral disinfectant against SARS-CoV for preventing viral dissemination on air, surfaces and protective equipment

prointro:
The worldwide threat of Corona viruses based epidemics and the latest outbreak in China created several complications in current healthcare practices in terms of prognosis and prevention. CoV have been characterized by enveloped non-segmented positive-sense RNA viruses, which belong to the family Coronaviridae. In general, different types of human coronaviruses vary in the severity of illness, their cause, and how far they can spread. Although drug repositioning and large spectra therapies are under evaluation.At present, there is no specific treatment is outlined for COVID-19. Risk of coronavirus outbreaks spread rapidly due to its ubiquitous presence and zoonotic mode of transmission through various host species, which makes it further complex pathogen. Considering that yet no medication is developed for COVID-19 and only possible way to control this pandemic is to avoid the transmission of this virus between host species by social distances. But maintaining the social distance in some cases is difficult, for example in hospitals where the distance between medical staff and patient is significantly less, also during the handling of blood samples of infected patients. In such case, the doctors and medical staff are only depend on their personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid the contamination from possible host of COVID-19.

An ideal PPE and mask is not only required to stop the transmission of virus but also need to kill or deactivate the virus during the time of contact. In this context, several metal and metal oxide nanoparticles such as Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Ni as a metal and ZnO, TiO2, CeO2 and SiO2 as metal oxides NPs  Ag, ZnO, Cu based, TiO2, CeO2, Au, SiO2, Ni, and Pt have shown the phenomenology of nanoparticles-assosciated to the antibacterial effects and possible mechanisms of action against bacteria.
The hazardous limit on Ag-NP has been proposed to be an occupational air-borne exposure limit of 0.19 μg/m3. Cosmetic industries have been using Ag-NPs for their anti-oxidative and anti-bacterial properties at estimated range upto 20%. The PIs in the project express concerns over human exposure of NPs generated, however, their intended use is below the concentration of hazardous levels and PIs propose application of NPs on inanimate objectives like PPE kits only. Effort will be made to make NPs at very low concentrations which will be effective for SARS-CoV2 inhibition but can be perused for human applications after extensive pre-clinical and clinical trials.

proobj:
1.	Development of Metal nanoparticles (NP) and NPs composites (PDPU)
2.	Generation of Viral-like Particle and ACE2 over-expressing cell line (IIAR)
3.	Development of antiviral spray and its characterization (PDPU)
4.	Testing antiviral activity of designed anti-viral spray against Viral-like particles (IIAR)

prometho:
Corona virus pandemic drive many researchers to work on mechanism and therapeutic strategies extensively and rapidly to control and prevent the infection. However, lack of appropriate facilities like BSL-III and BSL-IV has made scientists to look at alternative methods to study viral mechanism, host responses and treatment strategies (10.1128/JVI.01052-08). Among many strategies to study SARS-CoV-2 plasmids encoding for viral proteins and viral like particles have been used majorly for vaccine research, protein structure, host-pathogen interactions and neutralization (10.1101/2020.04.10.036418, 17680799, 10.1038/s41423-020-0400-4, 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.052, 10.1101/2020.01.31.929042). Even before the pandemic other Corona virus plasmids were being used from many years to study the viral assembly, and neutralization studies. ARTES biotech has taken steps to develop viral like particles for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates. Neutralization using of viral like particles replicates replicate neutralization in the host or outside the cells and prevents viral entry into the cells which can be a better strategy. In this project we would like test the efficacy of nano particles generated on degrading SARS-CoV-2 VLPs and inhibiting its entry into host cells. With the efficacy tested on VLPs, nano particles will most likely show efficacy on replicating virus. Thus the strategy is helpful in prevention of virus spread and can be adapted in decontamination protocols.
Even though nanao-particles have shown anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties against various bacteria and viruses, these metal nano-particles are speculated to be harmful to human health. Metal-nano particles have been shown to cause oxidative stress and accumulate in various systemic organs. The hazardous concentration of the nanoparticles like silver nanoparticles varies based on the route of exposure. The hazardous limit on Ag-NP has been proposed to be an occupational air-borne exposure limit of 0.19 μg/m3. Cosmetic industries have been using Ag-NPs for their anti-oxidative and anti-bacterial properties at estimated range upto 20%. The PIs in the project express concerns over human exposure of NPs generated, however, their intended use is below the concentration of hazardous levels and PIs propose application of NPs on inanimate objectives like PPE kits only. Effort will be made to make NPs at very low concentrations which will be effective for SARS-CoV2 inhibition but can be perused for human applications after extensive pre-clinical and clinical trials.

prosummary:
Applicants and team have many years of  experience with the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles. We have shown  that by using chemical transformations driven by mechanical forces have appeared as a new emerging methodology for the synthesis of metal and metal oxide nano-particle. The mechanochemical reactions in solid state offer a significant advantage by avoiding the use of solvent, dramatically shortening synthesis times and simultaneously increasing the purity and amount of product. The main goal of this proposal is to develop mechanochemical methods for the preparation of a variety metal nanoparticles especially with special focus on Ag and Cu and their composites with metal oxides nanoparticles. Integral part of the proposal will be the fully physicochemical characterization and determination the stability under the influence of virus attack. Finally, these materials will be utilized and develop in the form of spray for direct utilization on PPE and protective mask available in the market.

proEoutcome:
1. Onvestigators expect to deliver a new way of preparing anti-viral coated fabric for PPE.
Antiviral coating will be exclusively developed by nanoparticles in scalable process
3. Sparay coating solutions will be studied

FAScheme:
Financial support under The Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Policy


protitle:
Smart Steam Disinfection System to Fight COVID 19 in Public Places

prointro:
The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by a virus, and disinfection is the main goal. The process of disinfection removes or deactivates unwanted microorganism quantities down to 90–99.999%. Dry vapor steam is capable of disinfecting in controlled environments. Sanivap—a European dry vapor steamer manufacturer that focuses on disinfecting application markets—published dry vapor steam’s validation reports against viruses, including a strain of virus in the coronavirus family in 2015. Overall, based on the various reported studies related to application of dry steam, we can reach a conclusion that dry steam is effective tool for disinfection and dry steam based disinfection system can be used against the fight with SARS-CoV-2.

proobj:
To develop a mechanism to generate dry steam based chemical free, safe disinfection system suitable for people of all ages. 
To develop a smart system, involving the close controlled feedback mechanism with sensors to ensure 360 degree disinfection of the people and products
To develop a prototype of a smart disinfection system suitable for application in public places, schools, spiritual places, markets, malls, etc. 
To develop a prototype for smart disinfection of vegetables and fruits

prometho:
Literature review: Detail study and analysis of available disinfectants in the market according to their design, functionality and usage in different sectors to understand the associated advantage and disadvantage of the present design. The system for controlled and optimized production as well as supply of steam will also be referred, to make the proposed system robust.    
Design and Development:In the proposed project of steam based disinfection tunnel, the steam is produced with the scheffler disc. The scheffler disc helps in efficient and quantitative steam production. Developed and incorporate the controller for the optimized steam flow with the desired pressure and temperature. Finally the design and development of the disinfection tunnel is executed.
Testing and Modification: After development of the disinfection tunnel, the next stage is testing and modification (if needed) of the tunnel.

prosummary:
The proposed project includes the design and development of various components as mentioned below,
	Scheffler dish for the continuous steam production
	Accumulator for the storage of the produced steam
	Controlled chamber to optimized control and supply of steam with close feedback system 
	Disinfection tunnel for its automatic operation with 360 degree sanitization
In the proposed project of steam based disinfection tunnel, the steam is produced with the scheffler disc. The scheffler disc helps in efficient and quantitative steam production. At PDPU, one scheffler disc is already available. The additional scheffler disc can be easily design based on the available one. Likewise, the steam accumulator is also need to design to store the produced steam and supply the same whenever required.
After development of the disinfection tunnel, the next stage is testing and modification (if needed) of the tunnel.  Testing of the developed prototype will be carried out with specific group of the people ranging from the school-going children to senior citizens (i.e. from 5 year to 75 year) to identify its effectiveness as well as scope of improvement. Likewise, testing will also be performed on variety of the vegetables and fruits. The testing will be followed by the feedback and collection of the data from the users. This information would help in improvement of the system making it ready for actual implementation and installation in Public places.

proEoutcome:
Development of steam based smart disinfection system for people and commodities ensuring 360 degree disinfection 
Project will deliver various sub-systems, which will be useful for disinfection at different public places such as temple, schools, bus stop, airports etc. 
Development of steam based disinfection system for vegetables, fruits etc. 
Research on the steam and natural compound based disinfectant for safe, effective and low cost disinfection. 
Patents and research papers publication in relevant field of technology.

FAScheme:
Research Support Scheme for R&D (RSSR&D) in the emerging areas of S&T
on State and National Priorities


protitle:
Machine Translation of Gujarati Legal Documents using Deep Learning and Optical Character Recognition

proarea:
Natural Language Processing, Machine Translation

prointro:
Machine Translation (MT) has been one of the most widely used service around the world. People use online MT services for many situations, more informal than formal. Online MTs are best suited for regular text. However, consider some esoteric form of text, such as law or medical reports. These texts are highly field-specific and require understanding of it, which general MTs are not trained for. A certified translation of legal text takes several months to finish and this may be undesirable in some cases. This necessitates a quicker method to translate documents between languages. We propose a model which will translate legal (judicial) text documents from Gujarati to English quicker than a user would do manually. The model will also be able to directly scan documents from physical copy to digital copy and extract text using Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which obviates the human intervention of converting the document into digital format also. This considerably reduces the time, when any local judicial documents (usually in Gujarati) will reach to Supreme Court for further hearing. Hence, we propose the development of image/data classification techniques which can serve as a valuable tool in judicial system.

proobj:
A novel translation mechanism with high accuracy will be developed for converting legal judicial documents from Gujarati to English language.

prometho:
We cannot borrow existing models described above as it is, mainly because
a. Every country has different laws, and each country has different text to deal with. Rules for one country may not apply to other countries.
b. Other countries follow different languages, each language has a different language model and are hence trained on different languages. Therefore, they are of no use to translate Gujarati text.
Therefore, we propose a model which will be able to scan documents, extract text, parse the Gujarati text language and convert it to English. On the surface it performs two tasks, one of an OCR and other of Machine Translation. Instead of two individual models, we can combine them into a single deep neural network, which is known as Multi-task Network. A single model is able to be trained parallelly for solving multiple tasks across various domains. For example, a model which is able to predict captions from image – that model is able to classify images using image processing and generates meaningful and coherent sentences using text processing.

prosummary:
The methodology will be clear from the figure 1 as shown in the detailed proposal. Once the work is complete, the project would have contributed the following:
1. Create a dataset for Gujarati characters in various sizes and fonts
2. Develop a state-of-art Gujarati OCR Model
3. Translation of documents between Gujarati and English, including field-specific words and legal jargon.
The successful completion of this project will surely result in more efficient processing of cases and will drastically save time. Once this project is complete, we can include more Indian languages.

proEoutcome:
 A novel translation mechanism with high accuracy will be developed for converting legal judicial documents from Gujarati to English language.
 Is to speed up the process of translation without human intervention and convert the documents in digital form to ease the process of accessing the documents.
 Is to develop a model for Gujarati language legal documents, but will be extended for other Indian languages which will considerably reduce the time, when any local judicial documents will reach to Supreme Court for further hearing.


protitle:
IRIS Recognition Time Attendance with Body Temperature Measurement System using IoT & Artificial Intelligence

proarea:
Broad Area: Surveillance devices
Specific area of Pilot Deployment: Multiple sensing Touch free temperature sensing for surveillance at various offices, malls, and areas expected to have a high density turnout of people.

prointro:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) is an infectious disease that severely affects the respiratory system. A COVID patient may exhibit mild or severe symptoms and can even result in death in some cases. The first case of COVID was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and by April 2020 has spread across the globe. This, being a new viral disease affecting humans for the first time, vaccines are not yet available.
As per the data available on WHO's website, by September 28, 2020, 32,730,945 COVID cases were reported globally, and 298,773 were newly reported. Sadly, 991,224 people have lost their lives to this disease across the globe. In India, on September 28, 2020, 88600 were newly reported, and the disease has resulted in the loss of 1124 lives. The spread of COVID in different countries.
Many countries are locking their population and enforcing strict quarantine to control the spread of the havoc of this highly contagious disease. The pandemic has severely affected the day to day life and the economy. Schools, colleges, and universities are conducting their academic activities online. Many of the IT sector industries have declared work from home for their employees. Shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, tourism industry, health and entertainment clubs, movie theatres, etc. have been severely impacted. The airline and railway industry has also incurred severe losses. The manufacturing sector has faced the loss of production due to the scarcity of essential materials resulting from the COVID. Disruption in the supply chain of products has affected the business and day to day life of individuals. Companies incur significant financial losses due to failure of production, fall in sales, and expenditure on rent, machinery, water, electricity, and upkeep. To add to the woes, low cash flow in the market slows down in the revenue growth. The construction sector has also stagnated. This resulted in financial loss in millions and has resulted in the loss of jobs, reduction in salaries, and migration of individuals.
One of the major concerns faced by universities and organizations is that the infection may spread among employees/students. To avoid these, strict measures have been put into place. The employees traveling from different destinations to their work asked to undergo home quarantine for 7-15 days. The universities/institutes and governmental organizations are emphasizing on taking extensive precautions such as comprehensive hygiene protocol (e.g., regularly washing of hands, avoidance of face to face interaction, etc.), social distancing, and wearing of masks, etc. to make the students/employees/population aware about the precautionary measures. Universities and organizations have put an entry procedure are put into practice to ensure that the infected employee does not get access to the premises. The general procedure to gain entry in University/Organization during COVID-19is:
- Social distancing
- Compulsory use of N-95 masks and gloves
- Passing through sanitization tunnels
- Compulsory hand sanitization
- Checking of the status of an individual on the ArogyaSetu App
- Measurement of body temperature
- Use of temperature gun for contactless body measurement of body temperature
Attendance recording at University/Organization has been a significant concern. Under normal operating circumstances, biometric attendance is recorded through thumb imprint. During the COVID pandemic, such biometric attendance recording can result in the spread of the disease. Moreover, such an attendance recording procedure can also result in the spread of other diseases, such as common influenza, chickenpox, etc. The use of hand sanitizer before and after recording attendance is the simplest solution. However, it's a highly unreliable solution, and slight negligence can result in severe consequences.
The main aim of this proposal is to resolve this issue by designing a biometric attendance recording with the following novel incorporations.
- Iris and retina scan based attendance recording
- Infrared sensor based temperature measurement
- The sensed temperature will be processed by an AI algorithm to determine the pattern, considering the previous records, atmospheric conditions, time of the day, etc. If any abnormality is found, the person will not get access to the campus, and appropriate authority will be alerted.
- Moreover, the designed device will also sanitize the user.
The developed device can also be used for recording student attendance, especially for Ph.D. and M.Tech. students. These students receive scholarships and need to be present on campus for teaching assistance and research assistance duties. This device can also be used to log their attendance and ensure that they are healthy.

proobj:
The main aim of this proposal is to resolve this issue by designing a biometric attendance recording with the following novel incorporations.
- Iris and retina scan based attendance recording
- Infrared sensor based temperature measurement
- The sensed temperature will be processed by an AI algorithm to determine the pattern, considering the previous records, atmospheric conditions, time of the day, etc. If any abnormality is found, the person will not get access to the campus, and appropriate authority will be alerted.
- Moreover, the designed device will also sanitize the user.
The developed device can also be used for recording student attendance, especially for Ph.D. and M.Tech. students. These students receive scholarships and need to be present on campus for teaching assistance and research assistance duties. This device can also be used to log their attendance and ensure that they are healthy.

prometho:
When someone comes in front of the device, the proximity sensor will activate the module. Upon activation the Iris will be scanned with the help of Iris scanner (the camera), this scanned iris will then be processed and compared with the existing iris database (stored locally or cloud). If the image matches, the temperature sensor will now scan the body temperature of the individual and this scanned data will be sent through IoT to an AI algorithm which will processed this data taking into consideration the atmospheric conditions previously recorded data etc. and state whether the person is healthy or not. If
there is any abnormality founds, the entry is not granted and the authority and the individual will be alerted. If person is healthy, it will turn on the green light indicator, which indicates that the Attendance (along with the body temperature data) has been Recorded Successfully. In case of any error in Processing/Comparison of the scanned image, a red indicator light will turn on. This would imply that the attendance registration has failed and then it will scan the iris again. Here the possible cause for an error could indicate that the person's iris is not in the database or the iris has not been scanned properly. After successful attendance registration, the module will retain its dormant state and it will be activated again (autonomously) when the proximity sensor detects an object in front of it.
The methodology is explained in the following steps:
i. Literature survey and review of reported techniques for biometric attendance monitoring, temperature measurement, and COVID19 detection
ii. Database preparation for artificial intelligence algorithm to detect whether the person is healthy or not
iii. Design and implementation of retinal and iris scan for biometric attendance marking
iv. Design and development of infrared temperature measurement and recording
v. Design and development of IoT interface for storing the data and artificial intelligence-based algorithm for determining whether the individual is healthy or not
vi. Design and development of requisite software for data storage, analysis, and alerting the appropriate authority if required
vii. System integration, testing, and analysis

prosummary:
Literature survey and review of reported techniques for biometric attendance monitoring, temperature measurement, and COVID19 detection 
Database preparation for artificial intelligence 
algorithm to detect whether the person is healthy or not
Design and implementation of retinal and iris scan for biometric attendance marking  
Design and development of infrared temperature measurement and recording
 
Design and development of IoT interface for storing the data and artificial intelligence-based algorithm for determining whether the individual is healthy or not
  
Design and development of requisite software for data storage, analysis, and alerting the appropriate authority if required
 
System integration, testing, and analysis
 
Technical report preparation


proEoutcome:
The outcome of the project would be a cost-optimized prototype model of a biometric attendance recording device that:
- Records the attendance through iris and retinal scan
- Compares the scan with the database to find out the name and other details of the individual and record his in and out time in the organization
- Records the body temperature of the individual and processes it through the IoT and artificial intelligence-based algorithm while taking atmospheric conditions and previously registered data into account to determine the health of the individual
- If the health of the individual is not found to be fine, then the individual and appropriate authorities are to be alerted for the next action
- Thus, the device, without any involvement of human interface, automatically records the attendance and body temperature and provides or prohibits access to the campus
- Therefore, the designed device can record employee and student attendance at the university, college, and schools.

