The Central Research Facility at SRM University-AP successfully organised a vibrant and highly impactful One-Day Hands-on Workshop on BET Surface Area Analysis on June 3, 2026. This specialised academic event focused on the advanced capabilities of the state-of-the-art Anton Paar Autosorb 6300 system. The workshop was designed to bridge the gap between complex theoretical concepts and physical laboratory practices. It provided an exceptional learning platform for a diverse group of attendees. Around 70 eager participants gathered for the event. This group included a strong turnout of 30 external researchers, scientists, and industry professionals from various external institutions. Their presence created a rich environment for academic networking, scientific interaction, and future research collaborations.
The primary objectives of the intensive program were centred on introducing the core fundamentals of gas adsorption science and material characterisation. Attendees received a thorough theoretical understanding of surface area measurements, pore size distribution, and the intricate physical mechanisms behind adsorption-desorption isotherms. Beyond classroom theory, the workshop placed a heavy emphasis on real-world operational skills. Participants were trained in essential laboratory workflows, including sample preparation, critical degassing procedures, and safe instrument handling. By focusing on data acquisition and software-based report analysis, the program successfully enhanced the collective research capabilities of the university. It also shed light on how these analytical techniques apply to nanomaterials, catalysts, polymers, and green energy systems.
The event commenced with an inspiring inaugural session that set a collaborative tone for the day. Dr. Sabyasachi Mukhopadhyay, Coordinator of the Central Research Facility, alongside Technical Officer Mr. B. Arun Kumar, formally welcomed the guests and introduced the advanced research infrastructure available on campus. Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean of Research, delivered the opening address and highlighted the university’s dynamic research ecosystem. He reiterated the institution’s firm commitment to fostering interdisciplinary innovation and praised the facility team for organizing impactful skill-development programs. Following the opening remarks, Prof. Pardha Saradhi Maram from the Department of Chemistry delivered an engaging introductory lecture on pore characterisation and its vital role in modern material science and nanotechnology.
The technical highlight of the workshop was led by Dr. Rishi Gupta, the Head Application Specialist for Physisorption and Chemisorption at Anton Paar India. Dr. Gupta shared deep technical insights into BET theory, gas laws, and the everyday industrial applications of the Autosorb 6300 system. The afternoon hours were dedicated to immersive laboratory sessions where participants moved from theory to actual practice. Attendees observed live machine demonstrations and received direct exposure to sample preparation and instrument operation. The practical training sessions concluded with interactive group discussions, a guided tour of the advanced campus laboratories, and dedicated question-and-answer periods with industry experts.
Participants gained practical exposure to essential laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, degassing workflows, and software-based data analysis. The event also included interactive question-and-answer sessions with experts from academia and industry, fostering valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, a guided laboratory tour showcased the state-of-the-art research infrastructure available at the Central Research Facility of SRM University-AP.
The outcomes of the workshop were overwhelmingly positive, with participants gaining immediate, practical knowledge of surface area analysis. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how to read complex BET reports and apply these findings to their own scientific projects. The event successfully strengthened the vital ties between academic research and commercial industry experts. Due to the high quality of the training, multiple researchers requested a follow-up Phase-II workshop focused on advanced chemisorption analysis. This workshop reinforced SRM University–AP’s role as a hub for advanced analytical sciences, interdisciplinary innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.
