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New approach for producing hydrogen gas developed

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7 years ago

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New approach for producing hydrogen gas developed

~By Ratneshwar Thakur

Hydrogen is considered one of the best sources of green energy, but economic production and storage remain major challenges in propagating this green fuel. Scientists believe that developing specific catalysts could help produce hydrogen from cheap starting materials.

A research team led by Dr E Balaraman at National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune has developed a new strategy to replace expensive noble metal catalysts with an iron catalyst for production of hydrogen gas. The process, they claim, is economical and sustainable. The study was published in journal Nature Communications.

Researchers used abundantly available alcohols such as N-heterocycles and amines as starting reaction materials, along with the iron catalyst synthesized in laboratory. Argon gas was then passed through the reaction tube to create inert reaction conditions in place of air. This reaction mixture was refluxed to get maximum conversion of starting material, resulting in generation of hydrogen.

New approach for producing hydrogen gas developed

Hydrogen gas generated from various organic transformations indicated successful performance of the new catalyst. “After completion of the reaction, the catalyst can be recovered to reuse for further reactions, simply by using a magnet,” Garima Jaiswal, a member of the research team, told India Science Wire.

Inspired by naturally occurring hydrogen processing in anaerobic bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and algae, chemists have been trying to design new catalysts. However, designing new catalytic systems based on abundant and inexpensive starting material is challenging.

It is known that removal of hydrogen atoms from an organic molecule can be achieved either by the use of strong oxidants or sacrificial hydrogen acceptors, which often produce plentiful waste. In the new study, the catalytic material was obtained by thermally pyrolyzing iron complex using a unique core–shell architecture composed of oxide as a shell and carbide as a core of iron.

“The economics of hydrogen energy depends on the cost of starting material and the entire process. When we observed that alcohols could give rise to hydrogen by a simple reaction, we were excited. This reaction could be important because there are several types of alcohols which are available in abundance and can be obtained from indigestible biomass such as lignocellulose and some are presently considered as waste in chemical industrial sectors. By further fine-tuning the catalyst, if we can achieve production of hydrogen gas from such alcohols, we have the potential to convert waste into fuel,” said Dr Balaraman.

Researchers point out that energy storage and use of abundantly available feedstock as a carbon source are the two main issues of challenge in developing economical green fuels. “The use of hydrogen will diversify energy sources and will reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions during energy conversion. We believe that our strategy may solve the issues related to energy and environment, said Dr Balaraman.

The research team included Garima Jaiswal, Vinod G Landge, D Jagadeesan & E Balaraman. The study was funded by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under its start-up grant for young scientists. (India Science Wire)

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max: A comparative look at prices and specs in India

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4 days ago

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January 23, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with car crash detection feature

Samsung has introduced its latest high-end flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, in India, igniting a new chapter in its ongoing rivalry with Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both phones represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology, but they come at distinct price points and offer different specifications that cater to various user preferences.

Price comparison in India

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three variants: the base model with 256GB of storage is priced at Rs 1,29,999; the 512GB model at Rs 1,49,999; and the 1TB version at Rs 1,65,999. These variants are offered in four color options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Black.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900 for the 256GB model, with the 512GB and 1TB versions priced at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,84,900, respectively. Samsung’s offerings are notably less expensive across similar storage options, with the 1TB model being nearly Rs 19,000 cheaper than its Apple counterpart.

Specifications face-off

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch display, slightly larger than its predecessor, and features a more contemporary design with rounded edges. Despite its larger size, it maintains a lightweight feel at only 218 grams and includes a robust 5,000mAh battery. The camera setup has been significantly upgraded, featuring a 200-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, enhancing both efficiency and performance.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, also with a 6.9-inch display, utilizes Apple’s Super Retina XDR technology with Always-On and ProMotion features for a superior viewing experience. It includes a new gold color option and a novel Camera Control button, adding functionality exclusive to the Pro models. The device is equipped with the A18 Pro chipset and features a redesigned camera system with a 48-megapixel primary sensor and advanced video recording capabilities.

Performance and functionality

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are designed to offer top-tier performance. Samsung’s flagship includes 12GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone’s 8GB, potentially offering a smoother multitasking experience. The iPhone, however, continues to impress with its integration of hardware and software, leading to efficient performance in real-life usage scenarios.

This detailed examination highlights the strengths of each device, allowing consumers to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing camera technology, display features, or price, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max cater to all facets of premium smartphone requirements.

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Oppo Find N5 set to launch with 50W wireless charging and IPX9 water resistance

Published

6 days ago

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January 21, 2025

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Oppo Find N5 being tested underwater to showcase its IPX9 water resistance rating.

Oppo has officially confirmed that its latest innovation, the Find N5, will support 50W wireless charging and feature an IPX9 water resistance rating. The announcement comes as part of a series of teases highlighting the capabilities of this next-generation foldable smartphone, set to launch in February.

According to recent leaks, the Find N5 will be the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, signaling significant performance enhancements. Pete Lau, Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, has touted the device as the “thinnest foldable phone,” positioning it against leading competitors like the latest iPhone in terms of sleek design.

Zhou Yibao, head of the Oppo Find series, shared insights via Weibo about the Find N5’s advanced features. The device not only matches the wireless charging speeds of newly released models like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13 but also integrates seamlessly with in-car systems from major electric vehicle brands such as BYD and NIO.

In a compelling demonstration of its durability, a recent video posted by Yibao showed the Find N5 being submerged underwater, showcasing its capability to withstand significant water exposure, evidenced by its IPX9 rating. This test included recording underwater videos, highlighting the phone’s versatile camera capabilities in extreme conditions.

The Find N5 also sports a refined design with slimmer borders and a larger overall form factor compared to its predecessors, which could attract users looking for a sleek yet robust foldable phone.

As anticipation builds, Oppo has begun sharing images of the Find N5, revealing a foldable design as thin as a USB-C port when opened. This device promises to merge aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, setting a new benchmark in the evolving foldable phone market.

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Realme 14 Pro series set to launch in India tomorrow: Expected specs, price, and more

Published

2 weeks ago

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January 15, 2025

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Realme 14 Pro series launch with AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, and advanced camera setup.

Realme is gearing up to unveil its latest mid-range smartphones, the Realme 14 Pro series, in India on January 16, 2025. The much-anticipated event will also mark the launch of Realme Buds 5 wireless earphones, adding to the excitement among tech enthusiasts.

When and where to watch the launch

The Realme 14 Pro series will be launched at 12 noon on Thursday, January 16. Fans can catch the live-streamed event on Realme’s official YouTube channel.

Realme 14 Pro series specifications (Expected)

The Realme 14 Pro series, including the Realme 14 Pro and Realme 14 Pro+, has already been introduced in China, offering a sneak peek into its features.

The Realme 14 Pro boasts a 6.83-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 3840Hz PWM dimming for superior visuals. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, coupled with up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. It is expected to run on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0.

For photography, the device offers a triple-camera setup featuring a 50MP Sony IMX896 primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens with up to 6x in-sensor zoom. The front houses a 32MP selfie camera.

Additional features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, IP66, IP68, and IP69 water resistance certifications, and a robust 6,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging.

Realme 14 Pro+ pricing (Expected)

The Realme 14 Pro+ is expected to be priced at approximately Rs 30,000 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage variant and Rs 33,000 for the 12GB RAM/512GB version, based on its Chinese pricing of 2,599 yuan and 2,799 yuan, respectively.

As more details about the Realme 14 Pro surface, all eyes will be on tomorrow’s launch event for official specifications and pricing.

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