Research Projects

The growing demand in energy storage system for power grid applications is driving innovation in next-generation rechargeable batteries to support the ongoing global energy transition. Currently, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), renowned for their high energy density and technological maturity dominate the energy storage landscape; however, challenges including limited Li reserves, safety concerns, and higher production costs, impede their wider deployment. The rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIB) with inherent merits like ample Zn resource (70 ppm earth crust), intrinsic safety (5*), affordability ($1.45/lb) and low redox potential (-0.762 V vs. SHE) is acclaimed as India’s emerging innovative alternative to costly imported LIBs. The key advantage is the use of high-capacity Zn metal anodes with superior theoretical and volumetric capacities over Li, Na, and Mg. Despite progress in AZIBs, there is a pressing need to bridge gaps between fundamental research and practical use. For AZIBs to advance toward grid-scale commercialization, key challenges in energy density and calendar life, must be addressed. Achieving high energy density hinges on cathode selection; however, most reported cathodes still exhibit limited capacity, posing a major bottleneck. The present study focusses on the bottom-up design strategies of AZIBs via practical cathode designing, electrolyte optimization and formulation-based performance evaluation. The inherent dissolution concerns, stability issues and capacity annulation of pristine cathodes due to active metal dissolution, sluggish Zn²+ kinetics, and high intercalation barriers can effectively resolve via the synergistic strategies of guest pre-intercalation and morphological regulation. These strategies decrease the degree of chaos (ΔS) and increases ΔH of the system and thermodynamically prevents metal dissolution. Adopting high energy density cathode alternative are also the current interest. Moreover, the electrolyte modification, high concentration systems, hydrogels, controlling pH and engineering solvation structures can address the parasitic H₂ evolution reaction. We adopt a formulation-based study to precisely calculate the real energy density and cycling life of as-prepared AZIBs, which is otherwise challenging and time consuming. By combining all key battery parameters, we assess their impact on practical energy density (Epract). The battery performance is evaluated by EIS, CV and GCD. When all parameters are optimized, we urge to achieve the theoretical capacity for a high Epract. Through a holistic approach, our research outcomes provide a clear idea of underlying charge-storage mechanism, developing a viable prototype of AZIBs with enhanced capacity and cycle life for practical grid storage. This will aid us directly customizing this knowledge for the energy sectors of nation, aligning with national missions such as “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and Sustainability Development Goals (SDG7 and SDG13).