IISER Tirupati Innovates Hydrogen Production from Methanol

27 Jun 2024 CW Team

Researchers at IISER Tirupati have created a synthetic method to produce hydrogen gas from methanol and paraformaldehyde under mild conditions. This development is seen as a potential advancement in both chemical synthesis and sustainable energy solutions. The method employs commercially available nickel catalysts and operates without the need for bases or activators, demonstrating impressive efficiency.

The study, directed by Prof. Ekambaram Balaraman, emphasised the method's effectiveness in the transfer hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes. This process is crucial for creating bioactive molecules with enhanced synthetic value. The approach is in line with global efforts to discover sustainable and renewable energy sources, addressing the rapid depletion of fossil fuels.

Methanol and paraformaldehyde were selected for their abundant production and potential as hydrogen carriers, offering significant advantages over free hydrogen in terms of storage and transportation. The hydrogen generated was effectively used in chemo- and stereo-selective partial transfer hydrogenations.

The research was supported by the ANRF (formerly SERB, a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology) and has been accepted for publication in the journal 'Catalysis Science & Technology'. This study opens a new pathway for COx-free hydrogen generation, contributing to the development of a 'hydrogen economy' and addressing the challenges posed by increasing global energy demands.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

JK Tyre Earns EcoVadis Silver, Ranks Among Global Sustainability Leaders

JK Tyre & Industries has secured a Silver Rating from EcoVadis, placing the company among the top-performing organisations globally on sustainability parameters. With this recognition, JK Tyre ranks in the 93rd percentile worldwide, positioning it within the top 7 per cent of companies assessed across industries for environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.EcoVadis evaluates companies on four core pillars—Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement—offering a comprehensive assessment of sustainability performance. JK Tyre’s Silver rating re..

BKT Partners All Teams in India’s Women’s T20 League

Balkrishna Industries (BKT), a global leader in the off-highway tyre market, announced its association as the Official Tyre Partner for all five teams competing in India’s premier women’s T20 championship – Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz – for the upcoming season. This move reinforces BKT’s commitment to using sport as a platform for inclusion, opportunity, and long-term development.These partnerships reflect BKT’s belief in the transformative power of sport, particularly in advancing women’s participation and creating..

Rajesh Power Secures 65 MW BESS Project in Gujarat

Rajesh Power Services has recently secured a 65 MW / 130 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Gujarat, marking its entry into utility-scale energy storage. The company received a Letter of Intent from Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam for the project, which will be developed at Virpore under a tariff-based competitive bidding mechanism supported by Viability Gap Funding through the Power System Development Fund.The project is expected to be executed within 18 months from the signing of the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement. With the ability to supply 65 MW of power for..