JNCASR and Hindustan Zinc Partner to Develop Indigenous Zinc-Ion Battery Technologies

The collaboration aims to develop new variants of zinc materials, propelling the commercialization of zinc-ion batteries as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

In a significant move towards advancing India's energy storage capabilities, the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) on August 21, 2024. The collaboration aims to develop new variants of zinc materials, propelling the commercialization of zinc-ion batteries as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

Zinc-Ion Batteries: A Promising Alternative

Zinc-ion batteries are emerging as a promising solution for grid-scale energy storage due to their low cost and the abundance of raw materials. These batteries offer significant advantages, including safety, performance reliability across various temperature ranges, and the potential for large-scale energy storage. Recent advancements in material stability have made zinc-based batteries a viable and innovative alternative to the more expensive and imported lithium-ion batteries currently dominating the market.

However, the path to commercialization of zinc-ion batteries has been challenged by the thermodynamic instability of zinc in water-based solutions. To address this, the partnership between JNCASR and HZL will focus on stabilizing material performance through modifications to the electrode, electrolyte, and interfaces. These efforts are expected to yield superior results compared to existing lithium-based battery options.

Research Collaboration and Innovation

Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan's group at JNCASR has laid a robust foundation in zinc-based battery research, supported by a state-of-the-art battery characterization facility funded by DST. This research has led to significant advancements, attracting the interest of industry leaders like Hindustan Zinc. The MoU between JNCASR and HZL will leverage the research expertise of JNCASR and the product innovation capabilities of Hindustan Zinc to explore the development of new zinc alloys for use as anodes in Zn-ion batteries and electrolytes for rechargeable battery applications.

The collaboration will involve modulating the structure and chemical compositions of alloys and electrolytes at both atomic and molecular levels to address existing material issues. A key focus will be on developing modified electrolytes that enhance the life and safety of Zn-ion batteries, making them suitable for large-scale commercial applications.

Impact on Sustainability and Energy Transition

The partnership's goal is to develop scalable Zn-ion pouch batteries, positioning Hindustan Zinc at the forefront of the battery revolution and supporting the global energy transition. The research agreement directly targets two major Sustainable Development Goals (SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG13: Climate Action), ensuring access to reliable, sustainable energy and combating climate change. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of battery technologies, with the potential to revolutionize the energy storage sector in India and beyond.