Page 132 - CW E-Magazine (30-1-2024)

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For a consistent supply of High Purity Grade

LIGHT HARVESTING
CSIR-NIIST sets photovoltaic effi ciency record

Scientists at CSIR-National Insti- nologies (C-SET), at CSIR-NIIST The CSIR-NIIST. DSCs are emerging as
tute for Interdisciplinary Science & technology has been published in the the leading indoor light-harvesting
Technology (CSIR-NIIST) in Thiru- Royal Society of Chemistry’s Journal technology. Their unique semi-trans-
vananthapuram have achieved a new of Materials Chemistry A. parent nature, coupled with an array of
effi ciency record of 35.6% in indoor colours and designs, opens up avenues
light harvesting using dye-sensitised CSIR-NIIST is translating this for innovative applications, including
solar cell (DSCs). technology by developing self-powe- integration into glass facades, green-
red prototypes and products to reduce houses and architectural installations
This breakthrough technology can dependence on primary batteries and within indoor spaces.
replace one-time use primary batteries address climate change, a statement
and reduce environmental pollution. said here. They are eco-friendly and afforda-
Integration of DSCs into Internet of ble, making them the top choice among
Things (IoT) systems offers a sustain- “It will reduce the environmental indoor photovoltaic technologies.
able solution by creating self-powered pollution resulting from the disposal
devices. of billions of dead and used batteries The team of scientists that carried
annually. It will be a boon for consumer out the work was led by Dr. Suraj
Dr. Suraj Soman, scientist at the electronics and portable devices,” said Soman, Centre for Sustainable Energy
Centre for Sustainable Energy Tech- Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, Technologies (C-SET) at CSIR-NIIST.
BASE OILS
Chevron Lummus Global awarded licensing

contract by HPCL Methylamino Propylamine (MAPA)

Chevron Lummus Global LLC The integrated hydrocracker and “Our deep expertise in hydropro-
(CLG) has announced the award of a catalytic dewaxing unit will have a cessing technologies, paired with
new licensing contract by Hindustan nameplate capacity of 550-ktpa and will HPCL’s forward-looking approach,
Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) for facilitate the production of Grade II+ and underscores our shared commitment to
the development of a grassroots integra- Grade III premium base oils. This stra- advancing India’s energy independence
ted hydrocracker and catalytic dewaxing tegic move will enable HPCL to make a and strengthening its position in the
unit and a full catalyst reload of their signifi cant foray into the premium base premium base oil market,” Mr. Rajesh
existing lube oil upgrading programme oil market, tapping into new avenues for Samarth, Chief Commercial Offi cer,
(LOUP) at HPCL’s Mumbai Refi nery. growth and market expansion. CLG, said.
Prof. Stefan Mecking delivers Dr. R.A. Mashelkar Contact

Endowment Lecture

Prof. Stefan Mecking, Chair of In his address, Prof. Mecking shed logical hurdles involved. Prof. Meck-
Chemical Materials Science, Univer- light on the global signifi cance of plas- ing presented innovative approaches
sity of Konstanz (Germany), delivered tics, with over 400-mt produced annu- to address these challenges. His dis-
the ‘Dr. R.A. Mashelkar Endowment ally. He emphasised the growing role course covered additive manufactur-
Lecture’ on ‘Recyclable and Degra- of polymers in diverse sectors, includ- ing with polyethylene-like polymers,
dable Polyethylene-like Material ing energy, mobility, communication, closed-loop recycling of these poly-
Enabled by Catalytic Methods’ on and healthcare. He also delved into the mers, production of polyesters from Hyderabad : Commerce Centre Pharmachem Pvt. Ltd., Tel.: 040-2341 3413/4/5/6 Fax: 040-23413412
December 14, 2023 at CSIR-National current challenges facing polyethylene plastic waste, utilisation of waste poly- Email: commercecentre.in@gmail.com
Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), recycling, discussing the persistent ethylene as feedstock, among other
Pune. nature of the material, and the techno- topics.

132 Chemical Weekly January 30, 2024

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