Chandigarh: Researchers at Panjab University (PU) have been granted a patent for a technology that combines wastewater treatment with green hydrogen generation and the production of a value-added industrial chemical.The patent, titled “Nanocomposite Material for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation and Hydrogen Generation Coupled with Benzyl Alcohol Conversion”, has been awarded to Dr Pinki Sehrawat, Prof Sushil Kumar Kansal, Prof Surinder Kumar Mehta and Dr Surinder Singh.According to the university, the patented invention relates to a nanocomposite photocatalyst that degrades hazardous dyes present in wastewater while simultaneously generating hydrogen under solar or visible light. The process also converts benzyl alcohol into benzaldehyde, a chemical widely used in the pharmaceutical, fragrance and chemical industries.University officials said the integrated technology combines wastewater remediation, renewable hydrogen production and green chemical synthesis in a single process, offering a sustainable approach to environmental management and clean energy generation.The researchers said the work aligns with the objectives of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and could support further research and skill development in photocatalysis, nanotechnology, renewable energy and hydrogen production.They added that the technology has the potential to promote industry-academia collaboration and aid the development of indigenous clean-energy solutions.The research team acknowledged the support and facilities provided by Panjab University during the course of the project.
