Indian scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in New Delhi have developed a super-fast charging sodium-ion battery (SIB). Announced on May 19, this innovation could revolutionize energy storage.
This sodium-based battery can charge up to 80% in just six minutes and lasts over 3,000 charge cycles. It uses a 'NASICON-type' cathode and anode material. This breakthrough supports the Indian government's Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, aiming for self-reliance in energy storage.
Professor Premkumar Senguttuvan and PhD scholar Biplab Patra led the team. They engineered a novel anode material, shrinking particles to nanoscale and wrapping them in a carbon coat. Adding a small amount of aluminum further improved the anode, enabling faster and safer sodium-ion movement.
These sodium-ion batteries offer a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. They can power electric vehicles, solar grids, drones, and rural homes. This makes clean energy more accessible globally.
The technology has been rigorously tested and validated. It supports rapid charging and avoids fire and degradation risks. While further development is needed, this discovery marks a significant advancement in battery technology.