[SLP topic open only to students selected for the IITB-WUStL Joint degree programme; Co-advisor: Dr. Ben Kumfer, Washington University in St Louis]
Methods for carbon capture, based on adsorption, absorption and membrane separations either require, or can be intensified by the use of, solid particulate matter. Depending on the application, the requirements of size and other attributes of the particles vary. Carbonaceous, metal oxide and metal organic frameworks are all materials which have been suggested and studied in this context. The synthesis methods of such particulate matter also vary; methods such as hydrothermal synthesis and microwave synthesis have been widely applied. Flame synthesis is another technique that is potentially applicable, and has the advantages of simplicity and scalability. In this project, the student will familiarise her/himself with the basics of flame synthesis, the parameters of importance and their influence on particle size and other attributes, possibilities of decorating a base particle with other functional nanomaterials, etc, in the context of carbon capture materials. (S)he will explore the possibilities for such materials in the context of membrane and adsorptive separations for biogas enrichment to bio methane. Depending on the progress, there would also be opportunities of trying out selected materials made at WUStL in the target separations being worked on at IIT Bombay.