Latest news with #SanketGoel
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
BITS Pilani researchers develop edible, eco-friendly paste for bioelectronics
Hyderabad: In a breakthrough that could reshape the future of bioelectronic technology, researchers at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad, have developed a food-based nano conductive paste (FN-CoP) designed for wearable, ingestible, and edible medical devices. Published in the latest issue of 'Industrial Crops and Products (ScienceDirect)', the study introduces a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative to conventional electronic pastes—marking a significant step toward sustainable electronics. The innovation is led by Professor Sanket Goel and his team, who have formulated and validated FN-CoP as a viable substitute for synthetic, often hazardous, conductive materials. The material is aimed at advancing biomedical diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and energy harvesting, especially in sensitive environments like the human body. The FN-CoP formulation consists of 20.4% activated carbon (AC), 8.1% gelatine-based binder, and 71.4% oral rehydration solution (ORS) as the pasting liquid. This composition achieves high conductivity, supported by a fine average particle size of 56 nanometers, confirmed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Migrate with ease from Window 10 to Window 11 with Lenovo Lenovo Learn More Undo The small particle size and material stability make it ideal for precision printing techniques like screen and inkjet printing. ORS, apart from serving as a safe solvent, enhances the electrochemical stability, conductivity, and biocompatibility of the paste. Comparative analyses showed that ORS outperforms many commercial solvents, giving FN-CoP consistent functionality across biomedical applications. Diagnostic applications The researchers demonstrated FN-CoP's effectiveness in several diagnostic and therapeutic settings. The material supports key electrochemical processes essential for breath analysis, blood detoxification and detection of glycopeptide and phosphopeptide biomarkers. The paste is food-grade and vegetarian-friendly, with characteristics like controlled viscosity and surface morphology that ensure uniform coating and sensor stability. Its biocompatibility makes it particularly suited for ingestible medical devices. Environmental impact One of FN-CoP's standout advantages is its economic viability. The estimated cost of production is only ₹129 per 100 grams, making it scalable for industrial applications. By replacing toxic components with readily available, food-safe materials, the research paves the way for environmentally friendly alternatives in the electronic paste industry.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Researchers develop comprehensive methodology to accurately calibrate underwater solar cells
Researchers at the BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus, have claimed to have achieved a breakthrough in renewable energy and underwater photovoltaic applications by developing a comprehensive methodology to accurately calibrate the performance of silicon solar cells in submerged conditions. The team, led by professors Kannan Ramaswamy and Sanket Goel along with researchers Nilofar Naaz and Shubhrajit Dutta, says that the work lays a foundation for optimizing solar-powered underwater systems like autonomous vehicles, marine sensors and underwater communication devices. The study presents experimental methods to measure and correct the efficiency of silicon solar cells submerged in water up to 20 cm deep under simulated sunlight conditions. Using both Xenon and LED-based AM 1.5G solar simulators, the team proposed three new equations to more precisely evaluate the underwater efficiency by accounting for light source characteristics, water-induced absorption and scattering losses. Instead of natural sunlight, the team measured the data of correct efficacy of solar cells and panels in underwater conditions using lamps to calculate the illuminance on the cell's surface with a pyranometer and measure photovoltaic parameters. 'Our work addresses the gap in accurately assessing photovoltaic performance underwater using laboratory solar simulators,' said principal investigator Professor Ramaswamy. The research findings show that without applying these correction protocols, underwater solar cell efficiencies can be overestimated by 60% at a depth of 20 cm. By introducing correction factors, the team had demonstrated a realistic reduction in efficiency by 45%. 'The new calibration approach is a critical step for laboratory-scale evaluation of underwater solar technologies,' said co-investigator Professor Sanket Goel. 'The ability to predict photovoltaic efficiency accurately in submerged environments is vital for designing sustainable, self-powered underwater systems,' said lead researcher Nilofar Naaz. The study also discusses the suitability of different photovoltaic materials for underwater and sets the stage for future advancements in underwater energy harvesting, marine exploration technologies and aquatic sensor networks, said the research team.
