Bangalore: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) and Applied Materials jointly launched the Chemistry Laboratory for Energy and Nanoelectronics (CLEAN) on Thursday i.e. on April 14, 2011. The new lab is set up in order to focus on the development of new materials that can be used in a range of electronic and renewable energy-focused applications. The main purpose is to increase the efficiency of devices as well as reduce the cost significantly.
Omkaram Nalamasu, Chief Technology Officer, Applied Materials, said that while scientists have been working on developing innovative and cost-efficient materials, very few have found application in end products. The establishment of the lab is a step in this direction. The materials developed at CLEAN will have a direct impact on several markets, including the renewable energy sector. The Government of India, with the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), is working towards making solar power generation economic. He added that but the cost of materials alone accounts for almost 70-80 per cent of the total production cost. Developing advanced materials can help raise cell and module efficiency and bring down cost.
The semiconductor industry, emerging technologies like batteries for electric vehicle and grid storage, the display industry (3D and organic LCD displays) also require a lot of materials innovations to reduce cost and build products which are smarter and more energy efficient. As per sources, the IIT Bombay’s association with Applied Materials started five years ago and the latter has so far invested $12 million at the institute, apart from collaborative work with 25 faculty members and fellowships to 50 IIT-B students. The 1,500 square feet CLEAN facility will be housed at IIT-B.
Devang Khakhar, IIT-B director said that there’s a high concentration of talent at IIT-B. He said that these partnerships will enable them to work on cutting edge technologies and produce results of international standards.
