Indian Researchers Boost Zinc Battery Stability to 97.9% After 500 Cycles

The innovation could pave the way for safer, affordable and environmentally friendly batteries capable of storing solar and wind energy at scale.

In a major breakthrough for renewable energy storage, researchers from Bengaluru have developed a novel cathode material that significantly enhances the performance, stability and lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) — a promising alternative for large-scale grid storage.

The innovation could pave the way for safer, affordable and environmentally friendly batteries capable of storing solar and wind energy at scale.

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A Safer Alternative for Renewable Energy Storage

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries use water-based electrolytes, making them:

• Safer than lithium-ion batteries

• Cost-effective

• Environmentally benign

Zinc, used directly as the anode, offers high theoretical capacity and is abundant in nature. However, the development of durable, high-capacity cathode materials has remained a critical bottleneck.

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Breakthrough Material Developed at CeNS Bengaluru

Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru — an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) — have synthesised a sulfur vacancy-induced 1T-phase Molybdenum Disulfide (1T-MoS₂) cathode material.

The research team, comprising:

• Mr. Ganesh Mahendra

• Dr. Rahuldeb Roy

• Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Singh

used a controlled hydrothermal method to produce sulphur-deficient 1T-phase MoS₂ nanoflakes.

This metallic-phase material features:

• High surface area

• Enhanced electrical conductivity

• Faster electrochemical reactions

• Improved charge storage capability

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Optimised Voltage Window Unlocks High Performance

A key aspect of the study was optimizing the electrochemical potential window — the stable operating voltage range of the battery.

The researchers identified 0.2 to 1.3 Volts (vs. Zn²⁺/Zn) as the ideal window for stable operation.

This optimization proved critical in achieving exceptional battery performance.

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Exceptional Stability and Efficiency

The fabricated zinc-ion battery demonstrated:

• 97.91% capacity retention after 500 charge-discharge cycles

• Operation at a high current density of 1 A g⁻¹

• 99.7% Coulombic efficiency, indicating highly reversible zinc-ion insertion and extraction

These metrics signal minimal side reactions and strong long-term stability.

To demonstrate practical viability, the team successfully powered a commercial LCD timer using a coin-cell prototype built with the new cathode material.

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Published in International Journal

The findings were published in the journal Energy & Fuels (American Chemical Society), providing a detailed roadmap for designing high-performance cathode materials for zinc-ion batteries.

Publication DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.5c05072

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A Step Toward Affordable Grid-Scale Storage

The breakthrough holds significant potential for:

• Large-scale renewable energy storage

• Reducing dependence on lithium-based systems

• Lowering battery costs

• Enhancing safety in stationary storage applications

With zinc being abundant and inexpensive, and water-based systems offering inherent safety advantages, this advancement strengthens India's role in next-generation energy storage innovation.

If scaled successfully, the technology could support grid-level storage of massive renewable energy capacity — a key requirement for achieving global clean energy targets.