The Advanced Centre for Materials Science (ACMS) at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) successfully organized a one-day workshop on Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) and Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) analytical techniques. The event, held on May 30, 2025, attracted 84 participants, including students, research scholars, technical staff, faculty, and industry professionals, fostering knowledge exchange and hands-on learning in XRF and IRMS analytical techniques.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research & Development at IIT Kanpur, who highlighted ACMS’s significant contributions to the scientific community of IIT Kanpur and other institutes nationwide. Prof. Gupta stated, “ACMS reflects IIT Kanpur’s commitment to supporting researchers within the campus and across academia, industry, and national laboratories.”

Prof. Anish Upadhyaya, Head of ACMS, briefed about the center’s advanced characterization facilities, including the Electron Microscopy Lab, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, sample preparation laboratories, etc., which cater to diverse research needs. He stated, “Our goal is to empower researchers with cutting-edge technologies and the expertise needed to drive innovation in critical scientific domains and contribute to the growth of research at IITK.” Prof. Upadhyaya thanked the institute administration for their continued and strong support towards the growth and maintenance of high-end instrumentation at the ACMS.

The workshop showcased the capabilities of ACMS’s state-of-the-art XRF-IRMS facility, emphasizing its applications in geosciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, material science, etc. Prof. Debajyoti Paul, Coordinator for the XRF-IRMS facility at ACMS, delivered a lecture on the significance of these analytical methods in understanding elemental and isotopic compositions and their applications. The workshop also featured expert-led sessions that provided deep insights into advanced analytical techniques. Prof. Abhas Singh from the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Kanpur presented a case study on using XRF in environmental sciences, focusing on groundwater contamination and remediation strategies. Mr. BK Srivastava, representing IR Tech (Rigaku), discussed elemental analysis using the Rigaku Primus IV XRF, offering practical insights into its operational capabilities. Dr. Piyush Deokar from Thermo Fisher Scientific explored high-resolution stable isotope analysis using the DELTA Q IRMS, highlighting its precision and applications in scientific research.

The participant pool included 47 students (MTech and PhD) from seven IITK departments (Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Materials Science Program, Sustainable Energy Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Earth Sciences), two faculty members from Sustainable Energy Engineering and Earth Sciences, 28 staff members from ACMS, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Earth Sciences, and six Class XII students and campus kids.

The workshop included a guided tour of ACMS’s XRF-IRMS facilities and other cutting-edge research infrastructure, offering participants a firsthand look at IIT Kanpur’s advanced characterization facilities. The valedictory session recognized the contributions of student volunteers, including Mr. Abhishek Kumar and Mr. Ravindra Agnihotri, alongside the dedicated ACMS staff. This event reaffirmed IIT Kanpur’s commitment to advancing material science and fostering innovation through modern instrumentation techniques, equipping participants with critical insights and practical skills for real-world applications.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has significantly contributed to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts various academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur fosters innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.