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Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on Satellite communication, advantages of sodium-ion batteries and more (Week 114)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at What are the advantages of sodium-ion batteries over lithium-ion batteries? 1. It is way more abundant than lithium and can be extracted from seawater at relatively lower costs. 2. It is more environmentally friendly. 3. It can be transported at zero volt, making it safer. 4. It uses aluminum, which is cheaper than copper used in the lithium-ion battery tech. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — A fast-charging sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery that can charge up to 80% in six minutes and claims to survive over 3,000 charge cycles, making it virtually similar to more common lithium-ion batteries. This is a breakthrough claimed by a research team at the Bengaluru-based Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, and is being hailed as yet another promising step in India's efforts to develop an alternative to lithium-ion chemistry, the most common element in battery manufacturing, where China has a virtual stranglehold. — The new battery, developed by a JNCASR team led by Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan and Ph.D. scholar Biplab Patra, is based on a 'NASICON-type' chemistry, a class of polyanionic materials with a known structure in electrochemical materials, but with significantly improved performance claims using novel material engineering. Unlike ordinary sodium-ion batteries, which have slow charging and short lifespans, this new battery combines a clever combination of chemistry and nanotechnology to achieve a substantially shorter charge time and more charge cycles. Advantages over li-ion batteries — It is way more abundant than lithium and can be extracted from seawater at relatively lower costs. — It is more environmentally friendly. — It can be transported at zero volt, making it safer, unlike lithium, which is less environmentally friendly and must be always stored with a minimum charge, increasing fire risks. — It uses aluminum, which is cheaper than copper used in the lithium-ion battery tech. — Sodium-ion batteries also have a higher operating temperature range and are hence safer, given that these can be used in more extreme temperatures without the risk of thermal runaway. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. With reference to Satellite communication, consider the following statements: 1. Satellite communication services rely on an array of satellites in orbit to offer connectivity to homes and businesses on the ground. 2. It requires a vast network of wires to transmit data. 3. OneWeb operates the world's largest satellite constellation. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — Elon Musk's Starlink, which offers satellite internet services, has won regulatory permission from the government, nearly three years after originally seeking for an operator licence, opening the way for the company to begin selling the service in the country. — Satellite communication services rely on a constellation of satellites in orbit to provide connectivity to homes and businesses on Earth. They are an alternative to ground-based communication, known as terrestrial networks, such as cable, fibre, or digital subscriber line (DSL), and they do not need wires to transport data. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is not correct. — Starlink manages the world's largest satellite constellation, with around 7,000 satellites in orbit. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — Satellite-based communication and broadband services benefit end users in two ways: they provide larger coverage and a more resilient network. Even though satcom services have higher latency than terrestrial broadband networks, they may cover large areas with very little physical equipment installed. — The approval of Starlink comes just days after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued guidelines for satellite communication businesses. The recommendations require enterprises to establish local manufacturing, data localisation, use domestic navigation systems, install a blocking mechanism, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Hakuto-R mission, in which the spacecraft was likely unable to decelerate sufficiently in the final moments, and crashed on the lunar surface. The mission was launched by: (a) South Korea (b) China (c) Japan (d) Taiwan Explanation — A Japanese space mission designed to land on the Moon has failed. Like Chandrayaan-2, the spacecraft was most likely unable to decelerate sufficiently in its last seconds and crashed on the lunar surface. — The Hakuto-R mission was led by the private Japanese corporation ispace, which sent the lander Resilience and the rover Micro. Just before the touchdown this morning, mission control lost contact with the spacecraft. — 'The lander dropped from an altitude of around 100 km to 20 km before successfully firing its main engine to begin deceleration. While the lander's height was confirmed to be nearly vertical, telemetry was lost after that, and no data indicating a successful landing was received, even after the intended landing time had passed,' ispace stated. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: Statement 1: The most common black holes are formed when massive stars — more than eight times the mass of the Sun — run out of fuel. Statement 2: As long as the star burns hydrogen in its core, it generates energy that pushes outward, balancing the inward pull of gravity. But when the fuel is exhausted, this balance tips. Gravity takes over. The core collapses in on itself. