The first project will bring together researchers from the University of Surrey and the University of Hyderabad, India, with collaborators from Tata Steel Research and Development UK to look into how to effectively capture and store solar energy using an approach known as ‘inorganics-in-organics’, in which composite materials work together to increase efficiency.
Indian multinational Tata Steel will lend its fuel cell expertise, partnering research with industry to provide technologies for improved energy generation and storage.
The second project will examine the use of zinc oxide nanomaterials in ultra-high sensitivity gas sensors. These gas sensors can be used in environmental monitoring devices to deliver improved sensitivity and increased energy efficiency. They can also be used in breathalysers, and even for sensing potentially explosive gas leaks in places such as hydrogen storage facilities.
This project will bring together academics from the University of Surrey, Queen’s University Belfast and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research.
“Nanotechnology projects such as these are hugely exciting and offer direct solutions for the key challenges that the energy sector faces. Supported by both governments and the multinational Tata, our expert teams from India and the UK will impact the future of renewable energy on a global scale through the development of new technologies," said Professor Ravi Silva, from the Advanced Technology Institute.
"Working with cutting-edge nanomaterials such as ZnO, graphene and carbon nanotubes, we can revolutionise energy storage and capture,” Silva said.
Professor Vince Emery, Pro-Vice Chancellor International Affairs from the University of Surrey added: “Projects such as these clearly illustrate the global nature of research without boundaries. The University of Surrey has very talented researchers who contribute significantly to world-class research and the most pressing challenges faced by the world today, including cheap renewable energy. The close collaboration between academics and industry is key in achieving visionary goals such as those outlined in these projects.”
The two UKIERI projects are scheduled to commence later this month.
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