IIT-Madras developing zinc-air batteries for India’s energy needs

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras are working on a new type of battery called zinc-air batteries. They believe this technology could be a cheaper and safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in devices like smartphones and electric vehicles. Zinc is abundant and low-cost in India, making it a practical choice for battery production. Currently, India imports almost all of its lithium-ion batteries, primarily from countries like China, Japan, and Indonesia. This reliance costs India significantly, with imports for electric vehicles alone reaching $2.2 billion in the last fiscal year. Developing zinc-air batteries locally could help reduce these costs. Zinc-air batteries are designed to be safe, as they do not pose the same overheating risks as lithium-ion batteries. The energy density of zinc-air batteries is also believed to be higher, meaning they could last longer. According to Professor Ranjit Bauri, who is leading the research, these batteries could change the energy landscape, especially for electric vehicles. However, there are challenges to overcome. Zinc-air batteries can face quick corrosion and slower performance, which may affect their lifespan. To improve their efficiency, better catalysts are needed for the chemical reactions that occur during charging and discharging. Other companies around the world are also exploring zinc-based battery technologies as alternatives to lithium-ion. Efforts are ongoing, and the IIT-M team is conducting trials to advance their research and bring this technology to market in the future.