CeNS Scientists Develop New Cathode Technique to Boost Zinc Battery Performance

Bengaluru, Nov 22 (KNN) Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a new cathode-activation technique that could significantly boost the performance of eco-friendly zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). 

The discovery offers a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which dominate the market but face environmental and safety concerns.

The research team, led by Dr. Ashutosh Kumar Singh, has demonstrated a simple thermo-electrochemical treatment that enhances the structure of widely used vanadium oxide (V₂O₅). 

The process creates controlled defects within the material, converting it into a zinc-vanadium oxide (Zn-V₂O₅) structure with improved porosity and ion pathways.

According to CeNS, these structural modifications allow ZIBs to store more energy and improve stability by facilitating better movement of zinc and hydrogen ions during charge-discharge cycles. 

The activated material also supports significantly longer battery life, with the potential for thousands of recharge cycles without major degradation.

The findings, published in Advanced Energy Materials, address the challenges in developing high-performance cathode materials for zinc-ion batteries, including limited energy density and structural instability in many oxide-based candidates.

Co-author Rahuldeb Roy said the team used a “simple yet novel” method to enhance the cathode material’s performance. He noted that the same activation technique could be applied to other materials, supporting wider efforts to develop sustainable, high-efficiency energy-storage technologies.

The research is expected to contribute to the growing global push for environmentally friendly battery systems as alternatives to lithium-based solutions.

(KNN Bureau)