Fueling Clean Futures: IIT Guwahati Unveils Breakthrough Material for Oil Spill Cleanup and Fuel Purity

Updated: November 11, 2025 05:33

Image Source: ANI News

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a novel material capable of detecting kerosene adulteration in petrol and cleaning oil spills by selectively absorbing and solidifying oil from water. Published in the journal Chemical Engineering, the innovation offers a dual solution to fuel safety and marine pollution, with significant environmental implications.

IIT Guwahati’s Dual-Action Discovery Tackles Fuel Adulteration and Ocean Pollution

In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG)—a novel material that can both detect fuel adulteration and clean up oil spills. The innovation, published in the journal Chemical Engineering, addresses two critical environmental and public safety challenges with a single, scalable solution.

Key Highlights from the Research:

Detects Kerosene in Petrol

The material can identify kerosene contamination in petrol, a common form of fuel adulteration that compromises engine performance and increases emissions.

This capability can aid fuel quality monitoring in both retail and industrial settings.

Cleans Oil Spills by Solidifying Oil

The PSOG selectively absorbs oil from water and converts it into a gel-like solid, making it easier to remove.

This method avoids secondary pollution caused by traditional cleanup techniques like burning or chemical dispersants.

Environmentally Friendly and Reusable

The material is non-toxic, reusable, and functions effectively across a range of temperatures and salinities, making it ideal for marine and coastal applications.

Developed by a Multidisciplinary Team

The research was led by Prof. Gopal Das from the Department of Chemistry, along with scholars Rubi Moral and Oiyao Appun Pegu.

The team emphasized the material’s potential to prevent environmental disasters and enhance fuel safety.

Global Relevance Amid Rising Oil Spills

According to 2024 data, over 10,000 tons of oil were spilled into oceans globally, highlighting the urgent need for efficient and eco-friendly cleanup solutions.

Scalable and Field-Tested

Preliminary field tests have shown promising results, and the team is now exploring commercial partnerships for large-scale deployment.

This innovation from IIT Guwahati exemplifies how homegrown science can offer global solutions, bridging the gap between lab research and real-world impact.

Sources: India TV News, Telangana Today, EdexLive, Times of India

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