India Scientists Develop Breakthrough Cathode for Zinc-Ion Batteries, Opening Greener Energy Pathways
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Science & Technology | Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Researchers based in Bengaluru have developed a novel cathode material for zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs)—a promising alternative to lithium-ion systems—that enhances both energy density and material stability. The breakthrough could accelerate deployment of eco-friendly battery solutions by mitigating risks associated with lithium supply, cost, recyclability and safety.
Key aspects include:
The cathode design offers improved cycling stability and suppresses zinc dendrite growth, which historically hindered ZIB commercialisation.
The research has been published in a peer-reviewed journal (DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202502262) and reflects a significant step towards scalable zinc-based storage technologies.
With global demand for battery storage rising, India’s advancement supports its ambition in clean-energy transition, battery-manufacturing ecosystem and reduced dependence on imported lithium/rare-earth materials.
This development carries strong implications for India’s energy-transition strategy, domestic battery-manufacturing ambitions under the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes, and the push for sustainable materials. By enabling a potential shift from lithium-dominant storage to zinc-based systems, the research aligns with national objectives of technology-led self-reliance, circular-economy resource usage, and competitive manufacturing for export markets. For policy-makers, it emphasises the need to fund translation of lab-innovations into pilot production, align standards/regulation for novel battery chemistries, and integrate new storage technologies into grid/smart-energy planning.
What are Zinc-Ion Batteries (ZIBs)? → ZIBs use zinc as the anode or cathode material in rechargeable battery systems; compared to lithium-ion batteries they offer potential advantages such as lower cost, better safety (zinc is less reactive), and more sustainable supply chains. However, technical challenges—such as dendrite formation, limited cycling life and lower energy density—have slowed commercial adoption until recent breakthroughs.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
What instruments must India deploy to accelerate commercialisation of zinc-ion batteries and realise industrial-scale manufacturing within the next decade?
Follow the full news here: Efficient Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) for a greener future