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

• Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a new material known as Phase-Selective Organogelator (PSOG) that can detect kerosene adulteration in petrol and clean oil spills from water bodies . This innovation aims to provide a cost-effective, eco-friendly , and practical solution for ensuring fuel quality and protecting the environment from oil contamination.

Dual-Purpose Function

The PSOG can identify kerosene mixed in petrol—an unsafe and illegal practice that affects combustion efficiency and poses fire hazards. The same material can also absorb oil floating on water by converting it into a gel-like substance. Once gelled, the oil can be removed easily without harming the water body, making it suitable for marine oil spill clean-up , industrial waste management, and fuel distribution monitoring.

Scientific Working

The material was developed by a team led by Prof. Gopal Das from the Department of Chemistry , along with researchers Rubi Moral and Oiyao Appun Pegu .
PSOG works using hierarchical supramolecular self-assembly , a process where molecules organize into structured networks, similar to how soap molecules form bubbles. This structure selectively traps specific oils like kerosene and diesel, giving PSOG a high level of selectivity and precision . The gel forms only in the presence of target oils, making detection straightforward and reliable.

Environmental & Safety Significance

Oil spills severely disrupt marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. In 2024 alone, around 10,000 tonnes of oil entered global waters. Many existing clean-up technologies are costly or cause secondary pollution. PSOG avoids harsh chemicals and provides a reusable, sustainable method for spill management.
Additionally, detecting fuel adulteration at petrol stations or households can prevent engine damage, reduce emissions, and avoid accidents caused by improper combustion.

Future Scope

The research team aims to improve PSOG for detecting a wider range of adulterants and adapting it to real-world environmental conditions. Its potential applications include oil refineries, petrol pumps, industrial sites , and large-scale ocean clean-up operations , marking a major advancement in environmental remediation and public safety.