IIT-Kharagpur team develops ‘graphene tech’ for greener, cleaner way to mop up oil spills
Times of India | 7 April 2025
KOLKATA: Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT-Kgp) have developed a 'graphene-based' technology that could change the way the world tackles oil spills, which wreak havoc on aquatic biodiversity.
The IIT team, led by Chirodeep Bakli from the School of Energy Science and Engineering, created an energy-efficient and highly effective oil-water separation method that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional clean-up techniques. The research has got international recognition after being featured on the cover of the Royal Society of Chemistry's peer-reviewed journal.
Oil spills still pose one of the biggest threats to marine ecosystems, impacting aquatic life, coastal economies and the environment at large, said experts. Conventional methods - such as chemical dispersants, localised burning and oil skimmers - often cause further harm, generating toxic byproducts or leading to a more significant loss of precious resources. Globally, according to public research, oil spills from tankers caused approximately 10,000 tonnes of oil to be released into the seas in 2024, with six large spills and four medium spills recorded. Major spills, such as the Gulf War oil spill (in 1991) and Deepwater Horizon (2010), continue to have a lasting impact on the marine ecosystem.
The IIT engineers used the exceptional properties of graphene - also called the "wonder material" - a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon known for its strength, conductivity and stability, to effectively separate oil from water. By fine-tuning the surface properties of graphene, the system can absorb oil with over 99% selectivity while remaining reusable and energy-efficient. "It offers a cleaner and safer method for oil spill management and redefines our approach to environmental remediation," Bakli said.
The system is capable of absorbing oil at a rate of 400-500 litres per square metre per hour, using less than 0.1kWh per cubic metre and recovering over 90% of the spilled oil.
This performance surpasses existing solutions, such as ones using polypropylene sorbents, activated carbon and polymer membranes, both in effectiveness and sustainability, Bakli explained.
Compared to polymer membranes, the graphene tech is almost five times more effective, while using up to 15 times less energy.
Unlike chemical dispersants, graphene-based technologies produce no toxic residues, ensuring a safer environment for marine ecosystems, Bakli added.
The system's ability to perform well in high-temperature environments also makes it particularly suitable for tropical regions like India, where warm water ports are common.
Additionally, the integration of solar energy to enhance performance amplifies its environmental advantages.
While the initial cost of implementation remains a consideration, the researchers are optimistic that improvements in graphene manufacturing will soon bring down costs, making large-scale deployment feasible.