FAScheme:
TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION AND PILOT DEPLOYMENT
UNDER SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION (STI) FUND


protitle:
Development of a low-cost device for high spatial, distributed monitoring of aerosol optical depth

prointro:
Several instruments and techniques are used to measure AOD such as with satellite and ground based sun-photometry, ground and airborne radiometers and LIDARs which are generally costly and non-portable. In response to bring down the cost and portability problem, a smartphone camera based AOD retrieval was developed which measured AOD at UVA range (340 and 380 nm). Similar effort to build a photo-sensor based photometer was taken up by a few researchers which composed of a green filter of wavelength 540 nm. It is clear from the above several studies that it is possible to build cheap sunphotometers using photo-detectors and light filters. The current research proposal is focused on developing cheap, affordable and portable photometer.  

Device thus built will be calibrated against standard instruments like Microtops. After validation, a few more of these will be manufactured and its applicability for use as network will be developed.

proobj:
-Design and development of cheap and handy sun-photometer  

-Development of a method for running these as a network for monitoring atmospheric columnar integrated air pollution

prometho:
The research proposal is focused on developing cheap, affordable and portable sun-photometer that will automatically track the sun and retrieve AOD of that location. The AOD will be retrieved at 3 to 5 different wavelengths. Several of these will be manufactured keeping in mind to build a network to monitor AOD at several locations. The device will be capable of automatically tracking the sun and retrieving AOD of specific location. The device will consists of following components: 

 

A microprocessor and PC board, the brain of the device 

A photo-detector module that will be used to detect solar intensity at 3 different wavelengths. It could be a programmable color light to frequency converter that combine configurable silicon photodiodes and a current-to-frequency converter on a single monolithic CMOS integrated circuit. The output is a square wave with frequency directly proportional to the light intensity. It consists of 8x8 arrays of photodiodes. 16 photodiodes have blue filter, 16 have red, 16 have green and 16 are clear with no filters or any other similar photo-detector. 

Servo motors along with photo-detector sensors will be programmed and used to track the sun. Motors will be aligned in horizontal and vertical axis to make it dual axis tracking. 

Light dependent resistors, sensors to detect sunlight which will direct motors to move them in that direction.  

Device will be appended with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to locate its position.  

Bluetooth for communication between a few units to minimize wire connection 

Sensor to monitors meteorological parameters. 

 

Microprocessor will be programmed to detect the maximum sun light intensity using 2 light detecting sensors mounted on the dual axis motor. A Bluetooth device will enable communication between motor and photo-detector to minimize wire connection so that device movement during sun tracking does not cause the wire to get wrapped around which is an issue till date in a few sun-photometers. A sun tracking search program will be developed and which will allow communication between photo-detectors and motors to locate the sun in the sky. Once the position of the sun is locked, microprocessor will instructs photo-detector to record the solar intensity at 3 to 5 different wavelengths. The recoded intensities will be used to retrieve AOD.  Several retrieval algorithms are available till date which will help develop retrieval algorithms. Meteorological parameters thus monitored will be used to correct the AOD retrievals. GPS attached to it will automatically record latitude and longitude of its installed location.  

Device thus built will be calibrated against Microtops. After validation, a few numbers of these will be manufactured and a network of these will be build to monitor AOD at several locations across the Ahmadabad city.

prosummary:
A microprocessor and PC board, the brain of the device 

A photo-detector module that will be used to detect solar intensity at 3 different wavelengths. It could be a programmable color light to frequency converter that combine configurable silicon photodiodes and a current-to-frequency converter on a single monolithic Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuit. The output is a square wave with frequency directly proportional to the light intensity. It consists of 8x8 arrays of photodiodes. 16 photodiodes have blue filter, 16 have red, 16 have green and 16 are clear with no filters. any other similar photo-detector 

Servo motors along with photo-detector sensors will be programmed and used to track the sun. Motors will be aligned in horizontal and vertical axis to make it dual axis tracking. 

Light dependent resistors, sensors to detect sunlight which will direct motors to move them in specific direction.  

Global Position System will be integrated with the device to detect geographical location of the device. Such information will help device estimate information related to sun position in the sky for efficient sun tracking.  

Meteorological sensor will be integrated with the device to monitor meteorological parameters 
 

A microprocessor and PC board, the brain of the device 

A photo-detector module that will be used to detect solar intensity at 3 different wavelengths. It could be a programmable color light to frequency converter that combine configurable silicon photodiodes and a current-to-frequency converter on a single monolithic CMOS integrated circuit. The output is a square wave with frequency directly proportional to the light intensity. It consists of 8x8 arrays of photodiodes. 16 photodiodes have blue filter, 16 have red, 16 have green and 16 are clear with no filters or any other similar photo-detector. 

Servo motors along with photo-detector sensors will be programmed and used to track the sun. Motors will be aligned in horizontal and vertical axis to make it dual axis tracking. 

Light dependent resistors, sensors to detect sunlight which will direct motors to move them in that direction.  

Device will be appended with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to locate its position.  

Bluetooth for communication between a few units to minimize wire connection 

Sensor to monitors meteorological parameters. 

 

Microprocessor will be programmed to detect the maximum sun light intensity using 2 light detecting sensors mounted on the dual axis motor. A Bluetooth device will enable communication between motor and photo-detector to minimize wire connection so that device movement during sun tracking does not cause the wire to get wrapped around which is an issue till date in a few sun-photometers. A sun tracking search program will be developed and which will allow communication between photo-detectors and motors to locate the sun in the sky. Once the position of the sun is locked, microprocessor will instructs photo-detector to record the solar intensity at 3 to 5 different wavelengths. The recoded intensities will be used to retrieve AOD.  Several retrieval algorithms are available till date which will help develop retrieval algorithms. Meteorological parameters thus monitored will be used to correct the AOD retrievals. GPS attached to it will automatically record latitude and longitude of its installed location.  

Device thus built will be calibrated against Microtops. After validation, a few numbers of these will be manufactured and a network of these will be build to monitor AOD at several locations across the Ahmadabad city.

proEoutcome:
-A cheap device for monitoring column integrated air pollution


protitle:
To develop the homemade thermopower and resistivity measurement setup.

prointro:
Thermoelectric materials are projected as future materials for applications, especially for the conversion of waste heat into useful electrical energy. The research efforts are directed towards improving the efficiency of this conversion (i.e., increasing the figure of merit zT) by improving the thermal as well as electrical properties. In the early 18th century, Seebeck observed that when two dissimilar materials are joined together and the junctions are held at different temperatures, a voltage difference (∆V) develops that is proportional to the temperature gradient (∆T). In the early 1900s, Altenkirch proposed a satisfactory theory to calculate the performance of thermoelectric generators or thermoelectric refrigerators. He showed that good thermoelectric material should have a larger Seebeck coefficient (S) and lower thermal conductivity (κ) to keep the heat at the junction and higher electrical conductivity (σ) to minimize the Joule heating. Combining all the three properties (S, κ and σ), the performance of a thermoelectric material at a given temperature (T) is defined in terms of a quantity called the figure of merit zT = (S2σ/κt) T. Here, κt is total thermal conductivity which is the sum of the electronic contribution κe and the lattice contribution κl. The terms associated with electrical transport, S2σ is called the power factor. A high figure of merit can be obtained by increasing the power factor and by decreasing the thermal conductivity. This means that an ideal thermoelectric material would have the electrical conductivity like metal and the thermal conductivity like a glass, which is intuitively unlikely.

proobj:
To develop the homemade thermopower and resistivity measurement setup

The thermopower (thermoelectric effect) of thin film to be measured by a home-made setup at RT. In addition, we can also measure the four-probe resistivity of thin-film at RT.

prometho:
Optimization and Strategies to enhance the thermoelectric performance

Thermoelectric materials are found to be typically heavily doped semiconductors with a carrier concentration between 1019 and 1021 per cm3. Compounds like Bi2Te3, PbTe and SiGe, used in commercial applications, have carrier concentration in the above range. The low carrier concentration materials like insulators exhibit high Seebeck coefficient (S) but very low electrical conductivity (κ). On the other hand, high carrier concentration metals show high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity but a very low Seebeck coefficient. These three quantities, S, κ, and σ are interdependent. A good thermoelectric material should be narrow band-gap semiconductors: For high σ, Complex structure (PGEC): For low κ
a high density of states near the Fermi level and multiple degenerate valleys: for high S and σ.

To enhance the thermoelectric performance, zT has to be enhanced. Hence it is required to minimize the lattice thermal conductivity without disrupting the electronic thermal conductivity. In order to achieve this, many approaches have been introduced like alloy scattering, boundary scattering, nanostructure engineering, superstructures, rattling effects (PGEC), disordering in the system by point defects (vacancies) or impurities and mass fluctuation, Peierls distortion etc. Another possible approach is enhancement of power factor. It can be enhance by electron energy filtering, quantum confinement, engineering the electronic band and resonant level mechanism.

Installation/Training/Calibration of equipment
Fabrication and Characterization of thermoelectric samples

prosummary:
Literature review
Procurement of equipment
Installation/Training/Calibration of equipment
Fabrication and Characterization of thermoelectric samples
Summarize the results and write a manuscript

Required apparatus to make thermopower measurement setup: 
Two Peltier devices, two thermocouples, temperature controller and current source meter and advanced digital multimeter (DMM) bench system and probe station, BNC cables, variable electromagnet.

Sample preparation:
RF magnetron sputtering or other technique 

This thermopower (thermoelectric effect) of thin film to be measured by home-made setup at RT. In addition, we can also measure the four-probe resistivity of thin film at RT. Thin film thermoelectric materials are used in wearable electronics, miniature self-powered devices because of its lightweight and mechanical flexibility. This setup provides stable and quick measurement. Since it is homemade setup. It is cost effective as compared to other commercial available setup

proEoutcome:
Expected outcomes and impacts 
Thermoelectric materials have attracted a lot of interest due to their potential application in solid state energy conversion devices such that converts heat into direct electrical energy or vice versa. This thermopower (thermoelectric effect) of thin film to be measured by home-made setup at RT. In addition, we can also measure the four-probe resistivity of thin film at RT. Thin film thermoelectric materials are used in wearable electronics, miniature self-powered devices because of its lightweight and mechanical flexibility. This setup provides stable and quick measurement. Since it is homemade setup. It is cost effective as compared to other commercial available setup. There is also an option to make low temperature Hall and thermopower measurement setup in future.


protitle:
Tailoring electronic properties of planer and buckled hexagonal multi-layered nano-heterostructures.

prointro:
The present proposal is about the computational study of electronic properties of novel planer and buckled 2D materials (i.e. nanoribbons of graphene, boron nitride, silicene, germanene, plumbene, stanene, phosphorene, BeP2, and TMDCs) in their pristine, doped and heterostructure forms. More specifically, the investigation of electronic properties (band gap, band structure, carrier mobility) of aforementioned material’s nanoribbons by transition metals (V-, Fe-, Cr-, and Zr-) dopants is to be carried out under the impact of various externally applied perturbations (magnetic field, temperature, pressure). Amongst the aforementioned transition metals Vanadium (V) is paramagnetic, iron (Fe) is ferromagnetic, and Chromium (Cr) is antiferromagnetic. The results of such investigation in nanoribbons are to be considered as basis of future spintronics, nanoelectronics as well as nanomechanics. According to recent calculations reported [15], the band gap and hence other electronic parameters can be controlled by applied magnetic field. The changeover (transition) magnetic field is reported for transition of nanostructures from conducting to semiconducting and vice versa using TB approximation. Motivated by these facts, the main objective of this work is to establish better understanding of electronic, structural and vibrational (phonon) properties of nanoribbons by doping TM adatoms and to tune electronic properties of these systems by external magnetic field, and pressure. Furthermore, our results of TB approximation is further confirmed by the DFT calculation. Here using DFT we will regenerate the results of electronic structure and band gap. 2D materials now-a-days are being extensively explored for thermoelectric applications due to better performance than their bulk form. Since their discovery in 2004 [16-18], the thermoelectric properties of graphene and graphene-derived nanostructures have been of great interest because of the potential uses of these systems in nanoelectronic devices [19-22] 2D materials now-a-days are being extensively explored for thermoelectric applications due to better performance than their bulk form. The chemical functionalization, doping, defect and strain engineering, and formation of heterostructure have shown to significantly affect the thermoelectric properties of 2D materials. Electronic, mechanical, and magnetic properties of SiNRs have been studied recently by first principle methods [23-26] Thermoelectric properties of a SiNRs have been investigated by ab initio methods based on DFT and non-equilibrium Green function formalism [24,25]. Thermoelectric properties of two dimensional structure of Molybdenum-Based MXenes studied experimentally using thermoelectric tester RZ2001 within 300 to 800K temperature range [27].  J .Zhang et al. investigated the electronic and thermoelectric properties of phosphorene Nanoribbons with high thermoelectric figure of merit at room temperature using Boltzmann theory and relaxation time approximation [28]. Till date now, very few experimental studies of thermoelectric properties have been reported two dimensional Nanoribbons type structure [29], thus why it is important to study temperature and chemical potential dependent thermoelectric properties theoretically. For that we have tried to investigate the thermoelectric properties of two dimensional Nanoribbons type structures of graphene, boron nitride, silicene, germanene, plumbene, stanene, phosphorene etc. however, the effect of TM doping on electronic and thermoelectric properties can be also studied.

proobj:
1.	To tune of the band gap of planer (graphene, h- BN) and buckled hexagonal (silicene, germanene, phosphorene, and stanene) multi-layered nano-heterostructures by adatoms intercalation, and by application of magnetic field, temperature and pressure and thereby verification of the results of our recent theoretical publication [15] via first principle calculations.
2.	To investigate the reformation of band structure, and carrier mobility of aforementioned doped nanoribbons. 
3.	To explore the possibility of induced superconductivity in multi-layered nano-heterostructures.
4.	To explore the electronic properties and thermoelectric response of various two dimensional Nanoribbons.
5.	To substantiate the computational results, synthesis of various 2-dimensional nanoribbon type structures by the technique of pulsed laser ablation in liquid without the use of any precursors and thereby experimental verification of band gap tuning.

prometho:
•	The investigation on bandgap of planer and buckled hexagonal multi-layered pristine nano-heterostructures under the influence of magnetic field, temperature, and pressure via computational techniques (DFT).
•	Aforementioned calculations are to be carried out for various nanoribbons and their heterostructures    with suitable adatoms. 
•	First principle density functional theory method is to be used to investigate the electronic structure and band gap calculation for nanoribbons and their heterostructure in their pristine.
•	Study on the temperature and chemical potential dependent thermoelectric coefficients for better understanding about their thermoelectric response at room as well as high temperature.
•	Synthesis of GNRs as well as other nanoribbon structures by the technique of pulsed laser ablation in liquid. 
•	Characterization of the synthesized samples and the comparison of the properties obtained with the computationally derived ones.

prosummary:
•	The investigation on bandgap of planer and buckled hexagonal multi-layered pristine nano-heterostructures under the influence of magnetic field, temperature, and pressure via computational techniques (DFT).
•	Aforementioned calculations are to be carried out for various nanoribbons and their heterostructures    with suitable adatoms. 
•	First principle density functional theory method is to be used to investigate the electronic structure and band gap calculation for nanoribbons and their heterostructure in their pristine.
•	Study on the temperature and chemical potential dependent thermoelectric coefficients for better understanding about their thermoelectric response at room as well as high temperature.
•	Synthesis of GNRs as well as other nanoribbon structures by the technique of pulsed laser ablation in liquid. 
•	Characterization of the synthesized samples and the comparison of the properties obtained with the computationally derived ones.

proEoutcome:
•	Bandgap study of planer and buckled hexagonal multi-layered nano-heterostructures under the influence of magnetic field, temperature, and pressure via computational techniques (DFT)
•	Investigation of the impact of various adatoms and their  site on band gap of multi-layered nano-heterostructures via DFT analysis,
•	Synthesis of nanoribbons by pulsed laser ablation in liquid and their optimization
•	Characterization of the nanoribbons and the comparison of the properties with the computationally derived ones 
•	Design and fabrication of (1) UV/ UV- Visible/ IR sensors, and (2) ultrasensitive magnetic field sensors


protitle:
Development of bench top system for monitoring the transient current/resistance of chemi-resistive materials under variable operational conditions and controlled gas phase analytes

prointro:
The proposed bench top system is very demanding in academic/ research organizations for characterization of chemi-resistive materials.   Such systems are being customized at high cost in accordance to the need of researchers. In International market, the cost of the equivalent systems is also very high. 
The experience of PI in the related field has helped him to understand the need of the researchers and already he has developed prototype systems in the laboratory. The developed prototype system can measure the sensing performance of chemi-resistive materials by varying only the operating temperature and concentrations of volatile organics.
The proposed handy system will improve the robustness, handling proficiency, accuracy and aesthetic look of the existing system as well as include additional features (incorporation of vacuum in the system; inclusion of gas inlet-outlet; attachment of humidity chamber and humidity meter; incorporation of UV-vis light; and addition of single tube microscope). The proposed set-up could provide an efficient testing system to the researcher at reasonable cost and thus it can be considered as an example of indigenous development targeting the scheme Atmanirbhar Bharat for all round growth and development of nation. The proposed system can also be potentially efficient for commercialization in the International market.

proobj:
Development of a bench top system equipped with reactor chamber and 2 pin/ 4 pin probe station to measure the transient current/resistance of chemi-resistive samples under variable operational conditions (temperature, wavelength of UV-Vis light, dynamic flow of gaseous phase analytes, static presence of gaseous analytes, under controlled humidity).

prometho:
In order to achieve the objective, following major activities will be carried out
Activity # 1: Making the engineering design of proposed probe station and the sealed chamber. 
Activity # 2: Development of sample holder and probe station with heater and temperature controller. 
Activity # 3: Development of SS made rector and allied arrangements for the gas sensing purpose 
Activity # 4: Testing of the developed gas sensing reactor 
Activity # 5: Verification, standardization and authentication of the developed system

prosummary:
In order to achieve the objective, following major activities will be carried out
Activity # 1: Making the engineering design of proposed probe station and the sealed chamber. 
Activity # 2: Development of sample holder and probe station with heater and temperature controller. 
Activity # 3: Development of SS made rector and allied arrangements for the gas sensing purpose 
Activity # 4: Testing of the developed gas sensing reactor 
Activity # 5: Verification, standardization and authentication of the developed system

proEoutcome:
A bench top system equipped with reactor chamber and 2 pin/ 4 pin probe station to measure the transient current/resistance of chemi-resistive samples
Apart from the aforementioned developed system, 1 intellectual property right document (Patent/ design patent) and 2 journal publications are expected.


