Apart from the areas mentioned in the themes earlier, any ideas (but not limited to) are also invited in the following topics:

a) Waste Water Treatment and Waste Water Recycling Technologies

Water treatment and recycle technologies are going to play major role for better livelihood. Ideas are invited on i) Cost effective ways for membrane development for waste water treatment processes, ii) RO membranes for water treatment, iii) RO reject water regeneration technologies

b) Photocatalytic hydrogen production using waste water

Upcycling of wastewater via effective solar-assisted photocatalytic hydrogen production is vital for future green energy technology because this technique would become readily available as an ecofriendly and inexpensive method for treating industrial wastewater as well as developing alternative energy sources. Among various attractive methods for water splitting photocatalysis is one of the emerging techniques for the development of energy conversion technology . For photocatalytic hydrogen production, developing a novel semiconductive material is essential to enhance the charge separation because the large number of photo-generated charge carriers may promote the photocatalysis reaction. In general, semiconductor materials exhibit the increased potential energy from the photocatalytic reaction because of their flexible constitution and diversity of properties. Even though a variety of inorganic semiconductors showed a potential hydrogen production ability through photocatalytic reactions, there has been a serious drawback in water-splitting due to its absorption of visible light and bandgap variations . Ideas are invited on the development of materials with enhanced efficiency.

c) Process Intensification in Refining industry

Process Intensification (PI) makes dramatic reductions in the size of unit operations where by its reduces capital costs and allows for integration of equipment/processes to achieve high capacity, reduced footprint (area), increased selectivity and enhanced heat and mass transfer rates. Ideas are invited from the participants in the area of process intensification with respect to oscillatory baffled reactors, spinning disc reactors, Rotating packed beds, Compact heat exchangers, Micro reactors & Catalytic plate reactors

In refineries, distillation is used in many processes such as Crude oil distillation, Propane –propylene separation, Cracked distillate separation, BTX separation, hydrotreater diesel separation, etc and being energy intensive process it consumes nearly 40-60% of energy in the refining industry. Hence, novel ideas are sought for reducing the energy / space requirement of the distillation processes

d) E-Mobility

Role of Oil Industries in Future Automotive Technologies Automobile industry is racing towards a new world, driven by sustainability and currently going through a transition phase where various technologies are constantly evolving, hydrogen vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles, connected, autonomous, shared and electric (CASE) vehicle and smart mobility are some of the examples. As automotive industry is one of the biggest consumers for oil companies products, any change in the functionality of automotive industry would have a significant impact on oil and gas industries business.

Ideas are invited from the participants to address the question “How would an oil industry conduct R&D in order to match the pace of the innovations currently the automotive industry is going through?”

E-Mobility

Role of Oil Industries in Future Automotive Technologies Automobile industry is racing towards a new world, driven by sustainability and currently going through a transition phase where various technologies are constantly evolving, hydrogen vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel-cell vehicles, connected, autonomous, shared and electric (CASE) vehicle and smart mobility are some of the examples. As automotive industry is one of the biggest consumers for oil companies products, any change in the functionality of automotive industry would have a significant impact on oil and gas industries business.

Ideas are invited from the participants to address the question “How would an oil industry conduct R&D in order to match the pace of the innovations currently the automotive industry is going through?”

Digitalization is transforming every facet of science, from agenda-setting and experimentation to knowledge sharing and public engagement. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) focus on creating intelligent systems capable of performing tasks that usually require human cognition. It's important to understand that AI is constantly evolving. Technologies such as machine learning, image recognition, natural language processing, real-time analytics, and IoT-connected systems all leverage AI to offer enhanced functionalities and capabilities. We invite innovative ideas and solutions under the following themes related to Next-Gen Digitalization.

• a. Digital Twin Solutions for Refinery Efficiency
• b. Intelligent Corrosion Monitoring & Diagnostics
• c. AI-Powered Process Efficiency Enhancement
• d. Tailored 3D Printing of High-Performance Catalysts
• e. AI-Powered Pathways to Clean Energy
• f. Leveraging Machine Learning for Material Design

As the world undergoes rapid change, pollution and the scarcity of resources have emerged as major global challenges. The concept of a zero waste economy provides a sustainable approach by encouraging the reuse and recycling of products to mitigate issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. We invite innovative ideas and solutions under the following themes that support the principles of the zero waste economy

• a. Urban Mining and Plastic waste management
• b. Refining spent catalyst utilization
• c. Biomass utilization for fuels and chemicals (emphasis on lignin conversion)
• d. Smart Water Recycling & Treatment Technologies
• e. Microplastics: From Pollution to Circular Solutions
• f. Sustainable Green Polymers for a Circular Economy
• g. Protein Secretion Optimization in Mycelial Fungi & Yeast for Industrial Applications

Hydrogen is currently experiencing unparalleled growth and attention, as global initiatives aim to integrate it into a clean and sustainable energy future. Practical and actionable recommendations for industries will enable them to fully capitalize on this growing momentum. We invite innovative ideas and solutions under the following core themes related to Hydrogen Fuel Technologies.

• a. Hydrogen-Based Fuel Cells for Clean Energy
• b. Next-Generation Hydrogen Transport Solutions
• c. Clean Hydrogen for a Sustainable Future
• d. Design Innovations for Hydrogen Fuel Engines

Fossil fuels still account for the majority of global electricity production, making power generation the leading source of carbon emissions in the energy sector. While renewable energy generation is expanding rapidly, the scale of current emissions from the power sector, coupled with the crucial role of electrification, means that countries must urgently address these emissions to meet global climate targets. In other words, the power sector must significantly reduce its carbon intensity. We invite innovative ideas and solutions under the following core themes of CO2 capture and conversion technologies.

