| Project Id
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BITSRMIT024B001292
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| Project Detail
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| Project Title
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Advanced Graphene Nanocomposites for Ambient Energy Harvesting in IoT Applications
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| Senior Supervision Team (BITS)
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| Supervisor name and Title
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Dr Ravindra G Bhardwaj
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School or Department (or company, if applicable)
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BITS PILANI, DUBAI CAMPUS
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|
|
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Email ID
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ravindra@dubai.bits-pilani.ac.in
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| URL for more info
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https://universe.bits-pilani.ac.in/dubai/ravindra/profile
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| a) Are you currently supervising a BITS or RMIT HDR student?
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YES
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| Please comment how many you are supervising
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2
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| b) Have you supervised an offshore candidate before?
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NO
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| If no, what support structures do you have in place?
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|
| If yes, please elaborate
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|
| Senior Supervision Team (RMIT)
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| Supervisor name and Title
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Prof. Xu Wang
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School or Department (or company, if applicable)
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STEM
|
|
|
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Email ID
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xu.wang@rmit.edu.au
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| URL for more info
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https://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/w/wang-professor-xu
|
| a) Are you currently supervising a BITS or RMIT HDR student?
|
YES
|
| Please comment how many you are supervising
|
5
|
| b) Have you supervised an offshore candidate before?
|
YES
|
| If no, what support structures do you have in place?
|
|
| If yes, please elaborate
|
One with University of Vaasa, Finland
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| Other Supervisors (BITS)
|
| Supervisor name and Title
|
Harpreet Singh Bedi
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School or Department (or company, if applicable)
|
BITS PILANI, DUBAI CAMPUS
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| Phone Number (Optional)
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2753700330
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Email ID
|
harpreet@dubai.bits-pilani.ac.in
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| URL for more info
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https://universe.bits-pilani.ac.in/dubai/harpreet/profile
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| Other Supervisors (BITS)
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| Supervisor name and Title
|
Professor Sumeet Walia
|
School or Department (or company, if applicable)
|
STEM
|
| Phone Number (Optional)
|
61-399252136
|
Email ID
|
sumeet.walia@rmit.edu.au
|
| URL for more info
|
https://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/w/walia-professor-sumeet
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| Field of Research (For Codes)
|
| 401611 | Wearable materials | 30.00 |
| 401703 | Energy generation, conversion and storage | 40.00 |
| 401807 | Nanomaterials | 30.00 |
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| Project Description
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|
Fabrication of Graphene-Based Polymer Nanocomposites
Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites can be synthesized using solvent processing, in-situ polymerization, and melt blending. Polymers, as flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials, offer low thermal conductivity and mechanical flexibility. However, their inherently low electrical conductivity can be enhanced by incorporating graphene derivatives into conjugated polymer composites. In this study, ultrasonic and molding techniques will be employed to fabricate PVA-based nanocomposite TE films.
Material Characterization and Performance Evaluation
The fabricated nanocomposites will be characterized through various tests, including thickness and mass measurement, hardness testing, thermal and oxidative stability analysis, and product lifetime assessment. Moisture and volatile components will be analyzed using a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA). The electrical properties of thin films will be evaluated by measuring sheet resistance with a four-point probe system. The Seebeck coefficient will be determined using a four-probe setup integrated with two T-type thermocouples, two copper wires, a Keithley 2000 multimeter, a temperature controller, and data acquisition software. Additionally, electronic carrier concentration and mobility will be assessed following the ASTM F76-08 standard using a van der Pauw geometry setup. An optimization study will be conducted to determine the optimal graphene nanofiller concentration within the polymer matrix.
Numerical Simulation Study
This study also includes a numerical simulation of the thermoelectric behavior of the system using COMSOL Multiphysics. The model will analyze the effects of parameters such as temperature and bending stress to optimize thermoelectric performance and enhance TE efficiency.
Machine Learning Optimization
Machine learning techniques will be applied to optimize both the material properties and thermoelectric device characteristics, ensuring improved performance and efficiency.
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| Project Deliverable/Outcomes
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|
At least one publication, conference paper and patent are expected.
Will apply for further external funding in the field of solar cells, solid state thermal management.
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| Research Impact Themes
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| BETTER HEALTH OUTCOMES | BIO-ELECTRONICS, BIOINFORMATICS AND FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS |
| SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENT
| CLEAN ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES |
| ADVANCED MATERIALS, MANUFACTURING AND FABRICATION | SPECIALISED MATERIALS |
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| Which RMIT Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) does your project align to
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AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
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| Which RMIT Enabling Impact Platform (EIP) does your project align to
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ADVANCED MATERIALS, MANUFACTURING AND FABRICATION
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| Which RMIT Program code will this project sit under?
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DR216 (MECH AND MECHATRONICS)
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| Student Capabilities and Qualifications
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Nanomaterials fabrication, Composite materials
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MEMS, Advanced Characterization Techniques
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Master of engineering or technology (ME/M.Tech)
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| Preferred discipline of Student
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| Materials Engineering |
| Materials, Composites, Material Science, Functional Materials, Mettalurgical Engineering |
| Mechanical Enineering, Mechanics, Mechatronics, Aerospace Eng, Hypersonics |
| Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials, Nanomedicine, Nanoscience |
|