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Explanation — A black hole is a region of space where gravity is so strong that nothing can escape — not even light. — At the heart of a black hole is a 'singularity' – a place where our physical laws break down and gravity becomes infinite. — The most common black holes arise when huge stars—more than eight times the mass of the Sun—run out of fuel. As long as the star burns hydrogen in its core, it produces energy that pushes outward, counterbalancing gravity's inward pull. However, as the fuel is depleted, this balance shifts. Gravity takes over. The centre collapses into itself. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — If the remaining mass is huge enough — usually more than three times the mass of the Sun — not even neutron pressure (the final barrier) can stop the collapse. A black hole is created. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Large Hadron Collider, consider the following statements: 1. It has been developed by the European Organisation for Nuclear Research. 2. It uses a distribution system of liquid sodium to keep its critical components ultracold at minus 271.3 degrees Celsius. 3. It has been built to study infrared rays. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Explanation — The Large Hadron Collider is a giant, complex machine built to study particles that are the smallest known building blocks of all things. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — It is structurally a 27-km-long track loop buried 100 metres underground on the Swiss-French border. It fires two beams of protons almost at the speed of light in opposite directions inside a ring of superconducting electromagnets. — The magnetic field created by the superconducting electromagnets keeps the protons in a tight beam and guides them along the way as they travel through beam pipes and finally collide. — Prior to the collision, another type of magnet is used to 'squeeze' the particles closer together to increase the chances of collisions. — The particles are so tiny that the task of making them collide is akin to firing two needles 10 km apart with such precision that they meet halfway,' according to the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire, or CERN, in French), which runs the particle accelerator complex that houses the LHC. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The LHC's powerful electromagnets carry almost as much current as a bolt of lightning, they must be kept chilled. The LHC uses a distribution system of liquid helium to keep its critical components ultracold at minus 271.3 degrees Celsius, which is colder than interstellar space. Given these requirements, it is not easy to warm up or cool down the gigantic machine. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: 1. Indian Space Research Organisation operates under the Ministry of Science & Technology. 2. The Ministry of Earth Sciences was formerly the Department of Ocean Development. 3. India Meteorological Department operates under the Ministry of Earth Science. Which of the above given statements is/are true? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — According to 'MoES was formerly the Department of Ocean Development (DOD), which was created in July 1981 as a part of the Cabinet Secretariat directly under the charge of the Prime Minister of India.' Hence, statement 2 is correct. — According to ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, operates under the Department of Space (DoS). Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) works under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) of the Government of India. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Consider the following Indian origin scientists: 1. Venkatraman Ramakrishnan 2. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar 3. Hargovind Khorana Which of the above mentioned scientists were also the recipients of the Nobel Prize? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — It has been 95 years since an Indian won a Nobel Prize in the sciences — Physics, Chemistry or Medicine — while working in India. CV Raman's Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 remains the only such honour. Three more Indian-origin scientists have won — Hargovind Khorana in Medicine in 1968, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar in Physics in 1983, and Venkatraman Ramakrishnan in Chemistry 2009 — but they did their work outside India and were not Indian citizens when they were honoured. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. 'Ebb' and 'Flow', the twin spacecraft, were part of which NASA mission? (a) Hakuto-R (b) Atmospheric Limb Tracker for Investigation of the Upcoming Stratosphere (Altius) (c) BepiColombo (d) Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) Explanation According to — 'NASA's GRAIL mission flew twin spacecraft—Ebb and Flow—in tandem around the Moon to map variations in the lunar gravitational field. The probes generated the highest resolution gravity map of any celestial body to date. At the end of the mission, the probes purposely crashed on the Moon.' Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 113) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Battery technology: Indian players double down on sodium-ion chemistry as China tighten lithium-ion stranglehold
