INST Mohali Develops Electrolyte Additive for Enhanced Zinc Battery Performance
Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have developed a novel electrolyte additive called 1,3-bis(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride (BDIM) that significantly improves the performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). The research, led by Dr. Ramendra Sundar Dey, Scientist E at INST Mohali, addresses critical commercialization challenges including zinc dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction, corrosion, and poor cycling stability that have hindered wider adoption of AZIBs.
The BDIM additive was synthesized by dissolving glutamic acid in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and water, followed by the addition of glyoxal, formaldehyde, and acetic acid. The mixture was heated at 70°C under nitrogen for 24 hours and then extracted and lyophilized to obtain a crystalline powder. This additive contains multiple oxygen and nitrogen donor sites that strongly interact with zinc metal, enabling it to preferentially adsorb on negatively polarized zinc surfaces and occupy the Inner Helmholtz Plane where electrochemical reactions occur.
This selective adsorption displaces water molecules from the interface, effectively reducing water-induced side reactions such as hydrogen evolution and corrosion while simultaneously suppressing dendrite formation. The research team employed advanced testing methodologies including a lab-made ultramicroelectrode (UME) with dimensions below approximately 50 micrometers combined with fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to probe zinc-deposition mechanisms. This approach allowed direct investigation of interfacial charge-transfer and mass-transfer kinetics, providing new insights into deposition processes.
The technology, published in ACS Electrochemistry (DOI: 10.1021/acselectrochem.5c00322), offers a practical and scalable strategy for extending battery life while maintaining safety and low cost. It can be directly or indirectly applied to AZIBs, grid-scale energy storage systems, renewable energy storage applications, and battery safety and lifetime enhancement technologies. The development contributes to safer, longer-lasting, and more affordable rechargeable batteries suitable for renewable energy storage, backup power systems, and grid-scale energy storage applications, potentially lowering maintenance costs and improving the reliability of sustainable energy infrastructure.