Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI)
About
Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), is one of a chain of forty national laboratories under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in New Delhi. Founded on 25 July 1948 at Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, CECRI has its roots in the patriotic fervor of Dr. R. M. Alagappa Chettiar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. Shanthi Swarup Bhatnagar. On 14th January 1953, CECRI became a physical reality when Dr. S. Radhakrishnan dedicated CECRI, the twelfth national laboratory under the CSIR, to the nation. It serves as a launching pad for a multitude of technologies for the Indian Electrochemical industry. The 750 patents, 250 processes, 600 sponsored and grant-in-aid projects, 450 licensee and 5,500 research and review papers that the institute boasts of are ample testimony to its leadership in nation building. Naturally, reflecting on the fact that the inimitable Alagappa Chettiar donated 300 acres of land and Rs.15 lakhs in cash in 1948 to establish a national laboratory devoted solely to electrochemistry at a time when this branch of study was relegated to the flipside of the physical chemistry syllabi in universities, one cannot miss the rare philanthropy and foresightedness of this great visionary. Today, CECRI, is one of the largest electrochemical laboratories in the world, carrying out R&D work in the area of electrochemical Science and Technology. Having a proud family of 427 employees, 137 of whom are scientists, CECRI represents the largest Research establishment for Electrochemistry in South Asia. Headquartered at Karaikudi, CECRI has three extension centers in Chennai, Mandapam and Tuticorin.
CECRI, Karaikudi, spread over 300 acres, is located in an amply green and serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings about 85 km away both from Trichi and Madurai. With a large variety of flora and fauna of traditional as well as ornamental plants and trees, birds and animals, including a large number of peacocks, the campus ambience is aesthetically pleasing to the eye from every angle. The clean, green and pollution-free environment at CSIR-CECRI is quite apt for R&D work. The residents in the campus also live in harmony with nature. There are also few places of worship - Selva Vinayagar Temple, Anjaneya Temple, Arasamaram Pillaiyar Temple and Karuppar Temple, located within the campus. The famous Kollan Kaliamman Temple is located in front of the campus.
The Centre for Education (CFE) was established in the year 1988, as an initiative of CECRI’s human resource development program. Since its establishment, CFE has been an integral part of the institute, and has contributed a great deal in shaping the lives of numerous students. It is responsible for conducting the unique 4 year/8 Semester Bachelor of technology program in Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering. The Director of CSIR-CECRI takes overall responsibility for the running of Centre For Education, and is assisted by an appropriately formed council. As CFE presently marches on towards the completion its 35th year, it has developed a worldwide alumni base. Many of its former students hold responsible positions in prestigious organizations and universities such as ISRO, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, IIT, DRDO, Washington University, Nevada state university, CSIRO, and Indian Patents office, amongst others.
As part of its human resource development programme, CSIR-CECRI runs a unique B.Tech. course in Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering supported by the Anna University. The B.Tech (Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering) course was formulated by reputed people in the industry and academia, and covered all important aspects of Chemical and Electrochemical Engineering. The coursework was designed with the vision of creating specialized Electrochemical Engineers for the future, and is being constantly upgraded to keep up with recent trends. This one of a kind program is unique to CECRI, and no other institute offers an undergraduate course in hemical and Electrochemical Engineering. The B.Tech course of CECRI has now turned into a sort of label that most institutes worldwide look upon with reverence, and is treated equivalent to that of a technic CSIR-CECRI. The B.Tech (Chemical & Electrochemical Engineering) program at CECRI is NBA Accredited.
CSIR-CECRI is the largest institute in South Asia dedicated to research and innovations focusing on Fuel cells, Marine Corrosion and offshore corrosion testing. in electrochemical science and technologies. In living up to its raison d'etre, the institute works on a gamut of problems covering all facets of Electrochemical Science and Technology covering Corrosion Science and Engineering, Electrochemical Materials Science, Electrochemical Power Sources, Electrochemical Pollution Control, Fundamental Electro Chemistry, Electro metallurgy, Industrial Metal Finishing, and Nanoscale Electrochemistry. CSIR-CECRI’s unique capabilities in the research areas of Corrosion and Material Protection (CMP), Electrochemical Power Sources (EPS), Electrochemical Process Engineering (EPE), Electrodics & Electro-Catalysis (EEC), Electro-Organic & Materials Electrochemistry (EME), and Electroplating & Metal Finishing (EMF) are leveraged to cater the societal, industrial, and strategic needs. Moreover, this institute having a glorious past has become more relevant now and for the future, considering the importance of the Electrochemical devices and processes for Energy Harvesting & Storage and Mitigating Environmental issues.
CECRI Madras Unit, based in Chennai, is a satellite unit of pioneering CSIR-Electrochemical Research Institute of Karaikudi. Since 10 years, Unit is dedicated towards the fundamental driven science concept to product delivery and also cater the needs of many industry driven research programmes sponsored by various agencies including government bodies and private sectors. CECRI Madras Unit has all the sophisticated electrochemical characterization facilities for basic research to understand the catalytic activity of the electrocatalysts, ionic conductivity of the membranes and fuel cell test station and assembly units for testing cells and stacks of various capacities which will bring benefits to the Environment, Energy Security and Economic growth.
CSIR-CECRI's activities are directed towards the development of new and improved products and processes as well as novel innovations in electrochemical technology. A number of investigations are run in collaboration with laboratories from within and outside India. Agencies that tap CSIR-CECRI's expertise include small and big private industrial houses as well as government agencies such as atomic energy, defence, environment, space, surface transport, and ocean development. Apart from engaging in basic and applied research, CSIR-CECRI assists the industry by conducting surveys and undertaking consultancy projects. The institute also conducts short-term refresher courses for the benefit of industrial houses and educational institutions.
Researchers and doctoral students from this part of the country make good use of the excellent library as well as the analytical and characterisation facilities at the institute. CSIR-CECRI also organizes national and international conferences for the dissemination of scientific knowledge with the help of an independent professional organization of Society for Advancement of Electrochemical Science and Technology (SAEST). It is also alive to societal obligations and participates in activities such as entrepreneur development and CSIR's youth development programme. CSIR-CECRI is a recipient of several technology awards for its telling service to both Indian and Global industries.
Today, the world is facing an alarming energy crisis due to the dwindling of non-renewable resources such as oil and coal, and there is the bigger threat of a rise in CO2 levels, pollution and global warming. In this global scenario, CSIR-CECRI will synergise its R&D efforts in providing solutions (Clean Energy, Clean water, Clean air) through electrochemical science & technology. To say that the CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute is the mainstay of electrochemical industry in India is to state the obvious.
Many of the CECRI alumni hold responsible positions in prestigious organizations and universities such as ISRO, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, IIT, DRDO, Washington University, Nevada State University, CSIRO, and Indian Patents office, amongst others. The B.Tech course of CECRI has now turned into a sort of label that most institutes worldwide look upon with reverence, and is treated equivalent to that of a technical degree at the IITs.
Some Highlights of Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, Karaikudi
College Name | Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, Karaikudi |
|---|---|
Also Known As | CECRI, Karaikudi |
Established Year | 1948 |
Location | Karaikudi |
Institute Type | Research Institute |
Accreditation & Recognition | NAAC, UGC, AICTE |
Courses | 3 Courses |
Exam | UGC – NET, GATE |
Campus Size | 300 acres |
Website | https://www.cecri.res.in/ |