A super-fast charging sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery that can charge up to 80 per cent in just six minutes and claims to last over 3,000 charge cycles, nearly comparable with the more ubiquitous lithium-ion batteries. This is a breakthrough claimed by a research team at the Bengaluru-based Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, and is being touted as yet another promising step in India's efforts at nurturing an alternative to the lithium-ion chemistry — the most common element in battery manufacturing where China has a virtual stranglehold. Beijing controls the global lithium-ion battery supply chain as well as the world's lithium refining capacity used for battery storage and electric cars, and now has two of the biggest li-ion battery makers — CATL and BYD. Sodium-ion offers promise Developed by a JNCASR team led by Prof. Premkumar Senguttuvan and Ph.D. scholar Biplab Patra, the new battery is based on a 'NASICON-type' chemistry, a class of polyanionic materials with a known structure in electrochemical materials, but with a significantly enhanced performance claim using novel material engineering. Unlike conventional sodium-ion batteries that suffer from sluggish charging and short lifespans, this new battery uses a smart mix of chemistry and nanotechnology to demonstrate a significantly lower charge time and more charge cycles. In an earlier interaction with The Indian Express, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood had stressed on the need for India to look beyond the lithium chemistry for batteries and how sodium ion was already an option. 'Multiple technologies (is the way forward)… In the case of EVs, I don't think that lithium chemistry (for batteries) is the end of the world… Other electro chemistries have to be tried, and are being tried… Solid, solid state batteries are the ultimate, in my view, because they'll be the safest, and energy density will be the highest, but there you still have some R&D issues, so it's still not commercial yet… But that's where we should work. Fully solid state batteries, where the electrolyte is also solid. But sodium ion batteries are already an option. It's happening…' Multiple players There is more promising work in the sodium ion battery tech that is happening in India. In February this year, Pune-based KPIT Technologies and Trentar Energy Solutions Pvt Ltd, a company targeting the electrical mobility and energy storage space, announced a collaboration on sodium-ion battery technology. Under this, KPIT said it will transfer its new sodium-ion battery technology — which it claims has an extended lifespan (80 per cent capacity retention over 3,000-6,000 cycles), and faster charging capability than lithium batteries — to Trentar Energy Solutions. The latter will operationalise and commercialise the technology further. Earlier, in May 2023, scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay claimed a breakthrough in developing sodium-ion batteries by addressing the challenges of air-water instability and structural-cum-electrochemical instability in cathode materials. While lithium is the more common element being used in rechargeable battery manufacturing, the stranglehold of China in this sector is a cause for worry, especially given Beijing's willingness to weaponise its dominance over particular technologies. Its Li-ion dominance notwithstanding, Chinese companies are also stepping up their play in the sodium ion chemistry. CATL, the world's biggest battery maker that supplies Li-ion batteries to Tesla and GM, has said it will mass-produce by the end of 2025 its patented 'Naxtra' sodium-ion battery packs that would enable an electric vehicle to travel up to 500 km on a single charge. Pros and cons of sodium chemistry Given that lithium-ion batteries are made of scarce and expensive elements such as cobalt, nickel, copper and lithium, technology companies worldwide have been looking for alternatives. Sodium offers multiple advantages: it is way more abundant than lithium and can be extracted from seawater at relatively lower costs, unlike lithium, where availability is concentrated in a few countries and mining includes hard-rock excavations in regions other than the Li-triangle comprising Argentina, Bolivia and Chile; and sodium is more environmentally friendly and can be transported at zero volt, making it safer, unlike lithium, which is less environmentally friendly and must be always stored with a minimum charge, increasing fire risks. Also, a sodium-ion battery uses aluminum, which is cheaper than copper used in the lithium-ion battery tech. Sodium-ion batteries also have a higher operating temperature range and are hence safer, given that these can be used in more extreme temperatures without the risk of thermal runaway. But the sodium chemistry has its problems too: given that this battery technology is still in its nascent stage, and very few companies operate in this segment, leading to higher costs. Sodium-ion based batteries have limitations of flexibility as they cannot be turned into various shapes like prismatic, cylindrical, and these are less energy dense and have less storage capacity compared to lithium-based batteries. Sodium-ion batteries also typically have a much lower cycle life as compared to the cycle life of commercial lithium iron phosphate batteries, which could be upwards of 8,000 times. Tech tweaks The team at JNCASR engineered a novel material for the anode and optimised it in three critical ways — shrinking the particles to nanoscale, wrapping them in a thin carbon coat, and improving the anode material by adding a small amount of aluminium. These tweaks,the scientists say, made sodium ions move faster and