IIT Guwahati Develops Material to Detect Fuel Adulteration and Clean Oil Spills

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an innovative material that can detect kerosene adulteration in petrol and simultaneously clean oil spills from water bodies. The breakthrough material, called a Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG), promises a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for fuel safety and environmental protection.

A Dual-Purpose Innovation

The newly engineered PSOG can identify the presence of kerosene mixed in petrol—a common yet hazardous practice in parts of India—and can also absorb oil from water by converting it into a removable gel. This dual function makes it valuable for both quality control in fuel distribution and marine or industrial spill management. Once the oil is absorbed, the material solidifies it into a gel form, which can be easily collected, leaving the water surface clean.

The Science Behind PSOGs

Developed by a team led by Professor Gopal Das from IIT Guwahati’s Department of Chemistry, with researchers Rubi Moral and Oiyao Appun Pegu, the PSOG is created through a process known as hierarchical supramolecular self-assembly. This method imitates natural molecular organisation—similar to how soap molecules form bubbles—to selectively trap oils like kerosene and diesel. The material only forms gels in the presence of specific oil types, giving it remarkable selectivity and precision.

Environmental and Safety Impact

Oil spills pose one of the gravest environmental challenges, destroying marine habitats and harming coastal livelihoods. According to Oil Tanker Spill Statistics 2024, nearly 10,000 tonnes of oil entered global waters last year. Traditional clean-up methods often cause secondary pollution or are prohibitively expensive. The IIT Guwahati innovation offers a sustainable alternative by eliminating the need for harsh chemicals. In addition, it helps detect fuel adulteration at petrol stations or in household use—an issue linked to unsafe combustion and frequent accidents.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The new material is called a Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG).
• It detects kerosene adulteration in petrol and removes oil from water.
• The research was led by Prof. Gopal Das and his team at IIT Guwahati.
• PSOGs work through hierarchical supramolecular self-assembly.

Future Scope and Applications

The IIT Guwahati team plans to enhance the PSOG’s design to detect a wider range of fuel adulterants and adapt it for real-world environmental conditions. Their goal is to make the technology scalable for use in oil refineries, fuel stations, and large-scale ocean clean-up operations. As Prof. Das explained, the innovation could redefine both environmental remediation and public safety, demonstrating how advanced chemistry can deliver practical solutions to global challenges.