The development of energy storage solutions in India has advanced significantly with the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an independent institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL).
The collaboration aims to develop new zinc material types and accelerate the commercialization of zinc-ion batteries.
Zinc-ion batteries are gaining popularity as a practical substitute for foreign and more costly lithium-ion batteries due to their superior performance and reduced cost.
These batteries have the potential to have a significant market impact because of their large-scale energy storage capabilities, which can be attributed to the abundance of zinc found in the Earth’s crust and the material’s inherent safety.
Recent advancements in material stability and performance over a broad temperature range have strengthened the prospect that zinc-ion batteries may revolutionize the energy storage sector.
Despite its promising nature, the commercialization of zinc-ion batteries is dependent on the resolution of several issues, such as the thermodynamic instability of zinc in solutions, such as water.
JNCASR and HZL aim to address these problems by developing innovative zinc alloys for use as anodes and modified electrolytes to extend the lifespan and safety of the batteries.
Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan’s JNCASR research group has created a strong foundation for zinc-based battery research, generating notable publications and piqueing the interest of industry participants.
Under this cooperation, JNCASR’s research expertise and HZL’s product development abilities will be combined to create scalable zinc-ion pouch batteries suitable for large-scale commercial applications.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the advancement of battery technology as India moves toward a sustainable energy future.
It is consistent with two significant SDGs, SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