protitle:
Advance waste conversion technology to manufacture polymer bio-composite material from substantially unsorted solid waste (USW)

prointro:
Solid waste (SW) is produced at an alarming rate, which may have a negative impact on the environment and on human health, if not properly managed. In nature, there is no such thing as waste, because nature is able to “recycle” the elements in the ecosystem. However, urbanization and rapid population increase have generated waste. As cities are growing in size with a rise in the population, the amount of waste generated is increasingly becoming unmanageable. The local corporations have adopted different methods for the disposal of waste – open dumps, landfills, sanitary landfills, and incineration plants. As cities are growing in size with a rise in the population, the amount of waste generated is increasingly becoming unmanageable. In comparison to above all the process, only of the important methods of waste treatment is composting but needs a long time and segregation process. More than 95% of landfilling involves MSW. According to the U.S. EPA (2003), municipal solid waste consists primarily of paper, yard waste, food scraps, and plastic. In India, Open landfills are the most common way of disposing of MSW in the developing world. Landfill leachates generated from such open dumpsites are directed to surface water bodies with no treatment in most places. 
Here, we have proposed one of the sustainable process, in which direct conversion of unsorted solid waste into bio-heterocatalyst. Bio-heterocatalyst (BHC), a heterogeneous carbonaceous material produced by the pyrolysis of USW under limited or no oxygen, is an efficient emerging substitute for carbon. BHC is used for manufacturing polymer bio-composite material i.e. plastic bio-resin and plastic bio-composite construction products. 

proobj:
Objective 1: Process the unsorted solid waste (USW) to polymer bio-composite material.
Objective 2: Utilization of various types of unsorted solid waste i.e. Hospital Bio-Medical Waste, Agricultural waste, Municipal Waste, Food & Food Processing Industry waste, Industrial waste
Objective 3: To process unsorted solid waste individual or multiple combinations for bio-hetrocatalyst.
Objective 4: Characterization and quantification of bio-hetrocatalyst.
Objective 5: To process polymer bio-composite materials from bio-hetrocatalyst.
Objective 6: Optimization of polymer bio-composite materials according to the application (Additives, Compatibilizer, Co-polymer, etc.)
Objective 7: Characterization of polymer bio-composite materials (FTIR, TGA, MFI, etc.)
Objective 8: Palletization of polymer bio-composite material for use in different product manufacturing applications.

prometho:
We have proposed one of the sustainable process, in which direct conversion of unsorted solid waste into bio-heterocatalyst. Bio-heterocatalyst  (BHC), a heterogeneous carbonaceous material produced by the pyrolysis of USW under limited or no oxygen, is an efficient emerging substitute for carbon. BHC is used for manufacturing polymer bio-composite material i.e. plastic bio-resin and plastic bio-composite construction products.

prosummary:
Research methodology followed 8 steps:

Step 1: Collection of unsorted solid waste (USW) i.e. Hospital Bio-Medical Waste, Agricultural/Agri Produce Waste, Municipal Solid Waste, Food & Food Processing Industry waste, Industrial waste from different places. Various sources of USW have different compositions of Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Cellulose, Lignin, Hemicellulose, Plastic, Synthetic Polymer, Silica etc.

Step 2: Collected USW are first subjected to dewatering/drying and then chopped/shredded/crushed into small pieces of 1–2 cm length. After which magnetic separators are used to remove precious metal particles from the shred mix confetti.
Note: Collected Unsorted Hospital Solid Waste (UHSW) are handled with care manless process, followed by chopped/shredded/crushed into small pieces of 1-2 cm length and then treated with microwave (2800 Hz/UVC for 30 min to 180 min.
 
Step 3:For the making process more sustainable by combining different USW followed by step 1 & step 2.
The mix shredded USW confetti will be transferred in the SS reactor and the temperature of the reactor at 150°C for 30 mins will be increased by 10°C/min up to torrefaction temperature for 30-120 min under inert atmosphere. During torrefaction, the released condensable and non-condensable reaction will be collected by the condenser. The reactor will be cooled by normal process.  The torrefied product will be designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 for torrefaction temperatures 150° C, 250° C, 300° C, 350° C and 400° C respectively.
 
Stainless steel (SS) reactor will be inside a resistive heating jacket equipped with proportional integral derivative (PID) controller and temperature indicator. The SS reactor will heat with a heater, biomass inside the reactor will be heated through contact with reactor walls and the material inside the reactor will be agitated by stirrer for uniform heating of biomass. The temperature of biomass inside the reactor will be measured by thermocouple. A condenser will be attached to collect the condensable and non-condensable reaction products at the top end of the SS reactor. The obtained bio-hetrocatalyst material is grinded/pulverized into fine particles (100-200 mess size).

Step 4: Characterization and quantification of bio-hetrocatalyst with different analytical technique like FTIR, TGA, DSC, XPS, SEM, XRD etc. 

Step 5: During this process, the mix plastic waste collected from different source (Industrial, Municipal or Commercial) is shredded into small parts/flakes/granules with the grinder/shredder. The unsorted solid waste (USW) that comprises of feedstock that has been broken down to its particulate constructs – Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Cellulose, Lignin, Hemicellulose, Plastic, Synthetic Polymer, Silica etc. - and then reassembled and bound together into a matrix to form bio-hetrocatalyst is then pre-mixed with shredded thermoplastics waste that will constitute as the binder base of the composite which will melt and bond into the matrix to create a novel polymer bio-composite material.

Step 6: Novel polymer bio-composite material will be optimized with multiple properties/performance modifiers as per the required application such as melt flow index modifiers, co-polymers, compatibilizers, impact modifiers, masterbatch, UV stabilizers, flame retardants etc. The purpose of this step is to achieve the processing capacity as per the manufacturing process such as injection molding, extrusion, compression molding etc.

Step 7: Characterization of polymer bio-composite material with different analytical technique like FTIR, XPS, SEM, XRD etc. Also, trials & testing under actual conditions to understand and study various properties like density, viscosity, tensile modulus of elasticity and other physical/chemical properties that are essential in a plastic material. Step 5, 6 and 7 will be operated numerous times to achieve the desired output.

Step 8: Once the formulation is finalized the said polymer bio-composite material pre-mix will be fed to the extruder machine for effectively mixing while heating under shear forces, and extruding into filaments/strands which will further be cut into cylindrical or spherical granules. These granules will be supplied as ready to use for various manufacturing applications. It can be defined as ‘the most climate-positive recycled thermoplastic material’.

proEoutcome:
Outcome of this project will be a patented advance waste conversion technology to manufacture polymer bio-composite material from substantially unsorted solid waste (USW).

FAScheme:
Project Proposal under Waste Management Technology (WMT) Program


protitle:
Hybrid Perovskite based Flexible Memristor on Paper Substrate for Neuromorphic Computation and Data Storage

prointro:
Nowadays with the rapid development of technology, there is a growing demand for memory devices for data storage, data transfer, artificial intelligence, etc. where it has become a big challenge using conventional digital computers. The intrinsic limitations of data communication speed between the central computing unit and memory have presented a big challenge to the von Neumann architecture-based traditional computing system. Although complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology-based super computers are faster, but their weaker ability complex recognition and real-time visual/speech computation compared to human brain are well known. A human brain is a complex network of ~ 1011 neurons and well connected 103 – 104 synapses. A synapse is a nanogap that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron, which is crucial to biological the computation that underlies perception, learning, and memory.Here, PIs propose the development of the HOIP based flexible memristor and exploit their properties for various applications specifically artificial synapses and non-volatile memory devices. In this project, the investigators propose the growth of hybrid flexible memristor devices on cellulose based paper substrates to predict the intrinsic/extrinsic properties of synaptic/memory devices under external stimuli (electrical/optical/mechanical) to evaluate and understand the device characteristics and performance.

proobj:
Objective 1: Synthesis of mixed dimensional organic–inorganic perovskite and grow the thin films on flexible substrate
Fabrication and characterization of flexible memristor devices for memory and synaptic application 
Device simulation and modelling of the neuromorphic neural network and comparison of the neuromorphic simulation with developed hardware

prometho:
(a)	Perovskite synthesis, thin-film growth on flexible paper substrate and characterization: The first part of this project will involve the synthesis of the layered mixed dimensional (such as Jion-Jacobson, Ruddlesden-Popper) hybrid perovskite. It can also include the synthesis of a new organic spacer to enhance the stability and electronic properties in layered perovskite compared to the existing alkyl organic cations. The subsequent step will be to establish the protocols of thin film growth on flexible cellulose paper substrate and thereafter study their crystallinity and subsequently control the film morphology to obtain the pinhole free film. As projected, a solution process methodology will be employed for developing the perovskite films for easier and room temperature processability with low fabrication cost. Traditional 3D HOIPs can also be studied for performance comparison. The films will be characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photon spectroscopy, absorption, emission spectroscopy etc. for the optimization.

(b)	Device Simulation: Simulation of the memristor with device structure electrode/active layer/electrode will be conducted to understand charge transport, energy barrier at the interface, its performance, and effects of bending using a combination of software such as TCAD Synopsys, Silvaco, COMSOL, etc. 

(c)	Low temperature memristor device fabrication and characterization: The architecture used for the memristor device will consist of a perovskite layer sandwiched between two electrodes (bottom electrode/perovskite/top electrode). Perovskite layer and subsequent transporting layers (if required) will be deposited on the flexible substrate by spin coating method. To achieve a uniform wet film of perovskite, control of solvent composition, the stoichiometry of the solute, substrate and solvent temperature etc. are necessary. Selection of either electrode is very important for the physical/chemical interaction to obtain the resistive switching behaviour where high redox potential is required. Therefore, first choice of the one electrode will be from Ag, Al, Cu, Ni, Pt. The device performance will be optimized to improve its operating voltages (set/reset), data storage capacity and switching speed. These objectives will be achieved by varying the perovskite composition, electrodes, and interfacial layers. Scan rate variations, impedance analysis, and low-temperature characteristics will be taken under high vacuum to measure the trap distributions and characteristic decay times. Endurance, stability, and mechanical robustness testing will be done over several switching and bending cycles. The impedance spectroscopy will be utilized to investigate various transport mechanisms including ion-migration and charge accumulation/recombination in these memristor devices. 

(d)	Synaptic characterization. The synapse functions, including short-term plasticity (STP), long-term plasticity (LTP), paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), paired-pulse depression (PPD), and spike rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP) which are the building blocks for artificial computing will be emulated at the device level. With the benefit of light sensitivity of perovskite, the photonic stimuli will also be tested along with electrical habituation to understand the neuron which are also subjected to the light pulse. To understand the mechanism photonic neuromorphic device operation, surface potential mapping of different layered perovskite film can be performed under light irradiance by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM).


(e)	Synaptic device simulation: The memristor-based neural network will be implemented to simulate the behaviour of the custom-developed memristor and its influences on the learning process. For that, we will first simulate the STP, PPF, PPD, SRDP, STDP etc. in a unit network. The learning and inference will be simulated for the standard dataset, such as had a written dataset of MNIST. An array of memristor-based perceptron will be developed to recognize simple patterns and will test its ability to memorize and infer those patterns. The tentative design will be based on the idea as described by Yao et al.46 Here the memristors will be designed as per as the proposed method (Fig. 9).

prosummary:
Recently, memristor (memory + resistor) devices, which are considered as a fundamental circuit element, has demonstrated their potential for the strong candidate for synapses, neuromorphic computing, memory, logic gates, data storage, etc. (Fig. 1 (b)). The non-volatile data retention ability owing to the change in device resistance state align the structure and functionality with biological synapses. In this connection, mixed dimensional hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) are the new emerging materials in the field of optoelectronic devices due to excellent electrical, optical and mechanical properties.9-11 The existence of the ion migration and their lower activation energy makes HOIPs one of the best candidates for the efficient alternative for artificial synapses neuromorphic computation and data storage. Furthermore, the area of flexible electronics is emerging as the base for launching the next till the date, synthetic plastic substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide have been used as substrates for the fabrication of flexible electronic devices because of their lightweight, flexibility, and good mechanical properties. Since the first report of HOIP based solar cells in 2009, the research is mainly concentrated globally in the direction of flexible or rigid optoelectronic devices for energy generation, light emission, and light detection. In recent years, HOIP-based research has also captured attention for other electronic devices such as memristor, transistors, detectors etc. However, as much as could be seen from the literature available, research aligned to develop flexible electronic devices for the advanced future technology development is severely lacking in Gujrat as well as at national level. 

Here, PIs propose the development of the HOIP based flexible memristor and exploit their properties for various applications specifically artificial synapses and non-volatile memory devices. In this project, the investigators propose the growth of hybrid flexible memristor devices on cellulose based paper substrates to predict the intrinsic/extrinsic properties of synaptic/memory devices under external stimuli (electrical/optical/mechanical) to evaluate and understand the device characteristics and performance. Cellulose papers are typically biodegradable and more environmental friendly; which makes them a promising alternative to petroleum-based nonbiodegradable plastic substrates.12 Moreover, paper is compatible with roll-to-roll printing, which makes low cost paper substrate based electronic viable.13 This approach can potentially lead to low-cost mass-production of circuits where memory and processors can be integrated together for high density data storage and high speed data transfer applications such as cloud storage, internet of things, artificial intelligence, high speed computation, etc. This work will, therefore, led advance knowledge of fundamental materials physics/engineering, synaptic switching dynamics, memristor storage, as well as ideal circuit architectures of novel resistive devices based on layered halide perovskite materials.

proEoutcome:
1.	This project is expected to result in the development of a low-cost fabrication process to achieve stable high-performance synaptic/memristor devices on the flexible substrate. Based on the study and optimization of crystal structure and growth mechanisms of layered HOIPs, prototype synaptic and memory devices are expected to be realized.
2.	This project will uncover the potential of mixed dimensional hybrid perovskites for flexible application in artificial synapses for neuromorphic computation and memristor for high-density data storage. 
3.	A comprehensive understanding of the origins and interplay of the interactions between the organic and inorganic components will allow judicious choice/design of perovskite composition and thereby device configuration. 
4.	Set the guidelines to design and develop the other flexible electronic devices such as solar cells, LEDs TFTs, detectors, sensors, etc., and novel perovskite composition useful for such electronic devices on the rigid platform as well.  
5.	Doctoral and master level students are expected to be trained on perovskite synthesis, thin film characterizations, flexible device fabrication, and testing and neuromorphic simulations.
6.	Publications of peer-reviewed articles in national and international research journals and conferences. 
7.	Project can deliver at least one IPR/patent.


protitle:
Experimental and numerical investigations on the effect of process parameters on the weld quality of polymeric materials by friction stir welding

proarea:
FSW, process parameters, weld quality, Thermal modelling, solid state joining process, polymers

prointro:
Welding is a permanent joining process used to join different materials like metals, alloys or plastics, together at their contacting surfaces by application of heat and or pressure. A new solid state joining process known as Friction Stir Welding which is carried out at room temperature and also at elevated temperature without melting the materials being joined [1]. FSW technique was initially invented for welding of high-strength aluminium alloys but nowadays it is also used for joining magnesium, copper and their alloys, ferrous, and other nonferrous alloys [2]. FSW has wide range of Applications in Aerospace, Automobile, Shipbuilding and various other sectors [3].
The growth of the friction stir welding market is difficult to quantify, certainly in terms of kilometres of weld made, or tonnage of components supplied. Unlike some arc welding processes, there are no external indicators such as tonnage of welding wire sold, and the only real indicator of growth is the number of licensees of the process [3]. The growth of licensee numbers has been fairly rapid and it is as shown in Fig. 1.
 
Fig 1. Growths of friction stir welding licenses [4]
Since FSW process are used in some critical applications like aerospace, shipbuilding etc. considering the criticality of application and to cater the growth of this process, it is necessary to perform a detailed investigation on the combined effect of process parameters and determining temperature field over the work piece during FSW process. The PI of this proposal has been working for past 2 years on the experimental investigation of FSW processes using different materials.
Light-weight materials, polymers and aluminium alloys are being utilized in a variety of industrial applications due to their mechanical properties. Automobile and aerospace sectors have incorporated hybrid structure in their manufacturing, which have led to the demand of dissimilar material joints. Friction Stir Welding (FSW) technology is feasible to weld dissimilar materials because of its solid-state nature

proobj:
The following are the prime objectives:
•	Study on joining of polymeric materials by FSW.
•	Combined effect of process parameters like tilt angle, tool material, plunge depth, temperature distribution etc. on mechanical properties of the FSW material.
•	To determine the temperatures distribution in the material during the FSW process

prometho:
Heat treatable aluminium alloys which are difficult to weld are generally weld by fusion welding. 2xxx and 7xxx series of aluminium alloys are such type of alloys and are widely used in the aviation and aerospace industries for structural applications. Welding of these aluminium alloys is a significant part of fabrication process. Fusion welding of these aluminium grades is difficult. An experiment was carried out of friction stir welded aluminium 2024-T3 and aluminium 7075-T6 plates with butt joint having a thickness of 6 mm. Effect of the process parameters such as tool rotation speed, the welding speed and the tool tilt angle on the welded joint properties were investigated. A tool made of M2 tool steel was designed and fabricated to make the welds. Various external features were designed on the tool to study their effect on the quality of the welded joint. A full factorial design was implemented for the experimental design. The best properties of the welded joint were obtained when the tool rotation speed was 1500 rpm, with a tool tilt of 2˚ and welding speed of 50 mm/min. Analysis of Variance was used to study the effect of these welding parameters on the tensile strength of the joints. It was found that the tool rotation speed had the highest significance on the tensile strength, followed by the tool tilt angle and the welding speed as shown in Fig 2. The combined effect of the welding parameters had very less effect on the tensile properties of the welded joints.












Fig 2 Contribution (%) for tensile strength
FSW is found very effective to weld AA2014 heat-treatable aluminum alloy. The effectiveness of joint in FSW depends on the temperature distribution across the length and width of weld zone. The experimental study was performed to investigate the temperature distribution during FSW of AA2014 alloy. The temperatures were recorded at eight different positions as shown in Fig 3 by inserting K-type thermocouples on pre-drilled AA2014 alloy under different process parameters like tool rotation (N), welding speed (v) and tilt angle. These temperatures were recorded using two thermocouple layouts, first layout was equal distance and same depth on advancing side (AS) whereas second layout was equal distance and varying depth on retreating side (RS). Experimental results showed that by increasing the N/v ratio, the peak temperature increased.  Effect of tool tilt angle on peak temperature was also found to be significant. Additionally, it was concluded that temperature was higher on AS compared to the RS. Similarly, the 6 mm thick plate of Al 6061 is successfully butt welded with Nylon 6 as shown in Fig. 3(c). It is also evident from the fig. 3(c) that in this friction stir welding, the major role is of offset parameter. Here the offset of the tool is on aluminium side (harder material), not in polymer side (softer material).

