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).