http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66321 2026-10-10T03:02:46Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66333 Title: Design of ZnO/Si heterojunction solar cell using solar cell capacitance simulator Authors: Singh, Rashmi; Yadav, Nitish; Verma, Vineet; Kumari Yadav, Mantesh; Kumar, Naveen Abstract: This study explores the optimization of ZnO/Si heterojunction solar cells to enhance device performance using a Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator. Solar cells have a lot of potential for converting solar energy into electricity efficiently & affordably. With the help of computational modeling, we study zinc oxide (ZnO) and Si Heterojunction (HJ) in order to enhance the device performance. By employing numerical methods such as, including drift-diffusion modeling and optical simulations, the charge transport within the heterojunction solar cells have been investigated. The effects of parameter variations on the device efficiency have been systematically explored and design approaches are identified to enhance the power conversion efficiency. This study investigates the performance of a ZnO-based solar cell, focusing on its electrical characteristics. The results show a short circuit voltage of 0.52 V, a current density of 19.64 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.78%. The power conversion efficiency of the ZnO-based solar cell is found to be 7.83% indicating its promising potential for application in solar energy conversion. Page(s): 427-432 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66332 Title: Spiced moringa mix: Physio-chemical characterization and quantitative analysis Authors: Shaikh, Sajiddin; Padmere, Mukund; Khanum, Hafeeza; R., Shivaswamy; Kumar Yannam, Sudheer; Baskarrao Borse, Babasaheb Abstract: Novel Moringa Spice mix, comprising Moringa leaves and spices, with a focus on its biochemical, physical, and sensory attributes with substantial levels of key bioactive compounds, including phenolics (7.05 mg/mL), flavonoids (11.78 mg/mL), carotenoids (15.92 mg/100g), chlorophylls (6.65 μg/g), ascorbic acid (31.7 mg/100g), accompanied by 59.68% inhibition of antioxidant activity indicated potential health-promoting effects. Analyses provided insights into the proximate composition percentage (moisture: 1.43, ash: 14.28, fiber: 18.59, protein: 26.88, fat: 17.36, carbohydrate: 21.46), colour attributes (L*= 38.95, a*= -0.99, b*= 27.44), and aroma profile (E-Nose) of the Moringa spice mix. HPLC analysis identified specific polyphenolic compounds contributing to its bioactivity. Sensory evaluation affirmed the overall acceptability of the Moringa spice mix, with commendable ratings for taste, aroma, texture, and appearance, underscoring its potential as a palatable and nutritious dietary addition. This underpins the multipurpose potential of the Moringa spice mix as a functional food/beverage product. Page(s): 433-440 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66331 Title: Experimental investigation on thermophysical and tribological characteristics of conventional and biolubricating oil blended with nanoparticles Authors: Thirumalaikumaran, A; Senthilkumar, G; Sowmya Dhanalakshmi, C Abstract: In this study, 1.0 wt% copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were added to conventional mineral oil (B20W-40), synthetic oil (S20W-40), and a transesterified castor oil methyl ester (CME). This study examined the properties of B20W-40+CuO (addition of 1.0 wt% CuO), S20W-40+CuO, and CME+CuO oils and compared them with their raw versions (B20W-40, S20W-40, and CME). All investigation in this study was conducted in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The resulting variations in thermal, tribological, and corrosive properties were assessed. The addition of CuO enhanced the thermo-physical and tribological properties of nanofluids. The tribological effect of CuO nanoparticles increased the frictional coefficient of B20W-40, S20W-40, and CME by 6.44%, 39.20%, and 17.84%, respectively. Among the tested oils, B20W-40+CuO shows good thermophysical properties, and S20W-40+CuO shows better tribological effects due to the easy dispersion of CuO nanoparticles. Page(s): 441-453 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/66330 Title: Two-stage sustainable approach for tin recovery from waste PCBs using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans leaching and bentonite clay adsorption Authors: Manikkampatti Palanisamy, Murugesan; Veerappan, Padmapriya; Ramanathan, Kalaivani; Subramanian, Nivedha; Jeyachandran, Srinithi; Kandasamy, Senthilkumar; Palanisamy, Sivakumar Abstract: Tin (Sn), a precious metal widely used for corrosion resistance applications in several industries, which was present 42.40 weight % in the unused printed circuit boards (PCBs). This waste globally affects the environment. Therefore, this research emphasizes on tin recovery by two stage operations like Leaching by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and adsorption by Bentonite clay) with the help of RSM technique. This study has been achieved 97.33% tin recovery with a desirability rate of 0.845 under optimized parameters such as temperature 29°C, PCBs sample size 0.25 μm, pulp density 22.06 g/L and time 28 days. Optimized values applied the experimental bacterial leaching and achieved 97.7% of tin recovery efficiency and optimized parameters (leaching duration of 21 days, a pulp density of 15 g/L, a particle size of 0.25 μm and a temperature of 20°C). After bacterial leaching, study is continued adsorption with clay (Bent) for reclaiming the tin (Sn²⁺) from bio-leachate solution which was recovered 97.86% under optimized parameters (temperature - 80℃, Adsorbent dosage – 4 g, Bent size - 0.05 mm and time – 4 h). However, choosing this toxic free bacterial leaching and bent clay adsorption techniques could promote tin recycle without affecting the environment. Page(s): 454-465 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z