A team of researchers at the University of North Bengal (NBU) has unlocked a new scientific dimension of the Jarul tree (Lagerstroemia speciosa), a familiar flowering plant across Bengal, by demonstrating its potential application in energy storage materials.

Ateam of researchers at the University of North Bengal (NBU) has unlocked a new scientific adimension of the Jarul tree (Lagerstroemia speciosa), a familiar flowering plant across Bengal, by ademonstrating its potential application in energy storage materials.

The study, led by Dr Sanjib Bhattacharya of the Composite Materials Research Lab in NBU’s department of physics, is the first of its kind to examine the tree’s microstructure and electrical conductivity under controlled light exposure.

The researchers tested the leaves of the Jarul tree under varying levels of illumination ranging from 0 to 200 watts. Their observations revealed a distinct phase shift in the material’s electrical behaviour.

Significantly, when exposed to 100-watt illumination, the material achieved a stable structure, confirmed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermogravimetric (DTG) curves.

The findings suggest that the Jarul exhibits properties of an organic semiconductor, showing a specific capacitance nature.

Source:Thestatesman