• a. Next-Generation Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Separation
• b. Carbon Dioxide Capture and Valorisation for Fuels & Chemicals
• c. Sustainable CO2 Conversion into Ethanol

Petroleum and petrochemicals are among the most productive and dynamic industries of the 21st century. Every year, over 2,500 million tonnes of oil are consumed, highlighting the industry's scale, significance, and economic foundation. Over time, there has been a major shift from the earliest, most basic methods of petroleum extraction and refining to the modern, advanced refinery processes we see today. This transformation has been driven by the integration of scientific and technological advancements at the right stages. Staying updated with these ongoing developments is crucial, as the field continues to evolve rapidly. We invite innovative ideas and solutions under the following core themes of Petroleum Refining and Petrochemical Production.

• a. Process Intensification Strategies for Refining Operations
• b. Advanced Re-refining Technologies for Used Lubricating Oils
• c. Polymers and Petrochemicals
• d. Cutting-Edge Solutions for CO2 and H2S Absorption
• e. Cost-Effective Synthesis of Advanced Zeolite Catalysts for Petroleum Refining

Advanced functional materials and interfaces are inherently interdisciplinary, with chemistry serving as a key component. These materials are extensively utilized across diverse fields due to their exceptional properties, including magnetism, catalysis, electrical and optical characteristics, high surface area, and strong mechanical attributes. We invite innovative ideas and solutions under the following core themes of Next-Generation Functional Materials

• a. Advanced Polyolefin Composites: Adhesives, Self-Reinforced Polymers, and Thermal Plastics
• b. High-Performance Materials for Batteries and Supercapacitors
• c. Materials Solutions for the Oil and Gas Sector
• d. Polymer Separators for Sustainable Energy Solutions
• e. Polymer Electrolytes for Next-Gen Energy Devices

Fossil fuels still account for the majority of global electricity production, making power generation the leading source of carbon emissions in the energy sector. While renewable energy generation is expanding rapidly, the scale of current emissions from the power sector, coupled with the crucial role of electrification, means that countries must urgently address these emissions to meet global climate targets. In other words, the power sector must significantly reduce its carbon intensity. We invite innovative ideas and solutions under the following core themes of CO2 capture and conversion technologies.

• a. Next-Generation Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Separation
• b. Carbon Dioxide Capture and Valorisation for Fuels & Chemicals
• c. Sustainable CO2 Conversion into Ethanol

a) Role of AI in energy transition
Energy transition from fossil-based systems (oil, natural gas and coal) to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, with attendant energy storage has become a dire necessity due to the alarming rate of global warming and climate change, besides limited reserves of fossil resources.. The key challenges with these renewable sources is their non-availability on a continuous 24x7 basis and lack of human control over the variation in their intensity with time. This introduces difficulty in matching generation with consumption and smooth integration with alternate sources of generation or storage devices. AI can be a useful tool to this end.Ideas are invited for use of Artificial Intelligence techniques / methods which can ensure a smooth energy transition

b) Machine Learning for New Alloy Development
Corrosion is relentless. Incidents such as Aloha airlines or the Alaskan oil spill have shown us the need for proper corrosion monitoring and usage of corrosion-resistant materials. Several newer corrosion-resistant alloys are being developed to address a host of different corrosion issues. ICME (Integrated Computational Material Engineering) uses DFT as a bottoms-up approach for cutting down both time and cost in the development of new materials from first principles. It provides inputs to CALPHAD amongst other approaches. However, it is computationally very demanding and recommended only when other approaches including direct experimentation are limiting. The lead time for development is typically around 3-5 years, involving multiple trials of material combination and performance assessment. Advanced statistical techniques such as Machine Learning is emerging as a parallel approach which bypasses development of rigorous physically complex and self-consistent models. While it may have limitations in this respect it could add value through quick identification of potential materials which can then be taken up for rigorous modelling..

In this regard, Ideas are invited for use of Machine Learning which can reduce the lead time in alloy development

c) Advanced Corrosion Monitoring Devices
New advancements in digitalization, automation, and machine learning are paving the way for further progress at the intersection of robotics and corrosion prevention, while increasing efficiency and safety, and even creating new jobs. A variety of robotic technologies are employed to access remote or hazardous areas, conduct precise and repeatable inspections, or perform tasks that are dull, dirty, or physically demanding In this regard, Ideas are invited for the development of advanced robotic technologies for corrosion monitoring.

d) AI based process intensification
AI can help in finding optimized solutions for systems with vast number of variables. For refining / chemical industry, AI based decision making can be a breakthrough in managing resources, pipelines etc. Research ideas/methods on AI based process optimization and intensification are invited in this regard.

e ) Artificial intelligence for predicting fouling in heat exchangers
Fouling on process equipment and heat exchanger surfaces have a significant, detrimental impact on the working efficiency and operation of the heat exchangers. The existing research on fouling mitigation is predominantly on fouling prevention using anti-foulant chemicals. A predictive model which can foresee fouling can yield benefits through timely preventive maintenance which in turn can avoid unanticipated shutdowns, improve plant operation, minimize energy consumption and avoid loss of production.
Ideas are invited for use of Artificial Intelligence techniques for creating a prediction model which can predict fouling with precision & accuracy.

a. Urban Mining and Plastic waste management

b. Refining spent catalyst utilization

c. Biomass utilization for fuels and chemicals (emphasis on lignin conversion)

d. Smart Water Recycling & Treatment Technologies

e. Microplastics: From Pollution to Circular Solutions

f. Sustainable Green Polymers for a Circular Economy