Dear all,
The Department of Physics Cordially Invite you to the Following Colloquium:
Ramesh T Subramaniam
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya
Date: Friday August 11th 2023, 3:00 pm
Location: BSFB, Faculty of Science, Dept. of Physics
Abstract:
Climate change has become a severe threat to the survival of the planet and humanity. The population and living standards are increasing day by day, giving rise to an increase in global energy demand. With depleting fossil fuel, alternative green and clean energy resources are crucial to fulfil the energy demand and to boost the economy of any country. Renewables are the promising choice when it comes to addressing critical energy issues however, renewables have intermittent and discontinuous supplies. Hence, the energy produced from renewable sources needs to be preserved in clean, safe, efficient, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy storage devices. To go one step further would be to produce an integrated device which includes both energy harvesting and energy storage. Energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors are well-established for numerous applications such as electric vehicles, power peak shaving, load levelling, portable electronics, power quality improvement, power fluctuation minimization, and grid integration with renewable energy. However, in integrated devices, energy harvesting device can be used to significantly extend the life of the energy storage device. Energy harvesting and energy storage devices can smooth energy management in smart cities and solve the issues of the lifetime limitation in batteries in mobile, wearable and ubiquitous devices.
About the Speaker:
Prof Dr. Ramesh T Subramaniam is a material scientist well known for his outstanding scholastic contribution on solutions for energy storage and harvesting devices for a clean energy and sustainable smart cities of tomorrow. The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) elected him as a TWAS Fellow in 2023. He has also received “Pacifichem Young Scholar Award” from the American Chemical Society, “Young Scientist Award” from IUPAC, “IAP Young Scientist Award, ASEAN - China Scholar Award, “Established Scientist Award” by the Royal Society, “Top Research Scientists Malaysia (TRSM)” and “Malaysia Toray Science Foundation Science & Technology Award”. He is an alumnus of the Global Young Academy (GYA)”, Fellow of Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM)”. He is recipient of the “Fulbright Fellowship” with a tenure at the Princeton University, USA, recipient of the Durham University “International Senior Research Fellowship” as Visiting Senior Fellow and a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS), Durham University since 2022. He was recognized and placed as World's Top 2% Scientists for Career- Long Citation Impact by Stanford University. On the global front, he was the Invited Scientist for World Science Forums and World Economic Forums.
Talk 2: "From Trees to Tech: The Incredible Potential of Nanocellulose for Sustainable Innovation"
Izlina Supa’at
Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya
Date: Friday August 11th 2023, 3:30 pm
Location: BSFB, Faculty of Science, Dept. of Physics
Abstract:
Nanocellulose, a promising nanomaterial derived from cellulose fibers, has emerged as a key player in sustainable innovation across various industries. Nanocellulose finds its origins in cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer found in nature, primarily sourced from renewable biomass like wood, plants, and agricultural waste. Its impressive mechanical properties, biodegradability, and renewability make it an attractive alternative to conventional materials. Nanocellulose derived from banana plants has emerged as a promising and sustainable nanomaterial with diverse applications. Banana plants, a widely cultivated fruit-bearing plant, offer a plentiful and renewable source of cellulose fibers, making them an attractive alternative for nanocellulose production. The process involves isolating cellulose from banana plant residues, such as peels, stems, and leaves, which are often discarded as agricultural waste. Banana nanocellulose’s versatility extends to the realm of nanocomposites, where it can reinforce materials, leading to improved mechanical properties and reduced environmental impact. The abundant availability of banana plant residues and the eco-friendly extraction methods contribute to its appeal as a green alternative. The applications of banana nanocellulose in packaging, biomedical engineering, nanocomposites, and electronics demonstrate its transformative potential in fostering a more sustainable future.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Izlina binti Supa’at is currently serving as a senior lecturer in the Physics Department, Faculty of Science. She obtained her PhD from the University of Malaya in the subject of material science, conducting her research across a variety of disciplines. Her doctoral research focuses on starches, fibers, and polymers used to create biocomposites. She broadened the scope of her study to include nanocellulose and nanocomposites for cutting-edge sustainability applications.
Thank you
