Scientists at Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, have developed a groundbreaking material. This rare-earth-free composite has huge potential, and it could transform AI, solid-state lighting, and environmental cleanup.
This innovation is a big win for India because it reduces reliance on rare-earth imports and puts India on the AI map. Plus, it offers scalable solutions for next-generation technology. Professor Aloke Kanjilal and research scholar Bisweswar Santra led the project.
Their team created a cost-effective, high-performance material. The secret? A new phosphor with dual-band photoluminescence. It covers the visible to near-infrared spectrum.
Advancing India’s Lighting Industry
One major use of this material is in solid-state lighting. The team optimized annealing conditions to create a better phosphor. This makes lighting more efficient, cutting production costs. It also helps India become more self-reliant in lighting technology.
“This composite material reduces the need for rare-earth elements. It also enables sustainable phosphor production,” said Professor Kanjilal. LED lighting is already efficient and long-lasting. This new material could make it even better. It may lower costs and improve access to advanced lighting.
Powering AI With Smarter Computing
This material also boosts AI technology. Computers, using von Neumann architecture, have problems’ they process data slowly and consume too much power. However, this composite fixes that. It allows for forming-free, multilevel resistive switching devices. These devices are:
- Extremely energy-efficient
- Lightning-fast, with response times of 40 nanoseconds
- Stable over 10,000 switching cycles
- Able to retain data for over 10,000 seconds
Also read: Are AI Data Centers a Growing Strain on the U.S. Power Grid?
A New Hope for Clean Water
Water pollution is a serious problem in India. Contaminants harm both people and the environment. Thankfully, this new material offers a powerful solution. Lab tests showed it breaks down methylene blue, a common pollutant, and it does this in just 25 minutes under UV light. That makes it perfect for wastewater treatment. Industries and cities could use this to clean polluted water faster and cheaper.
Built for Extreme Environments
This material isn’t just effective, it’s also tough. Even under high levels of Gamma radiation (up to 65 kGy), it holds its optical properties. That makes it useful in:
- Space missions
- Nuclear power plants
- High-radiation medical facilities
This durability opens up new possibilities. Industries that deal with radiation can now use a safer, longer-lasting material.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future
This research highlights Shiv Nadar University’s commitment to innovation. As industries seek sustainable options, this material appears to be the solution.
