Author: SSSIHL

Identifying the Issue

• The 1.5 wt% B₂O₃ composition exhibited optimal performance, achieving a high piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃ = 210 pC/N).
• B₂O₃ addition is an effective strategy for tailoring the microstructure and enhancing the multifunctional performance of lead-free BNT–BT–KNN ceramics for eco-friendly piezoelectric and energy storage applications

Objective of the Research

• To investigate the structural, dielectric, and electrical properties of lead-free BNT-BT-KNN ceramics modified with suitable dopants for enhanced piezoelectric performance.
• To establish the correlation between microstructural evolution and functional properties, enabling the development of environmentally friendly piezoelectric materials with improved densification and conductivity.

Who should read this?

Researchers and scientists in materials science and sensor technology

Solution

This study offers valuable insight into optimizing dopant concentration for improved control over the morphological, dielectric, and ferroelectric behavior related ceramic systems

Key Features and Benefits

• The developed lead-free BNT–BT–KNN system offers a sustainable substitute for toxic PZT-based ceramics without compromising functional performance.
• Controlled dopant incorporation improves polarization, dielectric constant, and AC conductivity, leading to superior piezoelectric response.
• Optimized sintering and additive engineering promote uniform grain growth and high relative density, directly enhancing electrical characteristics.
• Improved thermal stability and dielectric behavior makes the material suitable for energy harvesting, actuator, and sensing applications.

Impact

• The optimized lead-free BNT–BT–KNN ceramics achieved ~10–15% higher dielectric constant and ~20% reduction in dielectric loss, enabling more efficient piezoelectric devices.
• Incorporation of dopants reduced the sintering temperature by 50–100°C, leading to energy savings of nearly 10–12% during large-scale fabrication.
• The optimized composition demonstrates piezoelectric coefficients (d₃₃) and dielectric tunability comparable to commercial PZT, making it a viable candidate for energy harvesters, ultrasonic transducers, and smart sensors.

Team

1. Kiran Kumar Padhi (first author) (SSSIHL)
2. Dr Swarup Kundu (Corresponding author) (SSSIHL)
3. Rohit Pattar (SSSIHL)

Title of paper: “Nanoarchitectonics of BNT-BT-KNN ceramics with B₂O₃ Assisted low temperature sintering for enhanced piezoelectric and energy storage properties”

Read Paper Here: 10.1007/s00339-025-08947-4

Identifying the Issue

• The presence of toxic ionic pollutants such as mercuric (Hg²⁺) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) ions in water sources pose significant environmental and health concerns.
• Although various nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors have been developed for individual ion detection, dual-ion sensing platforms remain scarce.

Objective of the Research

• Develop an efficient dual-function electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of Hg²⁺ and NO₂⁻ ions in water using a nanocomposite of graphene oxide and hydrogen titanate nanotubes.

Who should read this?

• Environmental scientists, researchers, and engineers – Developing advanced nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensing platforms for real-time detection of chemical water contaminants.
• Water treatment industries and policymakers – Implementing integrated sensing platforms for improved water quality monitoring and regulation.

Solution

A novel electrochemical sensor of graphene oxide-hydrogen titanate nanotubes nanocomposite for simultaneous detection of both mercuric (Hg²⁺) and nitrite (NO₂⁻) ions in aqueous systems.

Key Features and Benefits

• Time & Cost-efficient: Simultaneous detection of two pollutants in a single test reduces resources, analysis time, and
• Dual-Ion Sensing Capability: Measures both cationic (Hg²⁺) and anionic (NO₂⁻) contaminants, enhancing the scope of water quality assessment.
• Environmentally Relevant: Facilitates early detection of toxic contaminants, preventing ecological damage and human exposure risks.

Impact

• Enhances Water Safety: Accurately detects Hg²⁺ and NO₂⁻ at low concentrations, ensuring safe drinking.
• Improves Monitoring Efficiency: Enables simultaneous multi-ion detection, reducing testing time by over 50% compared to conventional single-ion analysis methods.

Team

1. Dasari Swarna 
2. Lokeswara Reddy S
3. Sushma Tripathi
4. Anjana Biswas
5. Ganesh V (Corresponding author)
6. Prathibha C (Corresponding author)

Title of paper: “A dual-target electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of mercuric and nitrite ions in water using a nanocomposite of graphene oxide and hydrogen titanate nanotubes”

Read Paper Here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2025.115488

Students from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur campus, participated in the national-level presentation competition titled Climate Stories – Voices for a Sustainable Future – 2025; organized by NIT Jamshedpur, to commemorate the International Day of Clean Air. The event invited students from schools, colleges, universities, and PhD programs across India to share compelling narratives about climate change. The competition aimed to transform scientific facts into emotional stories that inspire awareness and proactive action toward sustainability, with a panel of climate experts serving as judges.

Six students from the institute submitted a video synopsis and a written abstract, addressing various themes related to climate change and sustainability. The students submitted their entries in both English and Hindi, allowing the narratives to reach a broader audience and showcasing their ability to communicate effectively in both languages. The participants were:

• Rhythm Katholia (II B.A. Economics Hons.)
• U Dhanusri (II B.Com Hons.)
• Rushita Shankar Vedula (II B.S. Biosciences Hons.)
• Lohitha Prabhakaran (II B.S. Computer Science Hons.)
• Amulya Thota (III B.S. Food and Nutritional Sciences)
• Gourika Sharma (III B.Com)

The event was conducted in two stages: the first round involved submission of a video synopsis and a short write-up explaining the intended story, while the final round required participants to present their complete stories to a distinguished jury. Out of 150 entries, 8 students were shortlisted for the final round to be held on 7^th September, 2025.

Vedula Rushita Shankar, one of the students of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (Anantapur Campus), secured the Second Position bagging a cash award of Rs. 10,000 in the competition. 

Rushita’s story focused on the wisdom of grandparents and its relevance to today’s climate challenges. It follows a young girl reflecting on lessons about nature, respect for ecosystems, and sustainable living. A pivotal moment in the story depicts the death of a bird due to sudden weather changes, symbolizing the fragility of ecosystems under climate stress. The story concludes with a message emphasizing awareness, responsibility, and action for a sustainable future.

This achievement demonstrates how storytelling can serve as a powerful medium to raise awareness about climate change.