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 Energy

09 Mar 2026

BMW Industries partners with IOCL for PNG supply at Bokaro plant

BMW Industries has entered into a strategic partnership with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) for the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG), reinforcing its commitment to adopting cleaner and more efficient energy sources for its operations.The agreement was signed at the Eastern Region Pipelines (ERPL) headquarters in Kolkata. The partnership is expected to support the company’s upcoming manufacturing facility in Bokaro by facilitating the use of natural gas as a primary energy source.According to the company, the adoption of PNG will help enhance operational efficiency while also contributing to ..

Bombay Realty Secures RERA for Three ICC Tower in South Mumbai

Bombay Realty, the real estate arm of Bombay Dyeing and part of the Wadia Group, has received Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) certification for Three ICC – Wing A, the latest luxury residential tower at Island City Center in Mumbai’s Dadar.The RERA registration marks a key milestone in the development timeline and reinforces the company’s focus on regulatory transparency, timely project delivery, and high construction standards.Following the success of One ICC and Two ICC, the upcoming Three ICC tower represents the next phase of the Island City Center development. The project ai..

Flender launches India’s largest wind gearbox test rig in Walajabad

Flender has inaugurated a 13.5 MW wind turbine gearbox test rig at its Walajabad facility near Chennai, marking the largest installation of its kind in India. The new facility is expected to strengthen the company’s manufacturing and testing capabilities while supporting the growing demands of the wind power sector in both domestic and global markets.The test rig was inaugurated on March 5 in the presence of Andreas Evertz, Group CEO, Flender; Lars Wiegemann, Vice President Wind Gears, Flender; and Vinod Shetty, CEO, Flender India, along with key industry customers and stakeholders.The insta..