Latest news with #JNCASR
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
New Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Karnataka governor urges grassroots disaster committees, highlights tech role
BENGALURU: Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday stressed the need for grassroots participation in disaster preparedness, urging the formation of disaster management committees at the village level. Speaking at the World Disaster Management Conference at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), he highlighted that local communities play a crucial role in reducing the impact of disasters. 'The local community is the backbone of disaster management. Empowering, training and making people aware at the grassroots level can significantly reduce the impact of disasters,' the governor said. He called for better training and resource support for these committees and advocated introducing disaster awareness training from the school level itself. The conference, held under the theme - Technology for Climate and Disaster Resilience - also highlighted the role of technology in disaster management. Gehlot pointed out that tools like AI, big data, satellite imaging, GIS mapping, drones and mobile alerts are transforming how disasters are detected, managed and mitigated. He stressed the importance of incorporating disaster resilience into national development policies and praised India's leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for advancing disaster preparedness. He also lauded the upcoming World Disaster Management Conference scheduled in Uttarakhand this November. The event was attended by Prof Durgesh Pant, Director General of the Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology, and Prof Umesh Waghmare of JNCASR.
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.
