Jharkhand Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Solar Cell

28 May 2026 CW Team

A team from the Department of Energy Engineering at the Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) has developed an eco-friendly solar cell that uses a plant-based natural dye extracted from the petals of Mirabilis jalapa (commonly known as Gulabbas or Four O'Clock Flower). The researchers described the work as part of ongoing laboratory studies to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional photovoltaics. The device builds on dye-sensitised solar cell concepts adapted for locally available botanical materials.

The lead researcher said the developed solar cell had achieved a highest power conversion efficiency of 0.61 per cent and demonstrated operational stability up to 250 hours. The result represents a proof of concept rather than a commercial product and highlights the potential of natural pigments for low-cost, low-impact energy harvesting. The team emphasised that performance optimisation and extended endurance testing remain priorities.

The dye was obtained from Gulabbas petals using standard extraction methods and incorporated into the photoactive layer to sensitise the cell to visible light. The research note explained basic characterisation of the pigment and device behaviour under laboratory illumination conditions, reporting reproducible but modest output levels. Attention was paid to material selection and simple fabrication techniques to keep processing environmentally benign.

Researchers at CUJ indicated ongoing work to improve efficiency and to study long-term stability under varied temperature and light regimes. The team intends to refine dye extraction, optimise interface layers and document performance over extended durations to assess practical viability. The team noted that collaboration with departmental colleagues and students supported the laboratory work. The project is presented as a contribution to sustainable materials research and to training students in renewable energy experimentation.

Technology

12 Jun 2026

LTTS Partners with Databricks to Advance Industrial AI

L&T Technology Services (LTTS) has entered a strategic partnership with Databricks to co-develop Industrial AI solutions for asset-intensive industries, including energy, petrochemicals, and manufacturing. The collaboration leverages LTTS’ engineering expertise across 600+ major plants with Databricks’ AI and analytics platform to convert operational data into actionable Engineering Intelligence.The partnership will deliver solutions spanning Predictive Asset Reliability, Energy & Emissions Optimisation, Overall Equipment Effectiveness, Production and Quality Intelligence, and Sust..

Opptra Partners with Unicommerce to Scale AI-Driven E-Commerce

Opptra, the AI-native e-commerce distributor founded by Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, has partnered with Unicommerce to enhance operations across India, the GCC, and Southeast Asia. The collaboration integrates Opptra’s brand expansion expertise with Unicommerce’s AI-led Uniware platform, enabling centralised management of orders, inventory, and fulfilment across warehouses, stores, and sales channels.Opptra retains full commercial ownership of online brand operations, from marketplace strategy and pricing to fulfilment and customer service. Leveraging Unicommerce’s 350+ integrations..

AHS Properties Acquires Shangri-La Hotel for AED 1.1 Billion

AHS Properties has acquired the Shangri-La Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road for AED 1.1 billion from Mismak Asset Management, marking one of the largest single-asset real estate deals in recent history. The 43-floor, 200-metre tower, completed in 2003, was among the first five-star hotels on the corridor.This acquisition complements AHS Tower and AHS City, forming a vertical corridor strategy that represents a substantial portion of the developer’s AED 50 billion year-end 2026 pipeline. Founder and CEO Abbas Sajwani described the purchase as a long-term investment in structurally constrained asset..