A super-fast charging sodium-ion battery (SIB) has been created by a research team at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an independent institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), it was reported.

One of the main objectives of the Indian government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat program is for the nation to become self-reliant in energy storage technology, which might be facilitated by a battery made of sodium rather than lithium.

This is based on a cathode and anode material of the “NASICON type,” which can survive for more than 3,000 charge cycles and charge up to 80% in only six minutes.

This new battery employs a brilliant combination of chemistry and nanotechnology, in contrast to traditional SIBs that have slow charging and a limited lifetime.

Under the direction of Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan and PhD candidate Biplab Patra, the researchers created a new anode material and optimized it in three crucial ways: reducing the particles to the nanoscale, covering them with a thin layer of carbon, and enhancing the anode material by incorporating a tiny quantity of aluminum.

These modifications allowed sodium ions to travel more quickly and safely, allowing for durability as well as speed.

Affordable, quick, and safe batteries are still essential in a world that is rapidly electrifying everything from vehicles to communities. Although they are expensive, lithium-ion batteries have so far driven this transformation.

Lithium deposits are also scarce and subject to geopolitical restrictions.

But Bengaluru scientists could have just discovered a potent substitute.

Beyond their affordability, these sodium-ion batteries have the potential to power anything from drones and rural houses to electric cars and solar networks, enabling clean energy to be available where it is most needed.

High-end techniques like electrochemical cycling and quantum simulations have been used to test and evaluate the technology.

It is particularly intriguing since it not only facilitates quick charging but also stays clear of the fire and deterioration hazards associated with conventional batteries.

According to the government, the finding represents a major advancement, even if additional work is required before these batteries are commercially available.