 














(c) 
Fig 3 a) Eight thermocouples inserted on weld sample and b) thermocouple layouts c) FSW of Nylon 6 to Al 6061.
3.3	S & T Component In The Project: 
The project outcome is disseminated in the form of articles published in high quality international journals and conferences. The outcome may be useful for the small or medium scale industries practicing FSW process for various applications in the state of Gujarat or elsewhere

prosummary:
Friction Stir Welding Process:
In friction stir welding process a non-consumable rotating tool with a specially designed pin and shoulder is inserted into the edges of sheets or plates to be joined and then traverses along the joint line [2], as shown in Fig. 4.
 

Fig 4. Schematic Diagram of Friction Stir Welding process [3]
Welding Tools used for FSW:
Tool steel materials are generally acceptable for the FSW of aluminum alloys. For applications where aluminum alloys from 6 to 12 mm thickness are welded, H13 tool steel is generally adequate. For applications that require welding of other materials, such as titanium, steel, and copper, welding tools might be made from tungsten based materials, from polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, or from any number of other materials that offer high performance at high temperatures [2, 3]. The shape of the pin plays an important role in FSW. The shape of the pin may be cylindrical, square, Threaded or triangular.
Materials Used With FSW:
Aluminum was the first material to be friction stir welded. Other materials such as steel, titanium, copper, magnesium, and lead are also used with FSW. 				
Flow chart showing the complete methodology (Fig 5):



					






Fig 5. Flow chart showing the complete methodology

Numerical Model Development: 
Although the idea of this proposed work is to generate a flexible algorithm to estimate temperature distribution which can deal practical FSW process, here the formulations are given for specific conditions as shown in Fig. 6.
Time varying heat flux Q(t) is applied to left side of  plate. Convective boundary conditions are given to top and bottom sides and the rest sides are assumed insulated. The transient heat transfer equation for direct problem is given by:
   ∂/∂x (k ∂T/∂x) +    ∂/∂y (k ∂T/∂y)  +    ∂/∂z (k ∂T/∂z)  =  ρc∂T/∂t ;   	(1)
 
Fig. 6 Computational Domain
Boundary conditions:
〖(k ∂T/∂n)  〗_(x=X)  =  0; t > 0;  	(1a)
〖-(k ∂T/∂n)  〗_(x=0)  =  Q(t) ; t > 0   	 (1b)
〖(k ∂T/∂n)  〗_(y=Y)  =  0; t > 0 	(1c)
〖(k ∂T/∂n)  〗_(y=0)  0; t > 0; 	(1d)
〖(k ∂T/∂n)  〗_(z=Z)  =  hz(T-Ta); t > 0;	 (1e)
〖(k ∂T/∂n)  〗_(z=0)  =  hz(T-Ta); t > 0;	 (1f)
T = T0 at t = 0;	(1g)
The temperature distribution can be obtained by solving above equations using Finite volume method (FVM).

proEoutcome:
Determination of optimum process parameters for any welding process is essential for obtaining good weld quality. In this proposed project, the main focus is to investigate the effect of process parameters on weld quality of polymeric materials by FSW process and to determine the optimum process parameters which can yield sound quality weld. The thermal conditions in and near welds govern the resulting metallurgical structure, mechanical properties, residual stress and distortion.  The control of these thermal conditions and cooling   rates   is   essential   to   ensure   low   residual   stresses. Therefore the temperatures distribution in the material during the FSW process will be determined using CFD


protitle:
Waste to Wealth: Development of scalable Coastal Energy Plants (CEP) with Aluminum Scrap and Seawater for Production of Hydrogen, Electricity and Aluminum Hydroxide

proarea:
Industrial Hazardous & non-hazardous Wastes, including Steel Industry and Mining Waste

prointro:
The demand for energy has been growing quite rapidly with increasing population, urbanization and technological advancements in India as well as globally. However, depletion of fossil fuels and exponentially rising greenhouse gas emissions have become major concerns for adverse impact on the echo systems, and sustainable growth of nations and their economy. At this juncture, renewable technologies have taken up presidency to generate the energy for growing demands in many countries, including developing nations like India. However, largely untapped and most abundantly available ocean water was never exploited as the energy resource to the fullest extent possible. Several efforts have been put forth exploring the tidal energy, electrolysis and other modes of onshore/offshore renewable technologies using the ocean waters as well as the coastal lands. However, generation of Hydrogen along with electrochemical energy using seawaters hasn’t picked up the real importance yet. Therefore, while keeping a great opportunity in this arena, here, we propose the concept of scalable Coastal Energy Plants (CEPs), which are not only economically feasible but also highly carbon negative from the practical implementation point of view. The proposed CEPs run on controlled corrosion of Aluminum scrap against a stable carbon electrode in an electrolyte made of seawater and generate value added products: Electricity, Al(OH)3 and Hydrogen gas. This idea exploits the natural corrosion phenomenon of Aluminum while mimicking primary Al-Air battery concepts, and functions uniquely while converting waste into wealth, which hasn’t been pursued earlier both at the national and international levels. The CEPs could be utilized in powering the rural areas along the coastal belt of the nation as well as the cargo and cruise Ships. It will reduce the pollution, and recycle the industry waste with minimal to no wastage while generating value added products like Al(OH)3 at reduced cost and pollution, which can be then used in chemical and firefighting industries. Last but not least, it will create businesses and employment opportunities in the coastal regions.

proobj:
Developing a pilot scale CEP with TRL 7 for production of Power, Hydrogen and Al-Hydroxide using Al scrap and Seawater

prometho:
Scalable Coastal Energy Plant (CEP): The proposed CEP, see Fig. 1, runs on controlled corrosion of Aluminum scrap when galvanically coupled against a stable carbon coated porous metallic electrode in an electrolyte made of seawater and generate value added products: Electricity, Al(OH)3 and Hydrogen gas. This idea exploits the natural corrosion phenomenon of Aluminum while mimicking primary Al-Air battery concepts and functions uniquely while converting waste into wealth, which hasn’t been pursued earlier both at the national and international levels. Figure 2 shows the input and output parameters from the starting point till the end along with end operations and uses of the outcomes.

CEP utilizes the waste materials, i.e., Aluminum scrap and seawater, as consumables whereas the stable carbon electrode functions as long term consumable. This is a net positive process economically (based on input and output costs using the current global market prices) while being a carbon negative approach for power generation and manufacturing of Al(OH)3. The advantages of CEP technologies are
•	Pollution free or carbon negative energy/power production technology
•	Chemically less intensive process for production of Al(OH)3, which otherwise requires highly chemically intensive processes following the conventional approaches from Aluminium ores [4]

 

Fig. 1	A Schematic for the idea proposed on Coastal Energy Plant (CEP)

 

Fig. 2	A schematic for process flow of CEPs with input variables and the process steps along with outcomes and the end operations/uses

•	Utilization of freely available and largely untapped natural resource: Seawater, instead of depleting fresh water resources
•	Utilization of low cost industrial/commercial Aluminum scrap as a raw material for production of Al(OH)3 and thereby making Aluminum recycling more carbon negative when compared with conventional methods [5]
•	Low cost for production of high purity hydrogen when compared with any of the existing commercial techniques, including electrolysis and chemical approaches [6]
•	CEPs can be exploited as green and echo friendly power supply hubs in addition to any other renewable energy technologies for the coastal rural and urban regions in the countries like India which has one of the longest coastal belts (~7,600 km) in the world [7]
•	CEPs should be relatively inexpensive to setup when compared with many known power generation technologies and yet deliver high efficiencies. For example, Fuel Cell based power generation was reported to be far superior compared to Diesel generators and Micro Gas Turbines for their efficiency in the marine electric power generation [8]. At the same time the power generation from the corrosion of Aluminum would 
•	CEPs should stand out to be superior compared to other types of renewable energy technologies, such as wind and solar, which pose not only site specific and operational challenges but also less economical [9]
However, above approach has few sets of challenges that need to be resolved before being implemented at the pilot level, which are discussed in the later sections of this proposal in detail.

prosummary:
According to the literature [25], generation of electricity through corrosion of low-cost Aluminum was found to have some difficulties in Aluminum-Air batteries where the parasitic corrosion of Al anode could not be controlled, and this had an effect on the energy efficiency of Al - Air batteries. There, employing high-purity Aluminum results in a significant increase in the cost of the anode, and thereby the battery and energy produced, which could in turn make Aluminum-Air batteries less attractive. Therefore, keeping these challenges in mind, in Step-3, we propose to galvanically couple Al scrap with Carbon cathode, where the cathodic Carbon would drive the corrosion of scrap Aluminum. Carbon is cathodic over Aluminum by ~ 1.2 V, and hence the power produced through electrochemical corrosion or redox reactions between Carbon cathode and Scrap Aluminum could theoretically be around 1.19 kWh per kg of Aluminum scrap. However, this corrosion to proceed continuously, the electrolyte needs to be ensured with suitable pH>8.3 as per Pourbaix diagrams, which will not only avoid passivation of Aluminum scrap but also ensure the formation of Aluminum hydroxide compound. At the same time, the internal corrosion of Aluminum scrap due to impurities could result in the following – 
(a)	Reduce the capacity of the proposed Carbon – Aluminum scrap galvanic couple i.e., it could result in power densities less than 1.19 kWh/kg
(b)	The second phases/impurities of metallic in nature within Aluminum scrap would also undergo corrosion due to the galvanic couple formed with Carbon cathode and the voltage of the cell might take a dip due to the varying potential difference between the impurity phase and the cathodic carbon. It should be noted that the production of hydrogen gas could still continue under these conditions.
(c)	Although the second phases/impurities could sometimes drive a quick internal corrosion of Aluminum, yet it should generate H2 gas.

Despite of the above, there will be a voltage generated between the Carbon cathode and Aluminum anode resulting in an electrochemical energy/power. Thus, the proposed approach will not suffer any major setbacks due to the impurities of Aluminum scrap in terms of electrochemical power generation and hydrogen gas production.

proEoutcome:
Development of demonstrable CEPs with TRL level 7


protitle:
Waste to Wealth: Development of scalable Coastal Energy Plants (CEP) while utilizing Aluminum Scrap and Seawater for Production of Hydrogen, Electricity and Aluminum Hydroxide

prointro:
The demand for energy has been growing quite rapidly with increasing population, urbanization and technological advancements in India as well as globally. However, depletion of fossil fuels and exponentially rising greenhouse gas emissions have become major concerns for adverse impact on the echo systems, and sustainable growth of nations and their economy. At this juncture, renewable technologies have taken up presidency to generate the energy for growing demands in many countries, including developing nations like India. However, largely untapped and most abundantly available ocean water was never exploited as the energy resource to the fullest extent possible. Several efforts have been put forth exploring the tidal energy, electrolysis and other modes of onshore/offshore renewable technologies using the ocean waters as well as the coastal lands. However, generation of Hydrogen along with electrochemical energy using seawaters hasn’t picked up the real importance yet. Therefore, while keeping a great opportunity in this arena, here, we propose the concept of scalable Coastal Energy Plants (CEPs), which are not only economically feasible but also highly carbon negative from the practical implementation point of view. The proposed CEPs run on controlled corrosion of Aluminum scrap against a stable carbon electrode in an electrolyte made of seawater and generate value added products: Electricity, Al(OH)3 and Hydrogen gas. This idea exploits the natural corrosion phenomenon of Aluminum while galvanically coupled with Carbon electrode and mimic primary Al-Air battery concepts. It functions uniquely while converting waste into wealth, which hasn’t been pursued earlier both at the national and international levels. The CEPs could be utilized in powering the rural areas along the coastal belt of the nation as well as the cargo and cruise Ships. It will reduce the pollution, and recycle the industry waste with minimal to no wastage while generating value added products like Al(OH)3 at reduced cost and pollution, which can be then used in chemical and firefighting industries. Last but not least, it will create businesses and employment opportunities in the coastal regions.

prometho:
-	Production of electricity from galvanically coupled electrochemical bath: At least 95% of the theoretical value – 1.19 kWh/kg (theoretical capacity)
-	Amount of H2 produced  At least 99% of the theoretical value ~0.11 kg of H2/kg of Aluminum scrap
-	Production of Al(OH)3  At least 95% of the theoretical value 2.88 kg of Al(OH)3/kg of Aluminum scrap

prosummary:
Starting TRL:  3 - 4

Task 1 – Selection of Anode  Large surface area and thin cross section


Task 2 – Purification of Electrolyte  Free of dirt and physical impurities


Task 3 – Cathode Selection  Highly conducting large surface area carbon cathode


Task 4 – Cell Design  For targeted Voltage/Current/Power and also for recovery of Al(OH)3 



Task 5 – Fabricate Electrochemical Cell for Step-3 Investigations


Task 6 – Evaluate the Electrochemical Cell Performance for Power targeted


Task 7 - Evaluate the Electrochemical Cell Performance for Targeted Hydrogen production


Task 8 - Evaluate the Electrochemical Cell Performance for Targeted Al(OH)3 production


Task 9 – Optimize the parameters


Task 10 – Develop a pilot scale CEP and Assess the performance

End TRL:  7

proEoutcome:
CEP Technology raise from TRL level 3-4 to 7


protitle:
Improvisation of CO2 Capture Pilot Process: Energy Integration, Intensified capture demonstration with slip-stream electrochemical assisted regeneration and electricity production. (India-CO2 Phase-II)

prointro:
•	As agreed by the world scientific and political community (IPCC) that CCUS is one of the only technologies able to achieve significant decarbonization of our fossil fuel-based economies, particularly in carbon-intensive industries such as thermal power plants, cement, iron and steel production. As per the IEA’s Energy Technology Perspectives report released in 2016 estimates that Carbon Capture Utilization and Sequestration (CCUS) could provide 12% of the GHG emission reductions in the power sector needed to meet a 2°C scenario by 2050, or about 3.5 gigatons of abatement per year. 
•	But in the CCUS value chain, about 80% of the overall cost of CCS is for CO2 capture and its compression with 20% being the cost of Storage or Utilization, it is absolutely essential to reduce the CO2 capture cost by means of process improvisation.
 In view of this, our ongoing R&D aims to design and develop a cost-effective capture process as achieving Paris Agreement targets will require a significant acceleration of the development and deployment of technologies that dramatically reduce the output of CO2. 
•	At present India is lacking in CCUS deployment. India Should match the global average in CCUS implementation which is one of the objectives of ACT call. Globally, the total CO2 capture capacity of the 22 current projects (in operation or construction) is about 40 million tonnes per annum. As CCUS RD&D portfolios have grown, international collaboration has expanded, industrial CCUS projects continue to become operational. Further efforts must be focused on technology demonstration, aimed at driving down costs and facilitating broader deployment.

proobj:
•	Investigating further new efficient solvent blend, with kinetic and thermodynamics property tuning/characterizing the mix.
•	To Demonstrate significant process intensification with a fully automatic RPB pilot plant which will not only efficient but also address the bulkiness of absorber-regenerator equipment normally used in CO2 capture. 
•	To incorporate electrochemically assisted slipstream solvent regeneration with electricity generation upon CO2 Utilization, hence reducing the overall cost
•	To establish an efficient and integrated CCU demo pilot plant and testing facility for CO2 capture from flue gas, Biogas, natural gas with acquiring IPR. 
•	To carry out a life cycle economic analysis of the CCU process and work towards the overall cost-effectiveness of the process.

prometho:
Globally, R&D activities include laboratory and field-scale pilot plants and successful trials of demonstration of Post Combustion CO2 capture (PCC) plants integrated to live fossil fuel-based power plants are underway.  The demonstration plants integrated into the power plants via flue gas slipstream have resulted in the development of commercial PCC processes in some European countries. This Pilot testing CO2 capture leading to commercial deployment should also happen in India at a greater scale so that there will be a collaborative development and business with big market players and consortium involving Gassnova, Statoil, Sasol, Carbon Clean, Shell, etc. to name a few. Again, India also committed to clean energy and water including industrial decarbonization of large point sources of CO2 emitter to achieve sustainable goals.  The Ministry of Power and Coal is keen to implement such a decarbonization process by retrofitting the CO2 capture and Utilization process in the existing thermal power plants and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is working in this direction.  However, there are major challenges in terms of Efficient technology, Energy management, effective CO2 utilization for the process to be cost-effective and sustainable. 
In view of this, a sponsored project under Mission Innovation on Carbon Capture Challenges started at our University, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), India, having the project title “Integrated Design and Demonstration of Intensified CO2 Capture with cost-effective advanced Process. (INDIA-CO2)” sponsored by Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt of India. For the Objective of efficient technology demonstration, this project aims to demonstrate the Pilot process for the CO2 capture with regenerative chemical absorption process in an absorber and regenerator combination as well as intensified CO2 capture in a rotating packed bed absorber (RPB). Both the processes will use efficiently blended and activated solvent developed in our lab with extensive R&D and show relative overall cost reduction with respect to the benchmarked- Mono-ethanolamine (MEA) process for CO2 capture. However, there are still some challenges, which must be addressed so that the process becomes commercially acceptable with higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL).  
•	To be commercially acceptable, the CO2 capture process plant should be fully energy integrated, as in the CO2 capture process, about 75-80% energy is required in the solvent regeneration step and this must be coming down. Energy integration and Electro-chemical assisted solvent regeneration with electricity production may be an attractive option. 
•	Our Intensified CO2 capture process is incomplete. We have only the RPB, which will facilitate only CO2 absorption. The solvent regeneration, which is an integral part of the complete process is not available with us in the India-CO2- Phase- 1 project. Hence, it is necessary to complete the process with additional funding.
•	Apart from Cost-effectiveness, the CO2 capture process have to be competitive such as adopting Industrial design philosophy by adopting Industry-4, with the application of machine learning to comply with safety and environmental concerns.
•	Further our existing project is not complying with CO2 Utilization. CO2 utilization must be integrated into the CO2 capture process to get additional benefits and cost reduction. 
•	With respect to Electro-chemical assisted solvent regeneration with electricity production in the CO2 Capture process, the objectives of this proposal will include the development of an electrochemical cell that produces electricity with an efficient carbon capture process. 
•	The project work will include identification and development of solvents for the efficient CO2 capture and utilizing the same for the generation of potential difference.

prosummary:
To address the above challenges, a project consortium has been created leading by Prof. Sukanta Dash of Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Gandhinagar, India. The Co-applicants and cooperation partners include Institute of Advanced Research (IAR) Gandhinagar, India; Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Florida International University, Miami, USA, Carbon Capture Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai, India, 4P Consultant, Georgia, USA, for the ACT project participation.     
For commercial deployment of a CO2 capture unit retrofitted to a large point source should address the technology maturity with possible minimum energy input and cost. Out of the many technologies available, CO2 capture by regenerative chemical Absorption has proven the feasibility. But the present concern is, challenges in scale-up, cost reduction, CO2 utilization, etc. The proposed project will aim to address this issue through process improvisation
To describe the work program, key activities, and leading roles, it is necessary to discuss our Present R&D activity on CCU and ongoing work under India-CO2 Phase-1 project.
In an ongoing project on CO2 capture challenges, we are developing a Pilot plant CO2 capture unit having a capacity of about 1 TPD with a regenerative chemical absorption process using our own developed efficient solvent for technology demonstration. The process flow diagram is illustrated in Figure- 1. The process is self-explanatory and not much description presented here. 