more safely, enabling both speed and durability. Beyond just cost, these sodium-ion batteries could potentially power everything from electric vehicles and solar grids to drones and rural homes, making clean energy accessible where it's needed the most, a Department of Science and Technology statement said. The technology has been tested and validated through high-end methods, including electrochemical cycling and quantum simulations. What makes it especially exciting is that it not only supports rapid charging but also avoids the fire and degradation risks of traditional batteries. While more development is needed before these batteries hit the market, the new formulation marks a continuing step forward in domestic research and development. Anil Sasi is National Business Editor with the Indian Express and writes on business and finance issues. He has worked with The Hindu Business Line and Business Standard and is an alumnus of Delhi University. ... Read More
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
India's superfast sodium-ion battery charges 80% in six minutes, could cut lithium imports
New Delhi: In a potential breakthrough for India's clean energy ambitions, scientists at Bengaluru's Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have developed a sodium-ion battery that charges up to 80 per cent in just six minutes and delivers over 3,000 charge cycles—opening new possibilities for electric vehicles, solar grids, drones, and rural electrification. Developed by a team led by Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan and Ph.D. scholar Biplab Patra, the battery is based on a NASICON-type chemistry, a known structure in electrochemical materials, but significantly enhanced using novel material engineering. The anode—Na₁.₀V₀.₂₅Al₀.₂₅Nb₁.₅(PO₄)₃—was optimised using three key strategies: nanosizing, carbon coating, and aluminium substitution. According to the team, shrinking the particle size to the nanoscale increases the surface area and reduces the distance sodium ions need to travel. A thin carbon layer wrapped around the particles enhances conductivity. Adding aluminium to the material structure further improves electrochemical stability, allowing faster and safer ion movement. What makes the innovation particularly significant for India is its use of sodium—an element that is widely available in the country, unlike lithium which is geopolitically constrained and largely imported. The research aligns with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission and its drive to reduce dependence on critical mineral imports for green technologies. 'This development has the potential to address a key challenge in the energy storage sector,' said researchers involved in the project. 'Lithium-ion batteries are efficient but expensive and resource-constrained. Our sodium-ion battery shows promise for fast-charging, long-lasting, and cost-effective energy solutions.' The battery has undergone rigorous validation, including electrochemical cycling and quantum-level simulations, to test performance, safety, and durability. The result is a prototype that retains over 80 per cent capacity after thousands of charge-discharge cycles—making it viable for long-term use. India's rising electricity demand, rapid EV adoption, and rural electrification targets have amplified the need for domestic energy storage technologies. Sodium-ion batteries are seen as a strong alternative for grid storage and medium-range electric mobility solutions due to their thermal stability and low cost. Beyond vehicles and grids, researchers said the battery could be deployed in drone operations, emergency backup systems, and decentralized clean energy applications in remote areas. Its ability to avoid thermal runaway—one of the key fire risks in lithium-based systems—makes it attractive for use in high-temperature environments. While commercial deployment is still some distance away, the discovery is already drawing attention within the scientific and energy policy communities. With continued R&D and industry collaboration, India could position itself as a key innovator in next-generation battery technology. The development comes at a time when global supply chains for lithium are under strain, with price volatility and geopolitical considerations affecting EV and battery storage markets. Countries including China, Australia, and Chile dominate lithium mining and refining, leaving importing nations vulnerable to supply shocks. By contrast, sodium—being abundant and inexpensive—offers a more secure and sustainable raw material base for future battery manufacturing. The JNCASR is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Its work on sodium-ion chemistry adds to a growing body of research aimed at indigenising clean energy technologies. If successfully scaled and commercialised, this new battery platform could play a critical role in enabling India's transition to a clean, electrified future—without depending on imported critical minerals.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
India's superfast sodium-ion battery charges 80% in six minutes, could cut lithium imports
