Cochin University of Science and Technology hosts brainstorming in nano frontiers

KOCHI: Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) is witnessing a nano technology brainstorming where about 300 delegates from 35 countries are participating, presenting 300 research papers.

Eminent nano scientist and founder director of Nano Science Department at Rice University, USA, Dr. Pulickel M Ajayan who inaugurated the four-day Cochin Nano International Seminar (Nano-2016) said that nano technology will ensure safe drinking water for the rural population of India and will ensure a logical end to the current threat from plastic to environment.

“The nano filters used in water tanks will filter not only the microbes but also the molecules of chemical pollution,” he said. He also reiterated that as the nano science is an enabling technology by which anything can be achieved for the welfare of mankind.

“It will also help to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of solar cells, storage batteries and other electronic devices. Now is the appropriate time for our country to invest maximum in nano research and technology which will pay rich dividends,” he added.

The four-day seminar which will conclude on Tuesday, organised by the physics department of Cusat, is the outcome of the infinitive taken by the new Vice-Chancellor Dr. J. Letha to prompt research on the varsity campus, which was lapped up by Dr. M.R. Anantharaman, professor, department of physics, Cusat and the organizing secretary of Nano 2016.

“Although we have made remarkable progress using wind and solar energies, our storage options are limited. Using nanotechnology, affordable energy storage systems such as larger batteries, super capacitors, fuel cells and redox flow batteries could be coupled with solar and wind energy systems. New nanomaterials like graphene and MoS2 and their composites could play a key role in making next generation power storage affordable above limit,” said Dr.

Vijayamohanan Pillai, director, CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi, and acting director, CSIR-NCL, Pune, addressing the plenary session. “We are really happy to organize this event and it is sure to make a positive impact on the nano research in the university,” said Dr Anantharaman.