Dr Amreesh Chandra of IIT Kharagpur has developed sodium-ion batteries and supercapacitors using nano materials. His team has used sodium iron phosphates and sodium manganese phosphates which they synthesized to obtain Na-ion-based batteries and supercapacitors. These sodium materials were combined with various novel architectures of carbon to develop a battery.
This has triggered academic and commercial interest as a possible complementary technology to lithium-ion batteries because of the high natural abundance of sodium and the consequent low costs of Na-ion batteries.
These sodium materials are cheaper than Li-based materials, high performing, and can be scaled up to industrial-level production. The Na-ion cell can also be totally discharged to zero volt, similar to a capacitor, making it a safer option in comparison to many other storage technologies. Taking advantage of the fact that Na-ion batteries can be charged rapidly, Dr. Amreesh has integrated it in e-cycles – an easy, affordable option for the general public.
With further development, the price of these vehicles can be brought down to the range of Rs 10-15,000, making them nearly 25% cheaper than Li-ion storage technologies-based e-cycles. As disposal strategies of Na-ion-based batteries would be simpler, it can also help in addressing the climate mitigation issue.
For further details, contact:
Dr Ranjith Krishna Pai at: ranjith.krishnapai@gov.in Ph: 9739577000
Also read:
Solar ice-box for preserving fish
DRDO technology for biodegradeable cutlery
DRDO technology for milk testing kits