In the same ongoing project, we are also developing a Process intensified CO2 capture with Rotating packed bed absorber unit with a capacity of about 1 TPD. The process flow diagram of 1 TPD intensified CO2 capture process is illustrated in Figure 2. The process descriptions are presented here.  The equipment used here is the rotating packed bed (Higee) gas/liquid contactor. The unit comprises a rotor about 45 cm OD with an axial packing thickness of about 3 cm. The effective radial packing depth is 12 cm and the rotor speed is varied up to 1000 RPM. CO2 recoveries up to 99% can be achieved by adjusting the solvent flow rate RPM. This technology is particularly relevant where space constraint is there. At present this unit is having only CO2 absorption. Further development is necessary to complete the pilot process by adding a Higee stripper and an integral reboiler for steam generation.

proEoutcome:
The expected outcome of this project would be an energy integrated process with electrochemical assisted solvent regeneration to demonstrate CO2 capture and simultaneously electricity generation. The proposed work would provide great contributions to the field of GHG reduction and address the crucial issues of the energy system. From the research perspective, it aims to understanding the CO2 value chain and carbon management lab in line with ACT joining forces challenges and implementation strategy to Industry and stakeholders. Other outcomes include the thermodynamic and kinetic analysis, modeling and simulation, solvent tuning/management and characterization of CO2 utilization, and their economic viability.  

Formulation of novel CO2 absorbent for CO2 capture with cost-effective electrochemical conversion, integrated process simulation, bench-scale testing and demonstration with energy demand, scale-up, and economic analysis, and large-scale implementation study are the outcomes. Besides, the knowledge sharing, training, and exchange of idea with ACT- trans-national countries, Institute and Industry partners of this project such as Aston University, UK, “Florida International University” USA” ACT- Industry partners “Carbon Capture Technologies, Mumbai, India, and 4P Consultancy USA would address the objective of ACT-Joining forces objective on the Global perspective.
•	Our fundamental research on advanced solvent development, systematic design, fabrication, and demonstration of the technology will attract more industries in India such as NTPC, Tata steel, etc., to implement more CO2 capture projects and contribute CO2 Capture on a global scale. 
•	Again, these efforts must also be diverse, addressing CO2 emissions from all fuels, including coal, natural gas, and biofuels/Biogas, and developing new technologies to enable CCUS integration with industrial processes, contributing more capture capacity and targeting India’s voluntary declaration on CO2 reduction. 
•	The electrochemical conversion of CO2 is to facilitate CO2 discharge in a Li-CO2 battery by avoiding the rate-limiting step in classical electrochemical CO2 reduction, namely direct electroreduction of physisorbed CO2 to the CO2− radical.
•	 In this approach, CO2 is pre-activated by absorbing in amine adduct, which is the rich solution prior to reduction of the adduct at a carbon electrode. 
•	Generation of the adduct, which is spontaneous upon introduction of CO2 to the electrolyte, involves the formation of an N-C bond and reconfiguration of the linear, highly stable CO2 to a bent -COO moiety in the bound state. This process will cater to split stream regeneration via utilization.

FAScheme:
DST Jointly launches Accelerating CCUS Technologies (ACT) Call. and The Research Council of Norway


protitle:
Modelling of GLOF conditions to occur and modelling of retreat of glaciers

prointro:
The program aims at: 
•	Development of techniques for retrieval of cryospheric parameters from data of sensors;
•	Generation of cryospheric products and analysis;
•	Validation of derived parameters;
•	Development of techniques for Cryospheric assessment.

In view of these goals following projects have been identified in the programme keeping in view the impact of warming on Cryosphere.

prosummary:
The program aims at: 
•	Development of techniques for retrieval of cryospheric parameters from data of sensors;
•	Generation of cryospheric products and analysis;
•	Validation of derived parameters;
•	Development of techniques for Cryospheric assessment.

In view of these goals following projects have been identified in the programme keeping in view the impact of warming on Cryosphere.

proEoutcome:
Physical and atmospheric criteria that results GLOF


protitle:
Multidimensional Assessment of Rural Transformation in Selected Districts of Gujarat.

prointro:
The rural transformation is very dynamic process and its effects are more positive on rural population and improve their livelihood and standard of living. The process of rural transformation must thus be addressed by a policy agenda aimed at making rural transformation ecologically more sustainable and socially inclusive.
The study will empirically measure the pattern and extent of rural transformation in Gujarat using a comprehensive assessment system based on three multidimensional indices, namely, Rural Development Index, Rural Transformation Index and Urban–Rural Coordination Index (Long et al. 2011 and Wang, Liu, Li, Y. and Li, T. 2016). This may give us the direction whether the transformation that took place in Gujarat is accompanied by an improvement in the rural development or some other negative situations have emerged. This may help policy makers to aim effective rural transformation which is more sustainable and viable in Gujarat

proobj:
-	What is the quantifiable assessment on various dimensions for rural transformation in Gujarat?
-	What is the way forward for achieving coordinated urban–rural development?

prometho:
In the study, related development indices will be established to examine the pattern of rural transformation in Gujarat. These indices will present relevant statistical information to explain, as much as possible, the key socio-economic issues and challenges faced by the rural communities in Gujarat. To meet the objectives, this work will make use of three multidimensional assessing indicator systems suggested by Long et al. (2011) and Wang, Liu, Li, Y. and Li, T. (2016): (a) Rural Development index (RDI), (b) Rural Transformation Index (RTI) and (c) Urban–Rural Coordination Index (URCI). The study will primarily focus on secondary data pertaining to major districts of Gujarat. Data time frame may be from 2011 to 2017 as per the availability with various government agencies. Choice of time period may vary based on the availability of original annual data for demographic variables like population and gender ratio. The data on population, urbanization, literacy and gender ratio on urban–rural basis will be used for this study. The data on crop selection pattern, irrigation index and cropping intensity will be taken from Land Use Statistics Reports, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation. In order to get the better insights of assessment semi-structured interviews will be conducted with economics and sociology experts, government officials for rural development at the district level and state level and local rural leadership. The study may require some primary data for assessment of qualitative aspects of rural transformation in the selected districts of Gujarat. This will be explored further in the light of quantitative data availability.

prosummary:
The proposed research will be innovative in process as it will be not only based on primary data or secondary data but it will also use both data set for better assessment and cross verification of what data speaks about rural transformation in Gujarat. It would be very scientific effort for multi-dimensional assessment of rural transformation of selected districts of Gujarat. The data will be analyzed with latest statistical methods for the better interpretation and inferences.

proEoutcome:
The study will be resulting into very informative and analytical report along with lots of primary dataset.  In order to devise a framework to address the challenges and opportunities of rural transformation, it is crucial to understand different trends and dynamics that drive and accelerate rural transformation processes. The assessment report prepared here would be describing many facets of rural transformation and development. The comprehensive report may give opportunity for publication of papers in reputed journals in academia.


protitle:
Probing the structure–property relationships in single-crystalline lead halide perovskites for photodetector applications

prointro:
Three dimensional (3D) hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have inspired the researchers in the field of optoelectronic devices over the last 10 years. While the field of perovskite-based optoelectronics has been dominated by photovoltaic solar cells, remarkable properties of perovskites such as high absorption coefficients, high carrier mobilities and long carrier diffusion lengths make them also interesting candidates for innovative and disruptive applications in photodetection. The polycrystalline LHP thin films have been widely investigated as active layers in simple and flexible photodetectors. However, further improvement of the performance of the thin-film perovskite based photodetectors is hindered by the large-area of grain boundaries that are rich in defects. In turn, perovskite single crystals (SCs) have been found to exhibit better intrinsic optoelectronic properties compared with polycrystalline thin films due to the lack of pin-holes and grain boundaries. Currently, the most commonly studied perovskite SCs for photodetection applications are 3D LHPs of the formula MAPbX3 (MA = methylammonium, X = I, Br, Cl). However, these photodetectors usually suffer from low sensitivity and slow response speed, which is mainly caused by the unpassivated surface defects and the too large thickness of the bulky crystals. Another critical issue in photodetector based on these perovskite SCs is ion migration induced by electrical field, which affect the stability of perovskite and generates large dark current leading to high noise and low detectivity.

proobj:
To address these issues, we will probe the relationship between the perovskite structural composition and its charge transport properties to understand the physical processes that determine the photoresponse of perovskite SC-based photodetector under working conditions. At first stage of the research project, we will focus on the development of new methods for crystallization of large-area 3D perovskite SCs (Objective 1). Next, we will develop method for the range of perovskite SCs with different structure composition and dimensionality (Objective 2). More attention will be put on the analysis of charge transport properties by measuring the resistance, capacitance, defect density, and activation energy levels in SCs with the help of electrical measurements under various conditions of light and temperature (Objective 3). Finally, the complete photodetectors based on either perovskite SCs and single-crystal perovskite thin films with various architectures will be fabricated and specifically characterized (Objective 4). These studies will provide an in-depth analysis of processes that lead to differences in performances between different SC-based photodetectors paving the way for the design of photodetectors with enhanced performance.

prometho:
Here, to address these needs, we will probe the relationship between the perovskite structural composition and its charge transport properties to understand the physical processes that determine the photoresponse of perovskite SC-based photodetector under working conditions. At first stage of the research project, we will focus on the optimization of methods for crystallization of large-area and high quality 3D perovskite SCs. The surface of perovskite SCs usually consists of dangling bonds, under-coordinated atoms and point defects, which could result in relatively higher trap densities than the bulk region. These defects are harmful to the performance and stability of device. Thus, changing the environment of crystallization can be regarded as an efficient method to produce high-quality perovskite SCs. In this context, we will investigate the effect of the addition of aliphatic and aromatic bifunctional molecules with different chain-length and acidity to the perovskite solution on the crystal growth and optoelectronic properties of 3D LHPs.

prosummary:
At second stage of the research project, we will investigate the effect of compositional engineering on charge transport properties of perovskite SCs. Particularly, we will substitute the MA cation in MAPbI3 with other A-site cations to change the dynamics of migrating ions. Similarly, we plan to substitute the Pb2+ ions with heterovalent ions (M3+ = In3+, Bi3+, Sb3+ and M+ = Ag+, Cu+) to induce the change in the conduction mechanism (n-type or p-type) and subsequently, the charge carrier dynamics. Our studies will provide a better understanding of how the changes in structural composition, conduction mechanism and dimensionality will affect the figure-of-merit parameters of resulting photodetectors. Consequently, these findings will provide insightful guidelines for making more robust and efficient perovskite-based photodetector devices.

proEoutcome:
Low cost, efficient and stable perovskite crystal based photodetectors: The proposed project is expected to pave the way for the more robust and high throughput method for fabrication of efficient and stable perovskite crystal based photodetectors. An honest attempt will be made to look for possible large area fabrication of photodetectors and its technology transfer to sensor market. Moreover, the PI and Co-PI will also present their research in outcome in National and International conference so that the results of proposed research get highlighted in various platforms. With the completion of project, we believe that our study will provide a better understanding of how the changes in structural composition, conduction mechanism and dimensionality will affect the figure-of-merit parameters of resulting photodetectors. Consequently, these findings will provide insightful guidelines for making more robust and efficient perovskite-based photodetector devices.


protitle:
Production of low cost green HYDROGEN from Seawater

prointro:
To meet the energy demands of rapidly increasing urbanization and technological advances in India as well as globally, renewable technologies have taken up supporting role to generate energy while cutting down the greenhouse gas emissions. Among various renewables sources, ocean water is one of the most untapped resource with lots of potentials to generate energy in different forms, including tidal, wind and hydrogen energies. Therefore, while keeping these opportunities in this arena, here, we propose to generate hydrogen from seawater while reacting with aluminium scrap in a controlled fashion in an electrochemical cell.  Generation of seawater is not only economically feasible but also highly carbon negative from the practical implementation point of view. The other value added products that could be generated out of these electrochemical cells are: Electricity and Al(OH)3. This idea exploits the concept of primary Al-Air batteries. These electrochemical cells could be implemented in powering the rural areas along the coastal belt of the nation as well as cargo and cruise Ships. It will reduce pollution, and recycle the industry waste with minimal to no wastage while generating value added products like Al(OH)3 and Hydrogen at reduced cost and pollution. Al(OH)3 can be then used in chemical and firefighting industries, and (pure) Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells for power generation applications. This idea will create businesses as well as employment opportunities in the coastal regions.

proobj:
Production of low cost green HYDROGEN from Seawater

prometho:
Scalable Coastal Energy Plant (CEP), see Fig. 1, runs on controlled corrosion of Aluminum scrap when galvanically coupled against a stable carbon coated porous metallic electrode in an electrolyte made of seawater and generate value added products: Electricity, Al(OH)3 and Hydrogen gas. This idea exploits the natural corrosion phenomenon of Aluminum while mimicking primary Al-Air battery concepts and functions uniquely while converting waste into wealth, which hasn’t been pursued earlier both at the national and international levels. Figure 2 shows the input and output parameters from the starting point till the end along with end operations and uses of the outcomes. Preliminary studies at the lab scale at PDPU showed 100% generation of theoretical quantity of Hydrogen (as per the overall reaction shown in Fig. 1) and a voltage around ~1.14 V against carbon electrode was observed for corrosion of Aluminum, and the current values showed to fluctuate due to the impurities of Al scrap used.

CEP technology utilizes the waste materials, i.e., Aluminum scrap and seawater, as consumables whereas the stable carbon electrode functions as long term consumable. This is a net positive process economically (based on input and output costs using the current global market prices) while being a carbon negative approach for Hydrogen gas production, power generation and manufacturing of Al(OH)3.

prosummary:
The demand for energy has been growing quite rapidly with increasing population, urbanization and technological advances in India as well as globally. However, depletion of fossil fuels and exponentially rising greenhouse gas emissions have become major concerns due to adverse impact on the echo systems, and sustainable growth of the nations and their economy. At this juncture, renewable technologies have taken up presidency to generate energy for growing demands in many countries, including developing nations like India. However, largely untapped and most abundantly available ocean water was never exploited as the energy resource to the fullest extent possible. Several efforts have been put forth exploring the tidal energy, electrolysis and other modes of onshore/offshore renewable technologies using the ocean waters as well as the coastal lands. However, generation of green and inexpensive Hydrogen along with electrochemical energy using seawaters hasn’t picked up the real importance yet. Therefore, while keeping a great opportunity in this arena, here, we propose the concept of scalable Coastal Energy Plants (CEPs), which are not only economically feasible but also highly carbon negative from the practical implementation point of view. The proposed CEPs run on controlled corrosion of Aluminum scrap against a stable carbon electrode in an electrolyte made of seawater and generate value added products: Electricity, Al(OH)3 and Hydrogen gas. This idea exploits the natural corrosion phenomenon of Aluminum while galvanically coupled with Carbon electrode and mimic primary Al-Air battery concepts. It functions uniquely while converting waste into wealth, which hasn’t been pursued earlier both at the national and international levels. The CEPs could be implemented in powering the rural areas along the coastal belt of the nation as well as cargo and cruise Ships. It will reduce pollution, and recycle the industry waste with minimal to no wastage while generating value added products like Al(OH)3 and Hydrogen at reduced cost and pollution. Al(OH)3 can be then used in chemical and firefighting industries, and (pure) Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells for power generation applications. This idea will create businesses as well as employment opportunities in the coastal regions.

proEoutcome:
Expected outcomes:
-	At subsystem level:
	Selection and streamlining of Anode materials will be completed
	Selection and streamlining of Cathode materials will be completed
	Filtration procedures for seawater electrolyte will be established
	Electrochemical cell design will be optimized

-	At System level: Pilot scale CEP system will be setup
	Large scale cell of 48V with 1 kWh power will be setup

FAScheme:
NIC INDIA: IOCL Projects- Industry Academia Interaction


protitle:
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation af MoS2/2D-Mxene Based Nanocomposites as Energy Storage Device.

prointro:
Increased energy demands and the quest for better alternatives to generate energy has always been a hot research area for researchers. The quest involves the search for green energy alternatives, technology up gradation to have energy-efficient systems, and efficient modes of energy storage for the improved economy of the whole process. Designing novel materials with high energy storage capacity is another important aspect of the research going on to meet the energy requirements and to provide solutions for a sustainable future. New electrode materials are being explored by researchers every day to uncover a unique solution for energy storage devices. 
“The difference between success and failure is a great team. Alone one can fight and survive, but to win and excel what is most important is a team and synergy among the components.” Every material has its advantages but at the same time, it suffers from certain precincts that limit the performance. The combination of single components to form hybrids results in materials with improved properties and excellent performance. A similar combination of two-dimensional (2D) materials and semiconductors has been proposed in the research proposal. The synergistic action of both the components is considered to be an effective way for fabricating photocatalysts, electrocatalyst, and anode material for solving the environmental pollution and energy crisis. 
The research proposal suggests that the combination of Mxene and MoS2 for evaluation as high-performance capacitors. It is expected that the introduction of MoS2 to the MXene layer would lead to an increase in interlayer spacing. This would improve the ion- accessibility of the nanocomposites, hence boosting the specific capacity and increased energy storage capacity, enhanced electrochemical performance, and high super-capacitance Mxene. It is expected that the proposed MoS2/2D-MXene nanohybrids would serve as a potentials candidate in the development of new 2D electrode materials brings a new revolution in energy storage devices.

proobj:
i	To synthesize MXene from MAX Phase
ii	To prepare MXene/MoS2 hetero-nanostructures by a wet chemical approach
iii	To investigate the optical, electrical, microstructural, and electrochemical properties of synthesized hetero-nanostructures. 
iv	To explore the synthesized hetero-nanostructures for possible applications in energy storage.

