ARCI Scientists Develop Low-Cost Zinc-Air Battery Technology

Why in News?

Researchers at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), an autonomous R&D centre under DST, have developed an efficient low-cost electro-catalyst for rechargeable Zinc-Air batteries.

Key Points

• The new catalyst replaces expensive platinum and iridium with a transition-metal-nitrogen-carbon composite, cutting cell costs by 60%.
• Zinc-Air batteries offer 3–4 times higher energy density than traditional Lithium-ion batteries at a fraction of the raw material cost.
• The technology is ideal for two-wheeler EVs, rural micro-grids, and renewable energy storage systems.
• It uses a water-based non-flammable alkaline electrolyte, eliminating thermal runaway risk.

Exam Connect

• ARCI → autonomous centre under DST → established 1997 → headquarters Hyderabad