Category: Alumni

Shivam Dwivedi IGCS Grantee Testimonial | First Multilingual Media Publication

Shivam Dwivedi, was an IGCS grantee from the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India. Shivam recently completed their research exchange program at RWTH Aachen University, and Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany under the mentorship of Prof. Olivier Guillon and Dr. Mariya E. Ivanova. Their research focuses on Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells, exploring innovative solutions for storing renewable energy.

Shivam gives their testimonial on their motivation to applying for the IGCS grants, tips and hints on what to focus on, and what to expect from your research exchange in Germany.

As a part of our mission here at IGCS, we want to advance science by fostering inclusivity, expanding accessibility, and promoting cross-cultural collaboration. In today’s world, characterized by linguistic and cultural diversity, it’s essential to bridge these differences and connect researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts.

This is why we are launching our first multilingual media publication. Our goal is to reach a wider audience and transcend linguistic boundaries. Breaking down language barriers is crucial as it enables researchers from diverse linguistic backgrounds to actively contribute to and engage with the global scientific community. This fosters a more equitable and inclusive research landscape.

By embracing linguistic diversity in scientific communication, we not only enrich the research landscape but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of society as a whole.

Watch the full testimonial video below:

IIT Madras + RWTH Aachen, IGCS alumni event in Chennai, India

RWTH Aachen University’s alumni organization and IIT Madras cordially invite you to a one-day symposium showcasing the strategic partnership between these two esteemed institutions. The highlight of the program will be a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Regenerating Cities: Issues of Resilience,” organized by the Indo-German Center for Sustainability (IGCS). Join us for a full-day event, providing ample opportunities to network and engage with RWTH alumni, IGCS members, academics from both institutes, and representatives from Indo-German businesses.

For further details, please visit the dedicated event website: https://ge.iitm.ac.in/iitm-rwth/

Please find the event information below:

Details and Schedule

Date: February 21st, 2024. Time: 11:00 AM IST – 17:30 PM IST

Venue: Hall 3, IC & SR Building, IIT Madras Campus, Chennai

Event Schedule

11:00-12:00 PM: Inauguration of alumni event

  • Prof. Dr. Kamakoti Veezhinathan, Director IIT Madras
  • Prof. Dr. Ulrich Ruediger, Rector RWTH Aachen University
  • Prof. Dr. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean – Alumni and Corporate Relations, IITM
  • Prof. Dr. Bernd Markert, Rector’s Delegate for Alumni Relations, RWTH

12:00–12:45 PM: Strategic Partnership of IITM and RWTH

  • Dr. Fabian Falter: RWTH’s India Activities
  • Dr. Malati Raghunath: IITM’s Germany Activities

12:45 -1:30 PM: Lunch

2:00 – 3:30 PM: Panel Discussion (organized by IGCS)

“Regenerating Cities: Issues of Resilience”

Moderation: Prof. Martina Fromhold-Eisebith (RWTH) & Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam (IITM)

Panelists: Prof. S.A. Sannasiraj (IITM), Prof. Nicola Fohrer (CAU Kiel), Prof. Frank Behrendt (TU Berlin), Prof. Dirk Weichgrebe (LU Hannover)

3:30-4:00pm: Snacks

4:00-5:30 PM: Networking & display of initiatives/companies

Registrations for RWTH Alumni: here

Registrations for IITM Alumni: here

We look forward to your participation in our anticipated event.

Shivam Kumar Dwivedi, India-Germany Research Collaboration makes Advances in Proton-Conducting Electrolysis Cells

IGCS Research Exchange Grantee, Shivam Dwivedi, from the Department of Metallurgical & Material Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, India, reported their research brief that addresses the challenges in the #fabrication of proton-conducting #electrolysis cells (#PCECs) for large-scale electricity storage by aiming to harness the potential of hydrogen gas for reliable electricity storage. Their research delves into the intricacies of fabricating air electrode cer-cer composites, addressing critical factors such as chemical compatibility, sintering behavior, and mechanical properties.

Through a meticulous process, the study identifies key compositions and optimal sintering temperatures, ultimately honing in on a 70:30 ratio as the most promising candidate. Notably, the inclusion of 3% ethyl cellulose in the binder solution further elevates the material’s potential as an air electrode. Symmetric cells, formed by screen-printing the optimized composite pastes onto sintered electrolyte pellets, undergo thorough examination via scanning electron microscopy.

The research’s significance lies in its electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, conducted between 400-700°C with wet air (3% H2O). Amidst a plethora of compositions and conditions, the 70:30 ratio, with its exceptional #electrocatalytic activity, emerges triumphant as the frontrunner for an air electrode material. This research not only sheds light on the intricacies of PCECs but also paves the way for #transformative advancements in energy storage technology.

Shivam acknowledges Prof. Ravi Kumar, Prof. Olivier Guillon, Prof. Menzler, Dr. Mariya E. Ivanova and Prof. Krishna Vasudevan for their guidance, Sivaguru Nathan for introducing them to the IGCS and IGCS Project Coordinator Lisa Van Aalst for their assistance through the whole application process to RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich, in Aachen, Germany.

You can read the full report below: