Guwahati, Nov 10: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed a novel material that can detect kerosene adulteration in petrol and selectively remove oil from water, offering a potential solution for environmental protection and fuel safety.

The research, published in the journal Chemical Engineering, was led by Prof. Gopal Das, Department of Chemistry, along with research scholars Rubi Moral and Oiyao Appun Pegu. The team developed a Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG), which traps oils like kerosene and diesel through a self-assembly process, forming semi-solid gels that can be easily removed without contaminating water.

Oil spills are a major environmental hazard, affecting marine life, coastlines, and livelihoods. According to Oil Tanker Spill Statistics 2024, about 10,000 tons of oil were spilled into oceans and seas worldwide last year. Existing clean-up methods, including chemical absorbents or burning, often result in secondary pollution.

“Our PSOG selectively forms gels in the presence of specific oils such as kerosene and diesel, which could help target particular oil types in complex mixtures,” said Prof. Das. “This approach may pave the way for new methods in water remediation and fuel adulteration detection.”

In India, kerosene adulteration in petrol is a persistent problem, particularly among low-income households. The mixture is highly flammable and has caused multiple stove explosion accidents in the country. The IIT Guwahati team plans to expand their research to detect other types of fuel adulteration and improve the efficiency of the material.