New Delhi: In a potential breakthrough for India's clean energy ambitions, scientists at Bengaluru's Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have developed a sodium-ion battery that charges up to 80 per cent in just six minutes and delivers over 3,000 charge cycles—opening new possibilities for electric vehicles, solar grids, drones, and rural electrification. Developed by a team led by Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan and Ph.D. scholar Biplab Patra, the battery is based on a NASICON-type chemistry, a known structure in electrochemical materials, but significantly enhanced using novel material engineering. The anode—Na₁.₀V₀.₂₅Al₀.₂₅Nb₁.₅(PO₄)₃—was optimised using three key strategies: nanosizing, carbon coating, and aluminium substitution. According to the team, shrinking the particle size to the nanoscale increases the surface area and reduces the distance sodium ions need to travel. A thin carbon layer wrapped around the particles enhances conductivity. Adding aluminium to the material structure further improves electrochemical stability, allowing faster and safer ion movement. What makes the innovation particularly significant for India is its use of sodium—an element that is widely available in the country, unlike lithium which is geopolitically constrained and largely imported. The research aligns with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission and its drive to reduce dependence on critical mineral imports for green technologies. 'This development has the potential to address a key challenge in the energy storage sector,' said researchers involved in the project. 'Lithium-ion batteries are efficient but expensive and resource-constrained. Our sodium-ion battery shows promise for fast-charging, long-lasting, and cost-effective energy solutions.' The battery has undergone rigorous validation, including electrochemical cycling and quantum-level simulations, to test performance, safety, and durability. The result is a prototype that retains over 80 per cent capacity after thousands of charge-discharge cycles—making it viable for long-term use. India's rising electricity demand, rapid EV adoption, and rural electrification targets have amplified the need for domestic energy storage technologies. Sodium-ion batteries are seen as a strong alternative for grid storage and medium-range electric mobility solutions due to their thermal stability and low cost. Beyond vehicles and grids, researchers said the battery could be deployed in drone operations, emergency backup systems, and decentralized clean energy applications in remote areas. Its ability to avoid thermal runaway—one of the key fire risks in lithium-based systems—makes it attractive for use in high-temperature environments. While commercial deployment is still some distance away, the discovery is already drawing attention within the scientific and energy policy communities. With continued R&D and industry collaboration, India could position itself as a key innovator in next-generation battery technology. The development comes at a time when global supply chains for lithium are under strain, with price volatility and geopolitical considerations affecting EV and battery storage markets. Countries including China, Australia, and Chile dominate lithium mining and refining, leaving importing nations vulnerable to supply shocks. By contrast, sodium—being abundant and inexpensive—offers a more secure and sustainable raw material base for future battery manufacturing. The JNCASR is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. Its work on sodium-ion chemistry adds to a growing body of research aimed at indigenising clean energy technologies. If successfully scaled and commercialised, this new battery platform could play a critical role in enabling India's transition to a clean, electrified future—without depending on imported critical minerals.
Hans India
21-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Indian scientists design fast charging sodium-ion battery
New Delhi: A research team at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has developed a super-fast charging sodium-ion battery (SIB), it was announced. A battery built on sodium instead of lithium could help the country to become self-reliant in energy storage technology — a key goal of the Indian government's Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. This is based on a 'NASICON-type' cathode and anode material, that can charge up to 80 per cent in just six minutes and lasts over 3,000 charge cycles. Unlike conventional SIBs that suffer from sluggish charging and short lifespan, this new battery uses a clever mix of chemistry and nanotechnology. The scientists led by Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan and PhD scholar Biplab Patra, engineered a novel material for the anode and optimised it in three critical ways -- shrinking the particles to nanoscale, wrapping them in a thin carbon coat, and improving the anode material by adding a small amount of aluminium. These tweaks made sodium ions move faster and more safely, enabling both speed and durability. In a world racing towards electrification—from cars to villages—one thing remains crucial: affordable, fast, and safe batteries. While lithium-ion batteries have powered this revolution so far, they are costly. Besides, lithium resources are limited and geopolitically constrained. However, scientists in Bengaluru may have just found a powerful alternative. Beyond just cost, these sodium-ion batteries could power everything from electric vehicles and solar grids to drones and rural homes, making clean energy accessible where it's needed the most. The technology has been tested and validated through high-end methods, including electrochemical cycling and quantum simulations. What makes it especially exciting is that it not only supports rapid charging but also avoids the fire and degradation risks of traditional batteries. While more development is needed before these batteries hit the market, the discovery marks a significant step forward, said the ministry.
