IIT Madras researchers plan to develop technology to upcycle paddy waste

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras researchers are planning to develop an eco-friendly technology to upcycle paddy waste. The project is being headed by Tiju Thomas, assistant professor at the department of metallurgical and materials at IIT Madras.

As per the IITM researchers, the approach can extend an immense contribution in reducing stubble burning and burning of other farm waste, which is prevalent in North India. Additionally, the farmers will also be able to generate an alternative source of income to farmers as paddy waste can be used to produce energy devices that can be used by the industry, the official statement said.

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Apart from this, the researchers are also fostering a new 'Farm-energy Synergy' through organic wastes and kitchen waste, to develop usable activated carbon, it said.

Researchers informed that activated carbon is a key component in making supercapacitors. Supercapacitors, are beneficial to consumers across the energy, electronics and agricultural sectors and can help develop self-reliance in the supercapacitors field, the researchers said.

"The solution that we are identifying is a well-defined process. It will allow for conversion of paddy waste of the country to commerical standard carbon material and the use of activated carbon to fabricate supercapacitors that comply with the market standards. The material will be implemented in the form of a suitable capacitor based hybrid energy storage device", Tiju Thomas, head of the project said.