Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a revolutionary material known as a Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG). This advanced compound can both detect kerosene adulteration in petrol and clean oil spills from water surfaces, providing a low-cost, eco-friendly solution for fuel safety and environmental protection.
IIT Guwahati Scientists Develop Material to Detect Fuel Adulteration and Clean Oil Spills
Dual Function: Detection and Clean-Up
The newly engineered PSOG serves a dual purpose. It can:
- Detect adulteration: Identify kerosene mixed in petrol, a common illegal practice that affects fuel quality and safety.
- Clean oil spills: Absorb oil from water and convert it into a solid gel, making it easy to remove.
This dual functionality helps in maintaining fuel purity at petrol pumps and assists in environmental clean-up operations, leaving water surfaces clean and safe.
Science Behind PSOGs
The PSOG was developed by a team led by Professor Gopal Das from IIT Guwahati’s Department of Chemistry, along with researchers Rubi Moral and Oiyao Appun Pegu.
The material works through a scientific process called hierarchical supramolecular self-assembly, which mimics natural molecular arrangements. Similar to how soap molecules form bubbles, PSOG selectively traps oils like kerosene and diesel, forming gels only in the presence of specific oil types. This makes it highly selective, efficient, and precise.
Environmental and Safety Significance
Oil spills are among the most damaging environmental disasters, affecting marine life and coastal communities. According to Oil Tanker Spill Statistics 2024, nearly 10,000 tonnes of oil entered global waters last year.
Traditional clean-up methods are costly and can cause secondary pollution. The PSOG innovation offers a sustainable, chemical-free alternative that can:
- Reduce pollution from oil spills.
- Detect fuel adulteration in petrol stations.
- Prevent accidents linked to impure fuels.
This makes it a valuable innovation for both public safety and environmental conservation.
Future Scope and Applications
The IIT Guwahati team aims to further improve PSOG to detect more types of fuel adulterants and adapt it for real-world use in oil refineries, fuel stations, and large-scale marine clean-up operations.
According to Prof. Gopal Das, this breakthrough demonstrates how advanced chemistry can create practical solutions to global problems like pollution and energy fraud, contributing to a cleaner and safer planet.
Exam-Oriented Notes
- Material Name: Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG)
- Developed by: IIT Guwahati, led by Prof. Gopal Das
- Functions: Detects kerosene adulteration in petrol and cleans oil spills
- Mechanism: Hierarchical supramolecular self-assembly
- Impact: Eco-friendly, cost-effective solution for fuel safety and pollution control
Question & Answer
Q1. What is the name of the new material developed by IIT Guwahati to detect fuel adulteration?
(a) Poly-Oil Gelator
(b) Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG)
(c) Hydrocarbon Detector Gel
(d) Fuel Separator Matrix
Answer: Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG)
Q2. Which institute developed the Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG)?
(a) IIT Delhi
(b) IIT Guwahati
(c) IISc Bangalore
(d) IIT Bombay
Answer: IIT Guwahati
Q3. What is the main purpose of PSOG?
(a) To purify drinking water
(b) To detect kerosene in petrol and clean oil spills
(c) To produce biofuel from waste oil
(d) To reduce carbon emissions from vehicles
Answer: To detect kerosene in petrol and clean oil spills
Q4. Who led the research on PSOG at IIT Guwahati?
(a) Prof. C.N.R. Rao
(b) Prof. Gopal Das
(c) Prof. Ashutosh Sharma
(d) Prof. Sudipta Roy
Answer: Prof. Gopal Das
Q5. The PSOG material works on which scientific principle?
(a) Thermal decomposition
(b) Hierarchical supramolecular self-assembly
(c) Electrochemical adsorption
(d) Molecular fusion
Answer: Hierarchical supramolecular self-assembly
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