prometho:
The project aims to chemically synthesize MoS2/MXene hybrid nanostructures by facile and economical colloidal routes. The detailed methodology is discussed under two heads (a) Synthesis of MAX Phase and MXene and (b) Preparation of MXene/MoS2 nanohybrids. 
Synthesis of MXene from MAX phase: MXene will be synthesized by the etching process from a precursor MAX Phase. The aluminum layer will be etched using HF (40%). 5 g MAX phase will be mixed with 50 mL HF (40 %) slowly and continuously stirred for 4 days for the removal of the Al layer. The product will be washed and centrifuges till the supernatant has a neutral pH. The obtained product will be dried at 80 C for 24 hrs. Later delamination of MXene will be done in DMSO by continuously stirring the mixture at room temperature for 24 h. The solution will be centrifuged and washed with deionized water to obtain delaminated layers of MXene. 
Preparation of MXene/MoS2 nanohybrids: Mxene-MoS2 nanostructures will be synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach. In typical synthesis Mxenes prepared from the MAX phase, will be used as the support matrix.  As synthesized Mxene, ammonium molybdate dihydrate and thioacetamide will be added to 50 mL distilled water. The reaction mixture will be stirred for 2 h and then will be transferred to Teflon lined autoclave and the reaction temperature will be maintained 180 C for 12 h. The reaction vessel will be cooled and the black slurry obtained will be centrifuged and washed with ethanol. The precipitate obtained will be dried under vacuum overnight.  Pristine MoS2 nanoparticles will be synthesized by a similar approach using ammonium molybdate dihydrate and thioacetamide.

prosummary:
Increased energy demands and the quest for better alternatives to generate energy has always been a hot research area for researchers. The quest involves the search for green energy alternatives, technology up-gradation to have energy-efficient systems, and efficient modes of energy storage for the improved economy of the whole process. Designing novel materials with high energy storage capacity is another important aspect of the research going on to meet the energy requirements and to provide solutions for a sustainable future. The present research proposal aims preparation of MoS2/Mxene nanocomposites by a facile wet chemical approach. The combination of two materials (MoS2 and MXene) would improve the properties of the material by coupling them synergistically. This would also help to overcome the shortcomings of individual materials and resulting in nanocomposites with better material characteristics. The proposed research intends to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of 2D Mxene based nanocomposites with MoS2 hetero-nanostructure to analyze their candidature as electrode materials and nanomaterials with enhanced properties and better efficiency. The prepared nanocomposites will be characterized and evaluated for electrochemical energy storage performance. It is expected that the introduction of MoS2 to the MXene layer would lead to an increase in interlayer spacing. This would improve the ion- accessibility of the nanocomposites, hence boosting the specific capacity and increased energy storage capacity.

proEoutcome:
The proposed combination of two materials (MoS2 and MXene) would improve the properties of the material by coupling them synergistically. This would also help to overcome the shortcomings of individual materials and resulting in nanocomposites with better material characteristics. The proposed research intends to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of 2D Mxene based nanocomposites with MoS2 hetero-nanostructure to analyze their candidature as electrode materials and nanomaterials with enhanced properties and better efficiency. The prepared nanocomposites will be characterized and evaluated for electrochemical energy storage performance. It is expected that the introduction of MoS2 to the MXene layer would lead to an increase in interlayer spacing. This would improve the ion- accessibility of the nanocomposites, hence boosting the specific capacity and increased energy storage capacity.
The plan for dissemination involves presenting the results of the proposed work through oral and poster presentations at international conferences and national symposia. The results will be published in reputable, high- impact journals. During the conduct of the proposed research, we plan to publish the results in reputed journals (3 research articles 3 conference papers). Patents will be filed through the host institution as appropriate. Attempts will be made to scale up the production of the most promising new materials to achieve technological and economic, as well as scientific impact.


protitle:
Development of visible light sensitive inexpensive thin film photocatalysts for removal of heavy metal ions drinking water

prointro:
Safe and easily accessible potable drinking water is one of the highly prioritized solution in coming days where availability of directly drinkable ground water is becoming scare as well as hazardous in many parts of the country, especially in arid regions and industrial belts. Gujarat is one of the key states hosting a large number of chemical and pharma industries. Industrial effluents in most of the cases are untreated and exposed to water systems. Although, civic bodies have done quite a good effort to supply drinking water in cities, quality drinking water is still scare in remote places including dang.

proobj:
1) Develop inexpensive photocatalysts for heavy metal ion removal from water through surface redox mechanisms
2) Demonstrate photocatalysts in solar water purification system.

prometho:
The project will develop cost effective heterogeneous semiconducting materials as visible light responsive photocatalyst for removal of heavy metal ions from water for the purpose of potable drinking water. The major focus associated to the development is the application of solar light instead of UV lamps for the purpose of the decontamination. The heterogeneous semiconductor catalysts in their nanoforms including nanoparticle, thin films, nanostructures, graphene as well as their composites will be used in the development. In this project, we aim to develop a combinatorial approach based on the adsorption and photocatalytic methods in a prototype reactor which will work in natural sunlight. The reactor can also work in electrically activated white light sources with spectrum close to that of the sun. Our proposed work aims to develop visible (and hence direct solar) light responsive heterogeneous semiconductor photocatalysts (HSPCs) with two-dimensional charge pathways in some cases for effective removal of heavy metal ions in potable water without degrading its pH and other recommended factors.

prosummary:
One of the most persistent problems affecting people globally is inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. In both developing as well as industrialized nations, great amount of contaminants enter water systems such as, heavy metals, emerging micropollutants (such as endocrine disrupters and nitrosoamines leading to long term health complications in human), and organic pollutants causing bad aroma and carcinogenic contents. The United Nation in the Sustainable Development Goal (No.6) has set a target of universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030. As an indicator, a safely managed drinking water services is on the card. Since 2016, greater efforts have been made over infrastructural changes to ensure availability of water to unprivileged sections of society. However, technological intervention is necessary especially to address drinking water issues from heavy metal ions, organic dyes and pathogens. Presence of heavy metal ions, such as Hg2+, Pb2+ , Cr4+, Cu2+, Cd2+ etc in the drinking water poses greatest threat to humanity due to its high toxicity, carcinogenic nature and bio-accumulativity. Several physical and chemical approaches have been developed so far, including ion exchange, chemical precipitations, electro-reduction, membrane separation etc, all of them however, could not be commercialized due to engineering and cost limitations. On the other hand, two specific techniques, namely the adsorption and photocatalysis are superior among existing ones, which have been extensively researched. The former adsorption based technique alone, however, has some limitations, such as saturation of pores and active sites with time and thus suffers a limited lifetime. 
	The proposed project deals with photocatalytic mode of the removal of heavy metal ions using heterogeneous semiconductor catalysts in their nanostructures, graphene as well as their composites. In this project, we aim to develop a combinatorial approach based on the adsorption and photocatalytic methods in a prototype reactor which will work in natural sunlight. The reactor can also work in electrically activated white light sources with spectrum close to that of the sun.

proEoutcome:
Following outcomes are expected from the project:
(i) Inexpensive visible light responsive photocatalysts for water purification
(ii) Direct sunlight/ outdoor demonstration of developed photocatalysts
(iii) Technology patenting/ transfer
(iv) PhD thesis – Two


protitle:
Effect of Laying pipeline on soil productivity in various locations of Gujarat State

proarea:
Soil Fertility, Heavy metal contamination, Nutrients of Soil

prointro:
Gujarat State Petronet Limited has installed gas pipeline in various region of Gujarat. This study carried out analyse the soil fertility of pipeline region

proobj:
To carry out the research work to study on the effect of laying pipeline on soil productivity over
the pipe line network of GSPL in various locations of Gujarat State.

prometho:
The approximate locations were identified using GSPL pipeline network map. After that, along with
the help of GSPL staff personnel, the actual locations were collected in the range of approx. 5 to 10
kilometre range.
• As per sampling procedure, the soil samples were collected at 1 m depth from the top layer and
the collected soil samples were stored in plastic zip-lock bags and transferred to GERMI for further
laboratory analysis. Similarly, we have collected 227 samples for 17 regions.
• The physico-chemical analysis of pH, Conductivity, Chloride, Organic Carbon and Organic Matter
were conducted as per standard methods

prosummary:
The physico-chemical analysis of pH, Conductivity, Chloride, Organic Carbon and Organic Matter
were conducted as per standard methods.
• Along with that, nutrients like Available Nitrogen (N), Available Phosphorus (P) and Available
Potassium (K) were also analyzed.
• Also, heavy metal analysis which includes Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Iron (Fe)
were analyzed to evaluate contamination of soil due to laying pipeline.

proEoutcome:
The results of the study show that the soils of the Gandhinagar, Bharuch, Surat and Rajkot are gas
pipeline regions are not affected by Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe. Also, there is no significant change in
nutrients presence in the soil due to effect of laying pipeline.


protitle:
Surface Electromyography Assisted Hand Gesture Recognition using Bi-Directional LSTM and Uni-Directional LSTM for the Hearing Impaired

proarea:
Deep Learning, Sign Language Recognition

prointro:
Sign Recognition System (SRS) based system provide an efficient way for communication between deaf-mute people and the rest of the society. Recent development in the field of machine learning and biomedical sensor technology has led to improvement in sign recognition systems. In this project, we propose a hand gesture or sign recognition model that works on temporal data from surface electromyography (sEMG) data and recognizes sign with the help of Stacked Bi-directional and Uni-directional long-short term memory (SBUL) based methods. 
The social impact of the proposed model would be helpful in recognition of sign with the help of reading from sEMG facilitating communication among deaf-mutes. The proposed model provides information on temporal sequential data as well as provide an efficient method for SRS. Initial results have proven to improve performance of model significantly by considering temporal data dependencies between sEMG data and layers of proposed LSTM. Experiment using sensor data demonstrated that proposed SBUL network for sign recognition, had an average recognition rate of approximately 96%. Preliminary experimental studies show that the model based on SUBL and sEMG proved to have better accuracy and results for solving the problem of sign recognition.

proobj:
•	Deep Neural Network based approach to address sign language that consists of spatial and temporal information.
•	Development of Protype that can capture the hand gestures indicating sign language in real time and convert it in voice.

signs

prometho:
Myo armband is used to acquire input signals generated due to particular sign gesture and architecture is useful for prediction of output sign. The data acquired can be used to extract features from sEMG signal formed due to muscle contraction, which would be useful for data modelling and predicting sign gesture. Further steps in sign recognition include feature extraction that is done before training and sign recognition model. We normalize the value of each feature(fi) of value in sequence of signs used for sign recognition. 
Our proposed model consists of stacked LSTM of four layers composed of three layers of bidirectional LSTM for forward and backward propagation on our acquired dataset, while keeping the last layer standard LSTM having forward propagation. It is proposed to evaluate our proposed model on the basis of various statistical measures and graphs were plotted for observing the model loss.

prosummary:
In this work, we have proposed Stacked Unidirectional and Bidirectional LSTM based recognition model for successful in recognition of signs with the help of sEMG dataset. Preliminary, We were able to effectively predict four classes of signs namely Rock, paper scissor and ok in a sequential order, the actual accuracy of the model on train and test dataset was 97% and 95% respectively. The method was able to achieve remarkable accuracy on our dataset. Therefore, mixture of LSTM and external devices like sEMG prove to be suitable for continuous sign language recognition.
Our future work will focus on increasing recognition speed and accuracy of the model with lower computational cost. We believe that our proposed model shall be proven useful and effective in detection of long sequence in a generalized manner and make accurate predictions with reduced errors. Model can have improved speed using GPU that will provide system the power of parallelism. We propose to develop a prototype that can recognize real time hand gestures and convert the same to speech to enable efficient communication.

proEoutcome:
We would like to carryout this project in association with one of the school or organization working for hearing impaired people. This shall help us to understand the sign language even better and to disseminate our project outcome for the people who really need it. Our prototype, shall be tested and trained against real time dataset and shall be validated with one of such organization.


protitle:
Design and implementation of Cryptographic Big Data Analytic Techniques for designing Indian E-Health Portal

prointro:
Recently with the pandemic scenario, to evaluate and analyse the post-disease effects and to keep track of vaccine side effects on citizens’ health, the demand of e-health care system is increased. The developed nations like USA, France and U.K. have already developed their e-healthcare systems a long ago and continuously they are updating their systems to make them up-to-date with the recent technology and to strengthen the security of their citizen’s health data. In India, starting from 2017 the initiative has been taken to develop a nation-wise e-health care system, but no significant advancement has been seen. The responsibility has been forwarded to state governments, but still the results are blank. One of the reason for this incomplete work might be technical issues, but the other major reason which can prevent this task is the security of public health data. The e-health care systems allows for the secure exchange of information between providers, patients, payers, government and other relevant stakeholders who can positively impact patient care and population health.

proobj:
To design the e-health care portal for India that enables the IT infrastructure to help the governent to prepare the nation against viral disease spread.

prometho:
Designing data warehouse for storage and retrieval of encrypted data of health records. Designing cryptographic mechanisms for working on encrypted big data

prosummary:
Phase – 1: 
•	With the detailed literature survey and the testing of existing techniques, we will first establish the deficiencies present in the existing data analysis methods for its application in health-care data. 
•	With our experiments we will show the type of attacks possible on e-health portal and list those outcomes. With the experimental results we will also show the disability of existing cryptographic techniques for their application to e-health care portals.
•	To design the encrypted data-warehouse from scratch, we will decide the input parameters, output formats and access control policies for the data.
Phase – 2:
•	After the design of encrypted data warehouse, the second goal is to design the cryptographic techniques for facilitating search and retrieval operations on encrypted data. We need to design the searchable techniques that can work well with dill-down and roll-up queries. 
•	Next we need to design the functional encryption with enforcement of access control policies. As per the access control policy, each person involved in the system will have access to different slice of data.
•	To retrieve the knowledge from the encrypted data stored in warehouse so as to publish the information on public domains, the design of homomorphic encryption will be carried out. The homomorphic encryption should calculate functions on data without affecting the data confidentiality, integrity and access control policies. 
•	To update and transfer the access control rights we will design the proxy re-encryption techniques.
Phase – 3:
•	From the output of Phase-1 the parameters for data warehouse and mining are decided. From output of Phase-2 we are able to retrieve the list of operations supported by our designed homomorphic encryption.
•	From the results of Phase – 1 and Phase – 2 we will be able to define the data analysis operation parameters. These data analysis tasks are first performed on dummy data that we have placed in data warehouse and incrementally modified based on the accuracy received.
•	A final design of e-health portal with inclusion of all data analysis operations, the cryptographic mechanisms is prepared. The user-friendly front-end is designed to access the portal.
•	The services of e-health portal are applied on real data and the results are verified.

proEoutcome:
Output (Milestone – 1)
This phase will be ended by the output of a data warehouse especially designed to carry, search and retrieve the encrypted database. For that we need to design the encrypted index structure.

Output (Milestone – 2)
•	This phase will be ended by the output of newly designed cryptographic mechanisms, with the specification about their sustainability against the various cyber attacks
•	We will also list the types of operations supported by the designed Homomorphic encryption.
Output (Milestone – 3)
•	At the end of Phase – 3, the final design of e-health portal will be ready with its test result on real data.

FAScheme:
POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research)


protitle:
Stability Degradation Prediction studies on MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells using Bayesian filter algorithms

prointro:
Pervoskite Solar Cells (PSCs) represent an emerging photovoltaic technology attention due to their easy fabrication and unique physicochemical properties like small band-gaps and high carrier mobility. MAPbI3 based PSCs are one of the widely used PSCs because of simpler composition and high Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE). PCE is a crucial characteristic that determines stability of the device especially when we talk about complete device chemistry based on MA cation and not just thin film. This will determine the feasibility of the MAPbI3 based PSCs for long term industrial applications. 

It is important to determine the PCE variation for PSC especially under various operating conditions such as ambient temperature, illumination, humidity, etc and other intrinsic characteristics such as crystal structure, ion migration, electron transport material (ETM), etc. A mathematical model relating the PCE with one or more of the above mentioned criteria can help in the prognosis of stability degradation of PSCs. In this proposal, we focus on developing a time varying stochastic model considering the ambient temperature and illumination based on experimental investigations on the MAPbI3 PSCs. The developed stochastic model will be investigated using Bayesian recursive filters such as Extended Kalman filter, Unscented Kalman filter, Ensemble Kalman filter and Particle filter. These filter algorithms determine the unknown parameters of the model. Parametric estimation helps improvise the developed stochastic models. The stochastic model can also be rigorously investigated under uncertain measurement and outlier conditions. The PCE predictions will be utilised to determine the remaining useful life (RUL) of the device.

proobj:
(i)	Experimental investigation of the effect of ambient parameters such as temperature and illumination on stability and PCE of the MAPbI3 PSCs.
(ii)	Develop the stability/PCE degradation model for the MAPbI3 PSCs based on experimental data.
(iii)	Prediction of the stability degradation using Kalman filter based Bayesian filter algorithms.
(iv)	Analysis of estimation accuracy of the Bayesian filter algorithm under Gaussian uncertainties based on performance indices such as Mean Average Error (MAE) /or Median Absolute Deviation (MAD).

prometho:
It is important to determine the PCE variation for PSC especially under various operating conditions such as ambient temperature, illumination, humidity, etc and other intrinsic characteristics such as crystal structure, ion migration, electron transport material (ETM), etc. A mathematical model relating the PCE with one or more of the above mentioned criteria can help in the prognosis of stability degradation of MAPbI3 PSCs. Presently we focus on developing a time varying stochastic model considering the ambient temperature and illumination. 

The developed stochastic model will be investigated using Bayesian recursive filters such as Extended Kalman filter, Ensemble Kalman filter and Particle filter. These filter algorithms help determine the unknown parameters of the stochastic models. Parametric estimation helps improvise the developed stochastic models. The stochastic model can also be rigorously investigated under uncertain measurement and outlier conditions. 

In particular, the applicant describes the research tasks in terms of four gross objectives: 

Experimental investigation of the effect of ambient parameters such as temperature and illumination on stability and PCE of the MAPbI3 PSCs.

To commercialize solar cells the IEC 61215 testing protocol has to be passed which employs temperatures under light of 50 and 65 °C8. We measure device stability at 20 °C under constant illumination of 1 sun at MPP in a nitrogen atmosphere. A Biologic MPG2 potentiostat to be used under an AM 1 Sun-equivalent white LED lamp. The light can be calibrated by measuring the Jsc of each device under a calibrated light source and then adjusting the Jsc of the holder respectively. The devices to be masked and flushed with nitrogen for several hours before the start of the experiment to remove residual oxygen and water from the environment of an in-house developed sample holder. Then, the devices to be measured with a maximum power point (MPP) tracking routine under continuous illumination (and nitrogen). The MPP to be updated every 2 s by a standard perturb and observe method. The temperature of the devices was controlled with a Peltier element in direct contact with the films. The temperature was measured with a surface thermometer located between the Peltier element and the film. Every 15 min a JV curve was recorded to track the JV parameters.

