Dr. E.K.T. Sivakumar

Department of Ceramic Technology, Anna University, Chennai, India

Title: Green synthesis of cellulose/ZrO2 Nano composite: Assessment of photocatalytic activity

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Biography

Dr. E.K.T. Sivakumar, Visiting Professor Department of Ceramic Technology, Anna University, Chennai, India s a /Scientist / Philanthropist/ Educationalist/ and an academician-cum-researcher with an immense passion for serving Motherland and its people.

He has authored more than 24 books in English and Tamil. He has participated in various national and international seminars, workshops, and scientific conferences and presented papers on a range of scientific topics globally . He received Scientist of the year 2008 by NESA New Delhi   He is a recipient of many such awards. SSCE’s Eminent Scientist Award 2020 is another feather to his cap and a motivation to serve society even more. Dr. E.K.T. Siva Kumar, as a Scientist with his scientific temperament and achievements has been well documented in an English Book Titled “Scientist on a Social Mission” He is also the Editor of Valarum Ariviyal, a quarterly magazine in Tamil that propagates information and knowledge on Science and Technology to the general audience.

Dr. Siva Kumar has donned multiple roles so far including Educationalist, Scientist, Journalist and Philanthropist. Let us dwell in detail how he has scaled greater heights and now global scientist fraternity praise him for his career achievements. Moreover, he is a much sought-after personality in science and Technology. 

Abstract

Alternative method, including green chemistry has been popular for the preparation of nanostructures is important to maintain sustainable development. The present work reports, green synthesis of cellulose/zirconium oxide nanocomposite (1:1 ratio) and assess its photo catalytic activity. Cellulose/ZrO₂ nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectrophotometers. Physical parameters such as shape and size have been characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometers. The XRD results confirm the tetragonal structure of ZrO₂ and addition of ZrO₂ into cellulose does not affect the crystal phase of cellulose and the FE-SEM confirmed the presence of ZrO₂ in cellulose polymer matrix.  TEM analysis showed that the green synthesized nanocomposite was uniformly dispersed without any aggregation. Additionally FT-IR analysis was carried out for the analysis of biomolecules which involved in the capping and reducing agents of cellulose/ZrO₂ nanocomposite. Notably, the cellulose/ZrO₂ nanocomposite exhibited mush improved photocatalytic efficiency than their pure ZrO₂ nanoparticles.  The present work provided effective, low cost and green method for synthesis of cellulose-zirconium oxide nanocomposite which was utilized as versatile sustainable efficiency, dye removal, wastewater treatment and biomedical application.