New Delhi: APChemi Private Limited has received support from the Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for an Indo–Singapore collaborative project focused on developing an AI-integrated microwave plasma system for clean hydrogen and advanced carbon materials.
The support for APChemi comes under the Indo–Singapore Call for Proposals for the project titled “AI-Integrated Microwave Plasma System for Controlled Synthesis of Functional Carbon Nanostructures and Diamond-Graphene Hybrid Materials.”
The initiative is aligned with India’s commitment to advancing clean energy technologies while strengthening international collaborations in emerging technologies.
Through this initiative, APChemi aims to develop an advanced plasma-based technology platform capable of simultaneously producing CO₂-free hydrogen and high-value carbon nanomaterials, supporting the global transition toward sustainable energy systems.
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AI-Integrated Plasma Reactor for Hydrogen Production
The project led by APChemi focuses on the development of an AI-integrated microwave plasma reactor designed to convert methane into hydrogen and advanced carbon materials without generating carbon dioxide emissions.
The system incorporates custom-designed swirling vortex nozzles that enhance microwave energy absorption, enabling efficient splitting of methane into hydrogen and carbon radicals.
Under this collaboration, APChemi will lead the development of industrial-scale gas separation, quenching, and carbon collection systems.
The Singapore-based partner Commsens will contribute advanced real-time plasma diagnostics and AI-driven control systems to optimize reactor performance.
This joint effort between APChemi and Commsens brings together expertise in plasma engineering, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials science.
Pilot Facility and Production Capacity
The pilot-scale facility being developed by APChemi is designed to produce approximately 4 kilograms of hydrogen per hour, while simultaneously generating around 12 kilograms per hour of high-value carbon materials.
These materials include functional carbon nanostructures and diamond–graphene hybrid materials, which have applications across sectors such as energy storage, advanced electronics, and high-performance materials.
By combining hydrogen production with premium carbon material manufacturing, APChemi aims to implement a dual-revenue model in which the commercialization of carbon products helps offset the cost of hydrogen production.
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Microwave Plasma Pyrolysis Technology
The technology being developed by APChemi is based on microwave plasma pyrolysis, a process that uses high-temperature plasma discharges to split methane and other hydrocarbons into hydrogen and solid carbon without generating CO₂ emissions.
Compared to conventional hydrogen production methods such as water electrolysis, plasma pyrolysis can offer significant energy advantages when properly engineered.
The process also enables the generation of valuable carbon materials such as graphite, carbon black, and graphene, enhancing the commercial viability of hydrogen production.
Role of Artificial Intelligence in Reactor Optimization
The APChemi plasma reactor integrates artificial intelligence to continuously monitor key operational parameters including microwave power, gas feed rates, electron density, and plasma temperature.
Using machine learning algorithms, the system dynamically adjusts reaction conditions to optimize performance.
This allows the reactor to maximize hydrogen yield, improve energy efficiency, and precisely control the structure of carbon materials for applications ranging from battery-grade graphite to advanced nanostructures.
Government Perspective on Indo–Singapore Collaboration
Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, emphasized the importance of international collaborations in addressing global energy and sustainability challenges.
He highlighted that projects supported under the Indo–Singapore collaborative framework combine strengths in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and clean energy technologies, enabling the development of globally competitive innovations.
APChemi Promoters on the Project
Promoters of APChemi expressed appreciation for the support extended through the Indo–Singapore partnership. They noted that the initiative will help accelerate the commercialization of next-generation plasma technologies aimed at producing clean hydrogen and advanced carbon materials.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen APChemi’s position in the emerging clean hydrogen and advanced materials ecosystem while contributing to global sustainability and energy transition goals.