To test more realistic operational conditions, the device can be cycled after the aging for four times between light and dark intervals of several specified hours for eg. 4-6 hrs. Testing is to be also carried out at higher light (such as 3 Sun) and high temperature (such as 95 °C) in addition to 50 and 65 °C to investigate significantly higher temperatures that even exceed IEC 61215.   

Develop the stability/PCE degradation model for the MAPbI3 PSCs based on experimental data.

Based on regression analysis or curve-fitting methodology, a stochastic model can be developed for the device. Using the J-V characteristic curves and Fill factor curves, the PCE can be plotted. A time varying model for PCE v/s no of hours can be used for prediction of stability degradation at various operating conditions of temperature and illumination. 



Prediction of the stability degradation using Kalman filter based Bayesian filter algorithms.

Kalman Filter methodology
    
 Kalman filter is based on two sets of equations. One is the predictor and other is corrector step19. The prediction steps involve time update and the correction steps use measurement update. 

Analysis of estimation accuracy of the Bayesian filter algorithm under Gaussian uncertainties based on performance indices such as Mean Average Error (MAE) /or Median Absolute Deviation (MAD).

To ensure a perfect prediction of the PCE, the parameter filtering process has to reach the expected value in a finite time horizon. Therefore, we first study the influence of number of measurement data, measurement sampling rate and uncertainties on the parameter’s convergence quality. A comparative analysis of various prediction algorithms can be done by calculating performance indices such as Mean Average Error (MAE) and/or Median Absolute Deviation (MAD).

prosummary:
The primary objective of this project is prediction of stability degradation of PSC efficiency from a stochastic model developed using experimental results. The applicant’s institute i.e Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (Gujarat) is well equipped with state of art facilities and experience in the use of mesoscopic materials in energy conversion systems like photovoltaic cells, lithium ion batteries and photo electrochemical devices. The experience of the PI in system modeling and estimation algorithms and of the Co-PI in the preparation and characterization of perovskite solar cells makes it an ideal environment for this project to take place. 
The proposed work plan has been divided into four different phases. The work plan has been designed to ensure that each stage will have its own objectives in order to guarantee that the work is continuously contributing to the state of the art with new materials, methods and expertise. 
The detailed work plan for the project consists of seven individual tasks:
T1. Study on the stability properties for the perovskite solar cells.
T2. Calculations of PCE curves from J-V and Fill factor curves from WP1 for all operating conditions.
T3. Regression and Curve fitting analysis on the PCE curves to determine a time varying model.
T4. Parametric Estimation for the model developed in WP2 for model validation.
T5. Analyse the degradation trajectory from the estimation results and predict RUL.
T6. Prediction of RUL under inherent uncertainties (limited to Gaussian nature here).
T7.  Prediction of RUL considering different measurement samples.

proEoutcome:
Most literature discussed the factors affecting stability and the reasons but the results are based on experimental analysis. A mathematical approach to these experiments could help validate the generalisations of the actual/observed results. With this proposal we thus aim to develop a stochastic model based on experiments which will then be used for prognosis of stability degradation in PSC. In this work, we focus on MAPbI3 PSCs. Although many researchers are of the opinion that removing MA from Perovskite would be decisive to eliminate long-term risks however small amounts of MA is used practically in all high performing PSC. Thus stability predictions for MAPbI3 PSCs would be more relevant. We use Bayesian filter algorithms such as Extended Kalman filter, Unscented Kalman filter, Ensemble Kalman filter and Particle filter for prediction studies.


protitle:
Water based Eco-Friendly Sanitization Technique

prointro:
The aim of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate an eco-friendly and scalable spray based sanitization system that utilizes only pure water and ambient air for sanitizing the food items, such as vegetables and fruits etc. This system could be very well implemented in practical applications in farms, vegetable markets, and grocery stores etc., for disinfecting the virus and other microbes on the fruits and vegetables.

proobj:
The major objectives of this project are:
(a)	Develop a portable-lab scale spray system that functions based on thin film atomization principle and turns pure water into oxidized micro – less than 10 micron, and sub-micro droplets with hydrogen peroxide - H2O2 on their surface i.e., at the air/water interface, which can be then sprayed onto fruits and vegetables for sanitization purpose.
(b)	Demonstrate the functionality of above setup by analysing disinfection of virus and other microbes on the surfaces of the vegetables and fruits.
(c)	Develop a pilot scale conveyor mechanised tunnel using multiple atomizers/spray nozzles, and demonstrate its functionality for sanitization of vegetables and fruits on large scale by analysing the disinfection of virus and other microbes on their surfaces.

prometho:
Develop a novel portable-lab scale water spray system for vegetable and fruit sanitization applications, and confirm its functionality for production of H2O2 on the water droplets.

prosummary:
Demonstrate functionality of the portable-lab scale water spray system for disinfecting the virus and other microbes on vegetables and fruits

proEoutcome:
[i] a spray technology that could be utilized in disinfection applications, 
[ii] a design patent, 
[iii] a utility patent, and 
[iv] possibly a start-up company that will manufacture water spray based sanitization systems for several applications.


protitle:
Establishment of Cryo-Electron Microscopy for Mcaromolecular Structures and Complexes at IIT Gandhinagar

prointro:
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is a specific imaging transmission electron microscope (TEMs) that helps for direct imaging of the atomic structure of the sample. It is one of the most widely used techniques for characterization of nanomaterials widely in the areas of catalysis, nanoelectronics, energy storage materials, polymeric materials, and biological samples. The direct imaging makes it is possible to have direct information about the crystallographic structure of materials from images. The high contrast images from the TEM which are as small as crystal cell can be acquired. The images also shows specific diffraction pattern for the metal and material composition. The imaging technique is widely used in advanced characterization of materials, allowing the acquisition of information about any defects, faults in crystals, and grain boundaries.

proobj:
Acquiring TEM in consortium with IIT Gandhinagar

prosummary:
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is a specific imaging transmission electron microscope (TEMs) that helps for direct imaging of the atomic structure of the sample. It is one of the most widely used techniques for characterization of nanomaterials widely in the areas of catalysis, nanoelectronics, energy storage materials, polymeric materials, and biological samples. The direct imaging makes it is possible to have direct information about the crystallographic structure of materials from images. The high contrast images from the TEM which are as small as crystal cell can be acquired. The images also shows specific diffraction pattern for the metal and material composition. The imaging technique is widely used in advanced characterization of materials, allowing the acquisition of information about any defects, faults in crystals, and grain boundaries.

proEoutcome:
Training of Graduates/UGs 
Inter-school and Inter Departmental research collaborations


protitle:
Atmospheric CO2 Capture and Its Efficient Utilization in Production of Value Added Products: Electricity, Hydrogen and Bicarbonate Salts via Aqueous Electrolyte Media

proarea:
CO2 CAPTURE, UTILIZATION AND SEQUESTRATION

prointro:
The total CO2 emissions in India have reached to 2.4 Billion Tonnes/year as of 2017 and it is still increasing every year, see Fig. 1 [1, 2]. Delhi, the capital of India, has the highest annual carbon footprint. In fact, its annual CO2 emissions of 69.4 million tonnes is equal to the CO2 emission of Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai cities put together. When it comes to per capita CO2 emission, Chandigarh and Vadodara are far ahead of the rest with 3.9 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes, respectively. According to a study titled “CO2 Emissions from Fuel Combustion”, which was published in November 2017 [3], reported a rise of CO2 levels in India from fuel combustion from 181 million tonnes in 1971 to 2,066 MT in 2015, which is a 1,041% increase. Fossil fuel (Coal and Fuel) based emissions have drastically increased after 2005 with rapid rise in urbanization, energy demand and automobiles. Thus, India has taken a huge toll with increased amounts of pollution. As per 2015’s Paris agreement of Global Climate Change, India bears a huge responsibility of cutting down its emissions by 2030 [4]. Thus, in the light of the foregoing, CO2 needs to be contained in order to help in developing green cities with zero or low carbon footprints by capturing and efficient utilization of CO2 for value addition.

proobj:
The major OBJECTIVE of this proposal would be to focus on the STEP – 2, which is the heart of the whole approach and raise its TRL level to 7 before proceeding to the integration stage with remaining steps of the whole approach.

prometho:
Activity
I. Increased Kinetics of the Reactions in the Electrochemical Cell
II. Continuity and Stability in the Corrosion Reactions/Process
III. Collection of Metal Bicarbonate from the Electrochemical Bath on a Large Scale Process
IV. Effect of Purity Levels of the Metal Anode
V. Scale up to Pilot Level and Assessment of Each Parameter

prosummary:
Successful outcomes of STEP – 2 will enable the proposed technology quite suitable for commercialization on a large scale while integrating with different processes as discussed in Fig. 4. The initial estimates of the whole approach reflect a net neutral to slight positive technology with capability to produce value added products - metal bicarbonate, electricity and hydrogen gas while capturing the CO2 from the atmosphere. Although, the current proposed project will focus on STEP – 2 process alone as Phase – 1 efforts, following its success, the PI’s team will approach different national and international industry partners to proceed for large scale integration and commercialization of the technologies.

proEoutcome:
Successful outcomes of STEP – 2 will enable the proposed technology quite suitable for commercialization on a large scale while integrating with different processes as discussed in Fig. 4. The initial estimates of the whole approach reflect a net neutral to slight positive technology with capability to produce value added products - metal bicarbonate, electricity and hydrogen gas while capturing the CO2 from the atmosphere. Although, the current proposed project will focus on STEP – 2 process alone as Phase – 1 efforts, following its success, the PI’s team will approach different national and international industry partners to proceed for large scale integration and commercialization of the technologies.


protitle:
Impact of climate change on offshore wind and wave power potential in the Indian EEZ region

proarea:
offshore renewable energy, climate change, remote sensing

prointro:
As anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions will continue to modify the atmospheric circulation and global climate, renewable energy production is strongly influenced by the same. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the impact of climate change with reasonable accuracy on wind and wave energy resources. The proposed research project will primarily focus is to identify and evaluate the impact of climate change on wind energy and wave energy potential assessment in Indian Exclusive economic zone (EEZ). For that purpose, different climate models (Global climate models (GCMs) and the Regional climate models (RCMs)) will be assessed to identify the best suitable climate model with high prediction accuracy for the study region. To recognize the most suitable climate model dataset for the estimation of future resources and the impact of climate change, a comparison between climate modelled historical wind datasets with synergistically merged multiple satellite datasets. Quantile mapping method will be used to remove the bias in model data. Finally, a comparison and relationship will be developed between climate models (GCMs/RCMs) data with satellite data and the potential changes of future wind and wave energy resources in Indian offshore region will be investigated. The optimal locations will be identified for the future offshore wind and wave energy exploitation.

proobj:
	To quantify and generate the spatial distribution maps of wind and wave energy resource over the Indian EEZ for past, present and future climate scenarios. 
	To assess the future changes of wind and wave energy resource over the Indian offshore region under different climate scenarios.
	Identification of favourable locations for wind and wave power exploitation using the spatial multi-criteria analysis under climate change.

prometho:
1.1.	Choice of Climate models
In this proposed study, we will consider the wind speeds which are dynamically downscaled from six different GCMs using the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)’s latest regional climate model, RegCM4 under the framework of CORDEX-SA to estimate future changes of wind characteristics relevant for wind energy production including assessment of the uncertainties between the individual models and ensemble mean.
1.2.	Choice of Satellite data
Synergetic use of multiple satellite observations in different orbits provides a greater number of wind observations in the diurnal cycle. Moreover, the combination of multiple wind data sources having diverse local equatorial crossing time enriches the data samples and diminishes the data uncertainties, and hence improved accuracy can be achieved. In this project, different satellite data from 1992 - present will be utilised, to develop a correlation between historical climate models data and satellite observations.
1.3.	Wind data analysis
The available wind data for the 10 m height will be extrapolated with the help of log law. Weibull distribution can be fitted to wind speed time series data and then transposed into wind power equations. Quantile mapping method which is used to reduce the bias by equating the cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of an ensemble climate models’ dataset with and synergistically merged satellite wind datasets. 
1.4.	Wind and wave energy analysis
After the wind data has been validated, the estimation of wind power and the impact of climate change on the wind power generation will be calculated. Final, wind datasets (after correcting climate model data with satellite data) will be used to generate wave parameters (significant wave height, wave period, wave direction and so on) by using third generation wind-wave models such as WAVEWATCH III and SWAN. The most significant parameter for wave energy estimation is the wave energy flux. 
1.5.	Temporal variability in energy resources
In order to assess the feasibility of energy sources, temporal variability (monthly, seasonal and annual) is another important parameter. Temporal variability can be estimated using following indexes: monthly variability index (MVI), seasonal variability index (SVI) and annual variability index (AVI) 
1.6.	Site evaluation
An integrated methodology of Geographic Information System (GIS) and multi-criteria decision assessment (MCDA) will be implemented to identify the most suitable locations for the establishment of wind farms. The parameters considered in the multi-criteria analysis are: power generation potential, distance from the coast, seawater depth, power evacuation facility, impacts on marine life, marine environment  and marine trade lines. The variation in power generation potential for these site locations due to climate will also be evaluated. Based on this multi-criteria analysis of different site locations for present and future time period, the most suitable locations for the establishment wind and wave of power generation projects will be recognized. Further, identified location will analyzed through combined scatter and energy diagrams and estimate the electrical power output at each hotspot using various wind turbines and wave energy converters.

prosummary:
The project begins with thorough planning, collects the data from different climate models. At the same time, the process of ordering and purchasing the workstation will be initiated. After successful installation, various GCMs/RCMs data will be assessed and the best suitable climate model data for the study area will be identified. Further, climate model data will be validated/correlated with satellite and in-situ measurement data. Further, assess the wind and wave energy sources in terms of means and variability. Identify the best suitable location based on climate changes using MCDA technique. Finally, as per usual procedures, a final report of the work done under this project will be submitted to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

proEoutcome:
	Spatial distribution maps of offshore wind resource for past, present and future climate scenarios (wind speed, wind power density (W/m2), interannual variability).
	Spatial distribution maps of wave resource for past, present and future climate scenarios (significant wave height, wave period, wave power (kW/m), interannual variability).
	Assess the future changes of wind and wave energy resources over the Indian offshore region under different climate scenarios (changes in wind power density and variation trend of maximum wind speed).
	Identification of favourable locations by applying the multi-criteria decision-making model for individual offshore wind power and wave power exploitation under climate change.


protitle:
Large Scale Redox Flow Battery integrated Hybrid cross Wind-Solar PV Energy Management System

prointro:
Energy is the most decisive player for the development of society. Over the last few decades, the use of energy increased vividly in various forms. There is a steep rise in the energy demand. Energy and associated infrastructure have become a tool to shape the economy of any country and that too in a sustainable form. India has recognized this fact and has embarked upon a comprehensive strategy to address the concerns of energy security of India. The need for a resource center was anticipated to keep pace with the fast developing and competitive energy industry, to plan for the future and to continuously build requisite intellectual capital and human resource skills. Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), was established by Gujarat Energy Research & Management Institute (GERMI) as a Private University through the State Act enacted on 4th April, 2007. PDPU has ever since worked towards its mandate to emerge as a world class Institution of Excellence in Energy Education, Research and Innovation. From Vibrant Gujarat, 2011 initiatives, PDPU has set to work being a leading Energy University. Development of this novel hybrid integrated renewable energy generation pilot will give a momentum to the task undertaken for ensuring energy security.

prometho:
The proposed work aims the development of prototype model standalone hybrid renewable energy system. The system will feed with solar photovoltaic which is TRL 9 level and integrated with Vanadium Flow battery (VRFB) energy storage system. The power generated from the proposed scheme is then transmitted to a locally connected load.

prosummary:
•	The installation and demonstration of the kite based XWind turbine technology will learn at German site by the Indian experts at Germany and same will be incorporated as a futuristic approach and integrated with existing hybrid solar photovoltaic and battery energy conversion system.


