Sodium Iron Battery : The Super fast Battery from Indian researchers

A team from Bengaluru’s Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), a leading institute under the Department of Science and Technology, has made an exciting breakthrough with a super-fast-charging sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery. This new battery can charge up to 80% in just six minutes and is designed to last over 3,000 charge cycles—pretty close to the performance of the widely used lithium-ion batteries! This discovery is a big step forward for India as it works to develop alternatives to lithium-ion technology, where China currently dominates the global supply chain, controlling both lithium refining and major battery production through giants like CATL and BYD. It’s a promising move toward a more sustainable and independent future for battery-powered devices and electric vehicles!

Lithium-ion batteries work well, but they are costly and limited resources, but sodium iorn batteries are promising alternative with fast charging and low cost. making it great option for sustainable energy storage solutions. The team put the battery through tough tests, including electrochemical cycling and quantum level simulations for checking its performance safty and durability. There prototype can hold upto 80% of its cappacity even after thousands of charge-discharge cycles, make it reliable for long and safe usage.

With India’s growing energy needs, the rapid rise of electric vehicles, and the push for rural electrification, the demand for homegrown energy storage solutions has never been higher. Sodium-ion batteries are stepping up as a fantastic option for grid storage and mid-range electric mobility, thanks to their ability to stay stable under heat and their budget-friendly cost.

As quoted by the research team, this battery could be of much practical applications more than just power Evs and grids. It can be used more on drones, backup solutions and even small scale domestic energy requirements. It is safe, unlike lithium-iron barrettes it really stand out is its ability to avoid thermal runaway

How it works ?

NASICON-type Structure: Offers a robust and stable crystal framework that enables rapid movement of sodium ions in both the anode and cathode.

Anode Composition (Na₁.₀V₀.₂₅Al₀.₂₅Nb₁.₅(PO₄)₃): This precisely designed material enhances energy storage capacity and promotes efficient ion conductivity.

Nanoscale Particle Design: Downsizing particles to the nanoscale increases surface area, facilitating faster sodium-ion transport during charging and discharging cycles.

Carbon Coating: A thin carbon layer on the particle surface improves electrical conductivity and provides protection against material degradation.

Aluminum Doping: Incorporating small amounts of aluminum strengthens the structure and helps sustain battery performance over extended use.

Ref : https://dst.gov.in/supercharging-future-indias-scientists-design-fast-charging-long-lasting-sodium-ion-battery