SASTRA University develops nanofluid electrolyte to boost zinc-air battery efficiency

Key facts

• Scientists at SASTRA Deemed University have developed a nanofluid electrolyte that significantly boosts the efficiency of electrically rechargeable zinc-air batteries.
• The nanofluid electrolyte suppresses hydrogen evolution and zinc corrosion while enhancing oxygen reaction performance at the cathode using inexpensive silica and zinc oxide nanoparticles.
• The research was funded by the Department of Science and Technology's Nano and Advanced Materials Division and is protected under Indian patent IN570691.
• The team also developed earth-abundant bifunctional catalysts, with copper-doped alpha manganese dioxide outperforming platinum- and ruthenium-based standards at a 2 wt% dopant loading.
• Waste-derived materials such as spent activated carbon from household water filters and upcycled surgical face masks were used to create efficient electrocatalysts and supercapacitor electrodes.
• The nanofluid electrolyte remains stable for over three months and is ready for commercial use in grid-scale storage and electric mobility.