Date:   Friday, 21 st  February 2025

Time:   11h30 – 12h30

Venue:  The Orbital, Room 3-1 Chemistry Building

Enquiries:   Dr. William Dlamini ([email protected])

Title of the Talk: Nano-Engineered Surfaces and Interfaces for Clean Energy and Sensor Applications

Abstract

Nano-engineered surfaces and interfaces play a crucial role in advancing clean energy technologies, particularly in fuel cells, superhydrophobic coatings, and chemical sensors. In fuel cells, nanostructured materials enhance catalytic activity, improving efficiency and longevity. Superhydrophobic coatings, designed with nanoscale textures, repel water, reducing energy loss and enhancing the durability of energy devices, such as solar panels. For chemical sensors, nanomaterials offer high surface area and sensitivity, enabling precise detection of gases, pollutants and biomarkers. These advancements promote the development of more efficient, durable, and sustainable energy systems, supporting the transition to clean energy and environmental monitoring solutions.

The talk will focus on the highlights of major research findings on nano-engineered surfaces and interfaces on applications, such as PEM fuel cells, large area superhydrophobic coatings and chemical sensors.

Brief Bio-sketch (Prof. Biji Pullithadathil)

Prof. Biji Pullithadathil is Professor and Head of Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience & Technology, at PSG Institute of Advanced Studies, Coimbatore, INDIA since 2009 after receiving her PhD from IIT Madras. Her research focuses on clean energy and chemical sensors. In clean energy sector, she focuses on durable mesoporous carbon support materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, large area superhydrophobic self-cleaning coatings for solar panels, and nanoimprinted alternate silver-less metallization for silicon solar cells. In sensor technologies, Prof. Biji is actively working on advanced chemical sensors for environmental monitoring and biomedical applications, including toxic gas sensors, SERS biosensors and electrochemical ion sensors. She has led 14 funded research projects, worth about 110 million INR from prestigious agencies and collaborates with various leading industries. She has supervised and 10 completed PhDs, with 6 in progress, and has published over 85 journal articles, 5 patents, and contributed to many book chapters. Prof. Biji is recipient of SMC Bronze Medal in 2024 and also has received MILIR- 2024 Best Scientist Award and multiple best faculty awards from PSGIAS.

PSGIAS website: https://www.psgias.ac.in/?page_id=225

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=L2DiBMkAAAAJ&hl=en