Research Projects

This research proposal aims to develop a cost-effective, indigenous, metal-free, nanocarbon-based phase fluorometric optical technique for the sensing of dissolved oxygen. The approach involves synthesizing and characterizing phosphorescent nanocarbons, preparing a photoluminescent membrane/film cap, fabricating and integrating the optical, mechanical, and electronic module of the designed optical sensor, developing the nanocarbon-based phase fluorometric sensor, calibration and validation with standard reference techniques, in-house fabrication and packaging of the deployable sensor, and evaluating and performing field trials of the developed system. The initial work by Co-PI Dr. Avishek Saha has expertise in designing and characterization of hetero-atom doped nanocarbon emitters using microwave-assisted synthesis. Dr. Rajesh Kanawade has extensive experience in the development of phase fluorometric measurements for dissolved oxygen using ruthenium polypyridyl complexes. The proposed technology can be the foundation for further ocean research and aligns with the ongoing thrust for the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Five work packages have been proposed in this two-year research project. Work Package-1 will involve synthesizing and characterization of functional Fluorophores at CSIR-CSIO, while Work Package-2 will involve preparing a photoluminescent membrane/film sensor cap. The sensor assembly will be cross-validated with existing sensors in the market and optimized based on performance. The project focuses on developing a metal-free nanocarbon-based phase fluorometric optical technique for the detection of dissolved oxygen in water. The expected impact includes the development of a cost-effective photoluminescent membrane sensor cap based on metal-free nanocarbon emitter, deployable advanced and accurate technology for dissolved oxygen sensing based on phase fluorometry method, know-how transfer sensor package, scientific knowledge generation leading to technology development in the future, and research publications based on phase fluorometric sensing of dissolved oxygen and aquatic pollutants.