Green Synthesized rGO@Pr₆O₁₁ Nanocomposites: Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B and Enhanced Energy Storage Performance

In pursuit of sustainable solutions for energy storage and environmental remediation, our laboratory proudly initiated a collaborative research project with Tumkur University, under the esteemed guidance of Prof. H. Nagabhushana. This partnership aimed to leverage advanced nanomaterials for dual-functional applications, addressing two of today's most critical challenges: clean energy and water purification.

Our focus centered on the green synthesis of a novel rGO@Pr₆O₁₁ nanocomposite, developed through an eco-friendly approach using natural extracts. This innovative material combines the high surface area and conductivity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with the unique redox properties of praseodymium oxide (Pr₆O₁₁), achieving exceptional performance in both photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and supercapacitor-based energy storage. 

Through synergistic efforts between our institutions, we successfully demonstrated that the rGO@Pr₆O₁₁ nanocomposite achieves over 99% degradation of Rhodamine B under sunlight and delivers a specific capacitance of 202.85 F/g in electrochemical systems, maintaining outstanding stability over 10,000 cycles. This work highlights the potential of green-synthesized nanomaterials and underscores the value of interdisciplinary collaborations in advancing next-generation sustainable technologies.

Bismuth-doping Induced Enhanced Humidity Sensing Properties of Spinel NiFe2O4 Nanoparticle 

In this research, we explored the development of highly efficient humidity sensors based on bismuth-doped nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) nanoparticles, synthesized through a facile solution combustion method. Recognizing the growing demand for stable and sensitive humidity detection systems across environmental, industrial, and healthcare applications, our study focused on enhancing the intrinsic properties of NiFe₂O₄ by strategic Bi³⁺ ion incorporation. Bismuth doping was found to significantly alter the microstructure, increasing surface area and porosity, while also introducing beneficial electronic states that amplified the material’s sensitivity to moisture.

This project was conducted in collaboration with the Minas Gerais State University under the guidance of Professor Renan A. P. Ribeiro. Leveraging Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations performed at Prof. Ribeiro's lab, we provided theoretical validation for the experimentally observed performance enhancements, revealing the role of Bi-induced acceptor states in facilitating faster and more efficient charge transport mechanisms under varying humidity conditions. The synergistic combination of advanced synthesis, comprehensive material characterization, and theoretical modeling enabled us to design a next-generation humidity sensor with remarkable response speed, low hysteresis, and excellent long-term stability, making it highly suitable for practical, real-world applications.