Dr Ashutosh Kumar Singh is a materials scientist specialising in synthesising and designing nanomaterials for applications like energy conversion, storage, sensors, and optoelectronics. He excels in translating research into practical prototypes and large-scale devices, with a strong track record in collaborating with industries and government sectors. With a B.Sc. from Hindu College, Delhi University, and an Integrated MSc-PhD from S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, he has extensive experience, including postdoctoral research and roles in academia and industry. Dr Singh's research focuses on functional nanomaterials, smart coatings, transparent electrodes, and energy-related technologies. He prioritises affordability and enhanced energy efficiency in his projects and holds a "Six Sigma-Green Belt certification".

AL Circle: Can you elaborate on converting ordinary glass windows into energy-storing units using the innovative battery technology developed at CeNS?

Dr Ashutosh Kumar Singh: Absolutely! The battery technology developed at CeNS enables the transformation of ordinary glass windows into energy-storing units through the implementation of an affordable and high-performance aqueous transparent battery. This innovative approach involves coating ordinary glass with active cathode and anode materials, specifically utilising tungsten oxide (WO₃) as the cathode and aluminium as the anode. The transparent battery design incorporates aluminium-ion battery technology, featuring a carefully optimised electrochromic WO3 layer with a thickness of 170 nm. This design ensures an optimal balance between energy storage capacity and transparency, allowing the windows to function both as energy storage units and maintain their transparency.