IIT-B’s CLEAN for cost-efficient materials

To focus on the development of new materials that can be used in a range of electronic and renewable energy-focused applications,the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),Bombay,and Applied Materials launched the Chemistry Laboratory for Energy and Nanoelectronics (CLEAN) on Thursday.

The aim is to increase the efficiency of devices as well as reduce the cost significantly. “While scientists having been working on developing innovative and cost-efficient materials,very few have found application in end products. The establishment of the lab is a step in this direction. The materials developed at CLEAN will have a direct impact on several markets,including the renewable energy sector. The Government of India,with the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM),is working towards making solar power generation economic. But the cost of materials alone accounts for almost 70-80 per cent of the total production cost. Developing advanced materials can help raise cell and module efficiency and bring down cost,” said Omkaram Nalamasu,chief technology officer,Applied Materials.

The semiconductor industry,emerging technologies like batteries for electric vehicle and grid storage,the display industry (3D and organic LCD displays) also require a lot of materials innovations to reduce cost and build products which are smarter and more energy efficient.

IIT Bombay’s association with Applied Materials started five years ago and the latter has so far invested $12 million at the institute,apart from collaborative work with 25 faculty members and fellowships to 50 IIT-B students. The 1,500 square feet CLEAN facility will be housed at IIT-B. “There’s a high concentration of talent at IIT-B. These partnerships will enable them to work on cutting edge technologies and produce results of international standards,” said Devang Khakhar,IIT-B director.