prointro:
Growing urbanization is leading to poor management of solid waste which leads to mountains of solid waste at landfill sites. Various hazards are associated with the waste dump sites; among those, odor problem is on the rise, which has attracted public complaints. Odorous emissions from landfill are a complex mixture of toxic volatile compounds. Decreasing air quality due to such emissions causes various severe and chronic ill effects to human health and environment. Landfill waste are torched for avoiding smelly odor which further aggravates the air quality and odor problem surrounding landfill sites. Heavy metal combines with toxic gases to form ogano-metalic compounds and these are emitted from landfill. Heavy metal emission from waste incineration facility, re-suspension of landfill dust and landfill fires are causing damage to poor health of the people residing in its neighborhood. Compounds are spread due to blowing wind and affect very large area surrounding the landfill sites. Several Industrial emissions processing solid waste in landfill neighborhood mixes with emission from landfill thus complicating problem of identifying the polluter. Understanding the sources of emission and area affected by the toxic gases becomes necessary to undertake any corrective actions. In this study, sources of toxic gases and affected areas will be identified and quantified using receptor modeling and dispersion modeling technique. The finding of the study will help identify the causes of pollution and pin point the pollution. It will help assess the impact of pollution on people and their health. Corrective actions will improve health of the people residing in its neighborhood and environment. Odor control will enable people to not torch waste which will help further improve the air quality. Overall, the project will benefit large number of people; improve their health and living environment

proobj:
1. Understanding odor emission from landfill 2. Source identification of odor 3. Dispersion modeling for odor

prometho:
3. Work Plan 3.1 Sampling Site Selection: Sampling will be carried out in areas surrounding Piranna landfill site, located in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat, India. The surrounding areas will be divided into approximately 120 grids (with radial distance of 4 km) and aerosol and gas measurement will be conducted in each grid. The preferred height for sampling is around 1 to 2 m, which is the expected height of exposure. Chemical measurement of aerosols at these grids will be used for source apportionment to understand the odour contribution to air pollution and its toxicity. 3.2 Sample collection: Fine particles suspended in the air will be collected on quartz filters (QMA) during the daytime (8 h duration) from 9 am to 5 pm at each grid using a personal sampler (APM801, Envirotech). Quartz filters will be thermally treated at 500 °C for about 24 hours to remove any impurities and organics present prior to sampling. The filters after sampling will be stored in a freezer until further analysis for chemical composition of the deposited particulate matter. 3.3 Chemical and Meteorological Measurements: The pre- and post- weights of the filters will be measured using a microbalance. Loaded quartz fibre filters will be extracted in water and solvent (acid digestion) using ultrasonicator and acid digestion depending on the type of analysis. The aqueous aliquots will be used for the determination of carbon and metals. The analysis of the elements will include the major (crustal) elements (Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Fe, and Si), sub-major (anthropogenic) elements (Zn, Ni, Cu, Mn, Sr, Ag, Ba, Pb, V, Cr, and Ti, and water solution carbon content. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) will be used for the determination of elements. A Total Organic Carbon analyzer will be used to analyse the filter for organic carbon (Bae et al., 2004). These data will undergo strict quality control and only the data above the detection limit of the instrument will be considered for further analysis. Meteorological parameters (Using WM271; Envirotech) like wind speed and direction, temperature and RH will also be measured for dispersion study. Following instrument will be used to measure methane which will act as tracer for odour. 3.4 Estimation of contribution of sources odour and dispersion modelling: The quality controlled data will be further analysed using a receptor model for source identification and contribution. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis, which is a multivariate factor analysis tool, will be carried out using EPA-PMF V5.0 to better understand the sources of odour emission. The detailed information of the EPA-PMF V5.0 is available in (Paatero et al., 1997, 1999, 1994; EPA website:https://www.epa.gov/air-research/positive-matrix-factorization-model-environmental-data-analyses). Apportionment will help us in identify the amount of methane coming from different sources as well as from landfill site. It will help estimate flux of methane from landfill. AERMOD will be used to for dispersion of methane which will be used as tracer for odour from landfill. Dispersion study will help us identify and area affected by the emission of toxic gases from the landfill sites

proEoutcome:
1. Help in understanding the chemical compounds contributing to odor 2. It will help pinpoint the source identification of odor 3. Help in identifying area affected by odor


protitle:
Developing a Mechanistic Understanding of Degradation in Perovskite Solar Cells by Using Machine Learning

proarea:
Perovskite solar cells, Machine Learning, Degradation, Efficiency, Prediction

prointro:
The class of inorganic-organic hybrid compounds (CH3NH3PbX3, X=I, Br, Cl), with the crystal structure of perovskite, have emerged as brilliant light absorbers in solar cells. In recent years, the record efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been updated from 9.7% to 25.2%. However, the issue of stability, which restricts the outdoor application of PSCs, study still remains blank. Interestingly many reports showed that the perovskite devices are more prone to be degraded resulting in reversible device performance loss in JSC and FF when they are exposed to both light and heat compared to being only exposed to thermal stress. These kinds of phenomena are not usual in the case of commercial Si or other mature solar technology. In general at present most of the tools used for the analysis and understanding of degradation in PSCs are involved with the measurements of current voltage parameters as a function of illumination, temperature and humidity.  These measurements are performed either under steady state or dynamic conductions. However such analysis is able to measure the degradation of PSCs with time but it fails to recognize the main cause of failure and its future predictions. In this proposed research work we will develop the ML framework and utilize for elucidate the understanding of degradation in PSCs. Moreover the explanation of unusual reversible device performance loss in PSCs in the frame work of ML will also be the integral part of project. The ML codes for reap-rest-recovery cycle of PSCs and future modules will be developed in two parts: one focused on supervised learning of laboratory-scale PV devices, and another where the rest and recovery of modules.

proobj:
1: Investigate a predictive morphology-stability relationship for the Cs/FA double-cation perovskite films using ML algorithm.
2: Predicting the stability degradation in PSCs with modified ETL under dynamic operating conditions using ML algorithms
3: Development of ML framework to determine the ideal pathways to recovery of PSCs through rest.

prometho:
In this proposed research work we will develop the ML framework and utilize for elucidate the understanding of degradation in PSCs. Moreover the explanation of unusual reversible device performance loss in PSCs in the frame work of ML will also be the integral part of project. The ML codes for reap-rest-recovery cycle of PSCs and future modules will be developed in two parts: one focused on supervised learning of laboratory-scale PV devices, and another where the rest and recovery of modules. A convolutional neural network will be used to develop a predictive model for the electronic properties of PSCs which will expected to shows higher fidelity in predicting properties of PSCs as compared to straight-forward methods as discussed in literature.

prosummary:
The proposed work plan has been divided into four different phases. The work plan has been designed to ensure that each stage will have its own objectives in order to guarantee that the work is continuously contributing to the state of the art with new materials, methods and expertise. The detailed work plan for the project consists of seven individual tasks: 
Work Package 1: Investigate a predictive morphology-stability relationship for the Cs/FA double-cation perovskite films using ML algorithm.
Goal: Study and prediction of the stability of the fabricated perovskite solar cells in different conditions like temperature, humidity and illumination.
Work Package 2: Predicting the stability degradation in PSCs with modified ETL under dynamic operating conditions using ML algorithms
Goal: Investigate stability degradation for the PSCs with modified ETL by using the experimental data of PCE variation under steady-state condition.
Work Package 3: Development of ML framework to determine the ideal pathways to recovery of PSCs through rest.
Goal: Development of stable PSCs for long-term operation using predictive methods to optimise reap-recovery-rest cycle of PSCs.

proEoutcome:
The proposed project is expected to pave the way for the more robust and advance machine learning (ML) based method for predict the performance and root cause of degradation in PSCs. An honest attempt will be made to develop the ML codes to elucidate the unusual reversible device performance loss in PSCs. It is envisaged that the proposal may pave the way to predictive the electronic properties of PSCs which will expected to shows higher fidelity in predicting properties of PSCs as compared to straight-forward methods as discussed in literature. The PI and Co-PI will also present their research in National and International conference so that the results of proposed research get highlighted in various platforms. With the completion of project, we believe that, we believe that developed ML codes will able to explain the relationship between morphology and stability, roles of different layers and ideal pathways for the recovery of performances in PSCs. The developed codes will not only be applicable for PSCs but can also be applicable for perovskite based LEDs.


protitle:
Detection of Biomarkers through Nanoscale Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

prointro:
Biomarkers are denoted as a quantifiable biochemical indicators that can designate certain physiological or pathophysiological states of human bodies. A reliable diagnosis, however, requires the identification of certain substances that unambiguously correlate with the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines these so-called biomarkers as “any substance, structure, or process that can be measured in the body or its products and influences or predicts the incidence of outcome or diseases”

proobj:
Our primary effort will be devoted to the synthesis of fluorescent luminescent metal organic frameworks by the self-assembly process through judicial selection of the metal ion and organic linker. Developing the design principles and achieving assemblies with desirable structure and properties will be sought.

prometho:
I) Structural optimization offers efficient detection of biomarker
Ia) Synthesis of luminescent MOF with potential guest interaction site for biomarker detection
Ib) Synthesis of multi-emissive MOF with potential guest interaction site for biomarker detection

prosummary:
In comparison with the single emissive luminescent MOF, the multi-emissive MOF offer several advantages such as self-calibration (or self-reference) process, capability to weakening several external factors including environment free disturbance, solvent polarity, temperature, excitation intensity, probe concentration along with superior selectivity, sensitivity and a potential towards future sustainable technology. Most importantly, its working principle for the detection of analyte is based on by comparing the fluorescence emission intensity ratio of a multi-emissive fluorescent probe upon single excitation. Considering the emissive centers in the MOF matrix, the source of emission can be specified as (a) dual emission in MOF is originating from both organic linker and metal nodes, or diverse organic linkers, or diverse metal nodes and (b) incorporation of foreign emissive centers (carbon dots, dyes and inorganic or organic complex) within the MOF cavity.

proEoutcome:
	The long-term and real-time monitoring of these biomarkers by LMOFs is further enhanced by the construction of important molecular devices including logic gates and image analysis.

FAScheme:
TEACHERS ASSOCIATESHIP FOR RESEARCH EXCELLENCE (TARE)


protitle:
Implementation of Innovative Solar Drying Techniques for Enhanced Food Quality and Shelf Life

prointro:
With a strategic global goal of sustainable development in conception, there is a need to conserve the non-renewable resource and natural environment for our future generations. The growing standard of living must be such that it contributes to the prosperity, excel in non-economic aspect, and attain quality life. Sustainable development balances the environmental, social and economic aspects such that the enhancement of one is not at the cost of the other. This forms the primary aim of implementing various programs, policies and projects. The UN estimates around 40% of food in India is wasted [1]. With 22% percent of the population being undernourished, the food wastage statistics are alarming. Thus, there is a need for implementing sustainable methods to preserve food items such that their nutrition value is not compromised. 
The target of the current project is the development of sustainable technology for food crop preservation. There are food items like vegetables, fruits, milk, meat etc., which are more perishable than some other food like cereal, pulse and nuts etc. Another critical category is medicinal plants that require storage, such that their medicinal properties are retained. A general outlook for food preservation is extending the life of food by preservatives that retard their rate of spoilage. The spoilage of food is a severe problem in Indian perspective where 30% of vegetables and fruits gets spoiled before getting sold  [2], adding an extra burden on Indian farmers. The number of cold storages in rural India are also limited in number, expensive to afford and insufficient to cater to all the needs. The food processing industry is also underdeveloped to cater the entire need. Only 20% food is currently processed; 80% of the food is still undried and not processed. Implementing drying can prevent food spoilage and result in prolonged shelf life [3]. During harvesting, there is a surge in supply, thus reducing the cost significantly; on the other hand, the prices surge during the off-season due to demand and supply mismatch. An efficient way is to introduce a method that may be cheap, affordable and enhance the crop life such that its nutritional value is retained. A traditional approach is crop drying [4], a technique being used for ages. However, the loss in nutritional content is seldom quantified. This research explicitly studies the impact of solar drying under different configurations to attain the best food quality in terms of nutrition value. The temperature of drying is a crucial parameter, and this study attempts to regulate the temperature through passive conditioning using PCM incorporation within the dryer. It is a well-known fact that with an increase in dryer temperature reduces the drying time; however, it is often overlooked that it is at the cost of nutrient value [5,6]. Thus, effective temperature regulation through PCM during day/ night and its corresponding impact on the nutrition value will be studied. Similarly, for industrial application, the use of low-pressure superheated steam drying (LPSSD) system will also be designed, as a prototype, and dried food quality will be evaluated in terms of its nutrition value.

proobj:
(i) Design and develop a prototype for Low Pressure Superheated Steam Drying application 
(ii) Identification of potential PCMs for constant temperature solar drying application to retain the nutrition quality of the dehydrated food and medicinal crops 
(iii) Developing practical and innovative sustainable solution to address the post-harvest food processing and preservation
 (iv) Experimentally assess the dehydrated food quality to optimize the drying parameters

prometho:
3.1. Methodology
(i)	Step 1: Investigating the impact of Low Pressure Superheated Steam Drying (LPSSD)
	A novel method of drying in which utilization of low pressure superheated steam is utilized, will be investigated in this study. The advantages of using LPSSD are the high heat transfer coefficient, minimal oxidative changes, higher mass transfer rate and high porosity. It is a technology, which still is being explored by the researchers and under development stage. An experimental test facility to investigate the impact of utilizing the low-pressure superheated steam will be developed and studied. The study will be unique as it will be used to produce dried food powder, which may be of significance for many food-processing industries. The steam based drying also poses challenges, such as, steam condensation while coming in contact with the fruit/vegetable surface. This can be avoided by ensuring the low pressure within the chamber and preheating the food surface using infrared radiation. The detailed schematic of the proposed test setup for LPSSD is as shown in Fig. 1. 
 
Fig. 1. Schematic test setup for LPSSD (Shrivastav and Kumbhar [25])
(ii)	Step 2: PCM identification and incorporation within the solar dryer, and test the potential to control the temperature during the drying process
	This stage will start with the feasibility analysis of PCM in solar dryer followed by experimental test setup development to initiate the drying in a controlled temperature environment. PCM acts as latent thermal storage, which controls the temperature of the drying chamber. Thus, the drying temperature will be controlled by PCMs. For this reason, PCM selection is an essential aspect for which validation of its thermal properties is to be carried out. PCM selection will be made based on stability, cost and melting temperature range. The identified PCMs will be procured and characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimeter/TGA to measure its thermal characteristics. These are important to render a PCM suitable for application within the solar dryer. The controlled temperature drying with some pretreatment of food will be attempted for retaining the essential nutrients within the dried food crop. The schematic diagram of the setup is as shown in Fig. 2 and is proposed to achieve constant temperature within the dryer. 
 

Fig. 2: Schematic diagram of solar dryer integrated with PCM based thermal storage
Various PCM will be tested for different food and medicinal crops. The storage will be integrated with the solar collector as well as the drying chamber. The air will pass over the absorber cum storage vessel and gain the heat at constant temperature and flow over the food slices kept in the drying chamber's tray. The airflow rate, the temperature at various locations, and solar radiation will be measured periodically to measure the solar collector's performance. The drying characteristics of food samples will be plotted by the standard test procedure described in the literature. The data acquisition system will be a part of the setup that will record all the processing parameters' values periodically. There will be a provision of filling different PCMs in the setup to make the drying process more versatile and suitable for different crops. Thus, making it a sustainable solution. The impact of PCM incorporated constant temperature solar dryer on the color, texture, nutrient retention and drying time of the food crops will be studied. It is anticipated that the due to constant and uniform temperature during day and night would avoid browning of food crop, which is the result of over-heating of the crop at the cost of nutrient value of the crop.
 (iii)	Step 3: Experimental analysis of constant temperature versus traditional food and medicinal crop drying in various configurations
The experimental setup of the solar dryer with 50 kg drying capacity, as shown in Fig. 3 has been recently procured at the PDEU campus to study the impact of forced convection drying through the flat plate collector air heating system. This is an indirect solar drying system for natural and forced mode, crop drying. To enhance the versatility, the PCM incorporated solar dryer, as discussed in Step 2, will be used for different crops to be dried at different temperatures using different PCMs for each case. The slices of vegetables or fruits can be loaded on the trays in the morning. The weight of the food slices can be measured using high precision weighing scale at the regular interval of the day. The drying time depends on the food's initial moisture content, drying temperature, air velocity, and available solar radiation. It is a fact that there is a range of temperatures that will affect the nutrient retention of the processed food. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the effect of processing variables on nutrient retention. During the food drying study on the existing setup, food color during peak sunshine hour changes to brown which is due to an uncontrolled temperature rise of the dryer. For controlling this rise in temperature and achieving drying during the off-sunshine hours, PCM incorporation is the best feasible passive solution implemented and tested in this step.
 
 
Fig. 3: Existing setup for solar drying without thermal storage

 (iv) Step 4: Identify the pretreatment methods before drying to retain the nutritional quality of dehydrated products	
Another critical parameter that determines the dried food quality is pretreatment. It is essential to identify and apply a suitable pretreatment process for a specified food crop that may require or else drying may result in loss of the crop's nutrient value. Pre-treatment processes are crop-specific and are to be identified, applied and tested based on the nutrient content of the processed food crop or medicinal plant.
(v)	 Step 5: Measurement of nutrients in dehydrated food using standard test methods and minimize nutrient loss 
This forms the essential step based on which the application of different drying strategies applied in this research will be evaluated.  It is essential to understand that every crop dried has its characteristic property and inherent benefits due to its nutrient content. It is also observed that temperature, drying, and pretreatment have a combined effect on crop quality. For example, the direct sun rays in hot and dry climates may raise the temperature as high as 80 °C, which would result in faster crop drying; however, it will be at the expense of loss in nutrition value. This study would try to optimize all the parameters such that the product quality, retention of nutrients, and storage potential are enhanced or show minimal degradation. The following study will be carried out for retention of nutritional quality in dehydrated products:
(1)	Effect of pretreatment on nutritional loss
(2)	Study the drying kinetics and estimation of nutrients losses
(3)	Effect of storage method (shelf life) and temperature on nutrients loss 

Note: Step 1, 2, 3 will be carried out at Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) with assistance of A. D. Patel Institute of Technology (ADIT), affiliated to Charutar Vidya Mandal (CVM) University. Step 4 and Step 5 will be carried out at ADIT.

prosummary:
After air and water, food is the third most important thing for human survival. India produces 150 million tons of food crop every year, which is the second largest in the world. The irony is 22% of the population is malnourished when around 30% of the crops are spoiled or wasted even before reaching the market. Thus, there is a need to preserve the crops, such that, its nutrition value is intact or is deteriorated to the minimum possible extent. Certain food crops and medicinal plants are dried to enhance their features, longevity and, in some cases, value, e.g.: dry fruits. A basic understanding says that the higher the drying temperature is the drying rate, but this is at the cost of nutrient value, which diminishes significantly beyond a specific limit. Thus, solar drying coupled with temperature control is to be tested. This study aims to test solar drying systems with PCM (phase change material) incorporating temperature regulation within a dryer. The advantage of using a PCM is that it stores the extra heat during the peak hours and provides it during the off-sunshine hours, thus, maintaining a constant temperature within a dryer. It is a passive approach with no power required for temperature regulation, thus saving energy and a significant amount of GHG emissions are eliminated as 75% of power in India comes by burning of fossil fuels. Another aspect of utilizing low pressure superheated steam for drying application will be investigated and pilot prototype will be developed which can be scaled up for industrial application.
The use of PCM incorporated solar dryer is an innovative approach, which requires care-full PCM selection before implementation. PCM's melting temperature has a significant effect over the nutrition value of medicinal plants and food crops, which is yet uncharted for different climatic conditions and temperature fluctuation in India. The investigators have the expertise of solar drying and PCM selection and incorporation, which would be added advantage and help to bridge the gap between the laboratory research and ground scale implementation. The farmers/ villagers in India can dry their extra crops with nutritional value intact and selling them at a reasonable rate later to generate revenue around the year. Several farmers commit suicide due to insufficient earning on the harvest. This research would not only boost the farmer's income but also reduce crop wastage significantly. The emphasis of this research is on reducing crop wastage by PCM-assisted solar drying and at the same time retaining the food nutrient value during the process. In industrial perspective, the use of LPSSD aspect will be designed and the prototype will be tested for its impact on the dried food quality.

proEoutcome:
(i)	To provide a comprehensive review on PCMs suitable for solar drying application
(ii)	To identify suitable and effective pretreatment methods for retaining the nutritional value of food and medicinal crops before drying
(iii)	Development of a prototype model for low pressure superheated steam drying (LPSSD) for studying the drying characteristics of food and medicinal crops 
(iv)	Development of a robust test setup for PCM integrated solar drying for studying the drying characteristics of food and medicinal crops for farmers


