Slew of technologies developed to enable electrically rechargeable Zinc-air batteries

Scientists at SASTRA Deemed University, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, have created a nanofluid electrolyte by dispersing silica and zinc‑oxide nanoparticles into a standard electrolyte. The electrolyte remains stable for three months, suppresses hydrogen evolution and zinc corrosion while enhancing oxygen‑reaction kinetics at the cathode of electrically rechargeable zinc‑air batteries. The team also identified α‑MnO₂ (copper‑doped) as a high‑performing bifunctional catalyst and up‑cycled waste carbon from household water filters and surgical masks into electrocatalysts. Both the nanofluid electrolyte and the waste‑derived carbon process are protected by Indian patents and are positioned for grid‑scale storage and electric‑mobility applications in India.