Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Science & Technology
Why in News?
Recently, Scientists at SASTRA Deemed University, have developed a nanofluid electrolyte and waste‑derived catalysts to enable electrically rechargeable zinc‑air batteries (ZABs).
Zinc Air Battery
- Type – Metal air battery.
- Chemistry – Electricity generated via oxidation of zinc (anode) and reduction of oxygen (air cathode).
- Electrolyte – Often aqueous in rechargeable designs.
- Advantages – High theoretical energy density, abundant zinc, safer water-based chemistry.
Key Innovation – Nanofluid Electrolyte
- Problem – Conventional electrolytes need costly corrosion inhibitors, which hinder oxygen reaction kinetics.
- Solution – Dispersed silica and zinc oxide nanoparticles into standard electrolyte to nanofluid electrolyte.
- Adding silica and zinc oxide nanoparticles fixes corrosion and boosts efficiency, making zinc-air batteries cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting.
Waste Derived Materials
- Filter Carbon – Used water filters are turned into battery components, cutting material costs and reducing landfill waste.
- Upcycled Masks – Old face masks become high-performance carbon catalysts, matching expensive platinum in battery efficiency.
- Eco-Friendly Impact – Recycling trash into battery parts creates cheaper, greener energy storage while solving environmental waste problems.
Reference
DST | Zinc Air Battery
