Published: 21 November 2025DST IndiaGeneral
Bengaluru Scientists Develop Breakthrough Zinc-Ion Battery Cathode at CeNS
Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, developed a thermo-electrochemical activation process to improve zinc-ion battery (ZIB) performance. The technique modifies V2O5 (vanadium oxide) structure, converting it into Zn-V2O5 with porous pathways for efficient zinc and hydrogen ion movement.
The activated material achieves dramatically higher energy density and can be recharged thousands of times without degradation. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries offer a safer, non-flammable, eco-friendly alternative to lithium-ion systems using abundant and low-cost zinc, reducing India's dependence on imported lithium and cobalt. This research was supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
0Mains angle
Q: How does the CeNS Bengaluru zinc-ion battery breakthrough advance India's energy security and reduce critical-mineral dependence?
Answer (50 words):
CeNS Bengaluru researchers developed a thermo-electrochemical activation process modifying V2O5 into porous Zn-V2O5 cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The DST-supported innovation achieves higher energy density, thousands of cycles, and uses abundant low-cost zinc instead of imported lithium and cobalt. Non-flammable and eco-friendly, it strengthens India's grid-storage roadmap and reduces critical-mineral import dependence.
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CoverageNationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceDST India
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Frequently asked questions
Which Bengaluru institution developed the zinc-ion battery process?
Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, developed a thermo-electrochemical activation process to improve zinc-ion battery (ZIB) performance.
How does the technique modify V2O5?
The technique modifies the V2O5 (vanadium oxide) structure by converting it into Zn-V2O5 with porous pathways for efficient zinc and hydrogen ion movement.
What performance benefits does the activated material achieve?
The activated material achieves dramatically higher energy density and can be recharged thousands of times without degradation.
Why are aqueous zinc-ion batteries presented as important, and who supported the research?
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries offer a safer, non-flammable, eco-friendly alternative to lithium-ion systems using abundant and low-cost zinc, reducing India's dependence on imported lithium and cobalt. The research was supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
