Research Projects

India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, requiring a transition to sustainable bioenergy with its role as crucial for energy security in a carbon-neutral energy future. Achieving these goals requires transformative advancements in decarbonization technologies to significantly reduce industrial carbon footprints and the integration of renewable, biomass-derived fuels to meet the nation's energy demands. This project offers an integrated dual approach that is in line with India's vision: to capture and utilize CO₂ as feedstock for fuels, and to convert biomass into renewable fuels and chemicals. This approach addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while utilizing abundant agricultural biomass resources. The core scientific objective of this project is to design a dual-function photoelectrochemical (PEC) flow reactor capable of efficient CO₂ reduction and bio-oil valorization. A novel approach using single-atom catalysts (SACs) dispersed on metal oxynitride is proposed to achieve high catalytic activity, selectivity, and durability. The hypothesis is that SACs, precisely anchored on metal oxynitrides, will significantly improve photon absorption, enable rapid charge transfer, and selectively convert CO₂ into fuels with high Faradaic efficiency. By engineering the catalyst at the atomic level, our aim to maximize active site availability and reduce byproduct formation, thereby enhancing both energy efficiency and resource utilization in fuel production. The primary experiments will involve the synthesis of SAC-decorated metal oxynitride photoelectrodes, their integration into a modular PEC flow reactor, and testing under realistic operating conditions. The reactor is designed as a continuous flow system with distinct compartments for CO₂ reduction and bio-oil processing. The CO₂ reduction compartment will target the conversion of CO₂ to fuels, while the bio-oil compartment will transform biomass-derived bio-oil into renewable hydrocarbons. This system aims to support a circular carbon economy by efficiently utilizing CO₂ and agricultural biomass to produce fuels and chemicals, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. As a major agricultural nation, India has significant potential to convert agricultural waste biomass into valuable biofuels, thereby creating economic benefits for farmers and advancing rural sustainability. This project is expected to drive innovations that not only support carbon-neutral energy production but also foster a circular bioeconomy by transforming agricultural waste into wealth. This project will establish India as a leader in PEC technology and sustainable energy solutions, providing substantial contributions to renewable energy, sustainable materials science, and decarbonization research. The anticipated outcomes hold promise for both fundamental understanding of PEC systems and real-world applications, advancing India’s role in global green energy initiatives.