Energy Storage Lab at CSIR NCL

Our latest work on Lithium–Sulfur batteries, titled “Decoupling Kinetic and Shuttle Limitations in Li-S Batteries Enabled by Temperature Responsive Functional Interlayer," now published in .
In this work, we tackle two key challenges; slow Li₂S nucleation and polysulfide shuttling, using an electrocatalytic MXene interlayer that adapts its role across -10°C to 55°C, accelerating reaction kinetics at low temperatures while effectively suppressing polysulfide shuttle at higher temperatures.

Read the full article here

Decoupling Kinetic and Shuttle Limitations in Li─S Batteries Enabled by Temperature Responsive Functional Interlayer An electrocatalytic Ti3C2Tx MXene interlayer enables temperature-resilient Li-S batteries by adapting its functionality across operating regimes. It accelerates redox kinetics at low temperatures and...

Check out our latest work entitled “A carbon nanotube wrapped Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃ cathode with a dual cation electrolyte: enhancing high-voltage stability and cyclability in zinc-ion batteries” now published in . In this study, we developed a carbon nanotube-wrapped Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃ (NVPF-CNT) cathode, combined with a dual-cation electrolyte, to enhance battery performance. This design enables a synergistic Na⁺ and Zn²⁺ co-insertion mechanism, improving stability by stabilizing the solid electrolyte interface, minimizing free water molecules, thereby widening the electrochemical window, reducing side reactions, and inhibiting cathode dissolution.

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/nr/d5nr03371c

A carbon nanotube wrapped Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathode with a dual cation electrolyte: enhancing high-voltage stability and cyclability in zinc-ion batteries Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) offer several compelling advantages as a safer and sustainable energy storage system. Polyanion-based cathodes, characterized by their comparatively higher voltage and structural stability, are promising for ZIBs. However, challenges hinder their practical applicati...

Excited to share our work on the Zinc-Air battery, now published in the Sources, entitled “Enhanced oxygen electrocatalysis in zinc-air batteries via a bifunctional bimetallic organic framework,” presents a nickel-iron M*F integrated with nitrogen-doped porous carbon. The study demonstrates how this bifunctional electrocatalyst delivers high capacity, strong power output, and stable long-term cycling and offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional Pt/C and RuO₂ catalysts, paving the way for scalable and sustainable zinc–air battery technology.

Redirecting

Check out our latest work entitled “Insights into Electrolyte-Solvent Interactions and SEI Formation for Sustainable Sodium-Ion Battery Operation at Low Temperatures,” now published in . This work explored how tailoring electrolyte-solvent interactions enables sodium-ion batteries to operate at ultra-low temperatures, down to −110°C for the first time. Our study combines MD/DFT simulations with experimental NMR, Raman, and XPS analysis to reveal how optimized solvation structures and stable SEI layers improve performance in extreme environments.

This work is a significant step toward crucial insights, which offer promising directions for the future development of efficient, durable, and reliable SIBs for extreme conditions.

Read the full article in https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/smtd.202402142

Insights into Electrolyte‐Solvent Interactions and SEI Formation for Sustainable Sodium‐Ion Battery Operation at Low Temperatures This article discusses a new electrolyte blend for the operation of sodium-ion batteries at very low temperatures. The importance of adjusting the electrolyte is thoroughly examined using theoretical...

Check out our latest work on Aluminum-ion batteries published in , entitled "Exploring FeSe2 and porous carbon composite as a cost-effective host for Al3+ in aqueous Aluminum ion batteries."
We developed the FeSe2-decorated porous N, S-doped carbon spheres (FSPNSCS) as a cathode material for aqueous aluminum-ion battery.
By combining FeSe2 with nitrogen and sulfur-doped carbon, we created a flexible and robust structure that addresses major challenges in aluminum-ion batteries, such as stability and long-term cycling.
This work is a significant step toward post–lithium-ion energy storage, helping move us closer to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013468625011831

www.sciencedirect.com

We are delighted to share that our PhD scholar, Rajkiran Shivde, has joined the AcSIR-RMIT Dual PhD Program!
He is currently exploring one year of his PhD at RMIT University, Australia, supported by the RMIT International Tuition Fee Scholarship (RRITFS).
This fully funded opportunity marks an exciting milestone in his academic journey.
Wishing Rajkiran continued success and impactful research ahead!

We are happy to share that Dr. Poonam Yadav, a former PhD student from our group, has been selected for the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship. 🎉

Poonam completed her PhD at NCL in 2021 as part of the AcSIR-RMIT joint PhD Program. After her PhD, she was awarded the prestigious Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Poonam’s dedication to research is truly inspiring. We wish her continued success in this exciting new chapter!

Fellowship

Check out our latest research work entitled “Enhanced Stability of Sodium Metal Anodes in Covalent Triazine Frameworks via Progressive Nucleation with an Optimized Conducting Composite Matrix,”published in (Wiley).
This work highlights the untapped potential of organic materials, particularly Covalent Triazine Frameworks, to revolutionize sodium metal batteries, including anode-free configurations.
By modulating progressive sodium nucleation and deposition, this work demonstrates a promising pathway toward practical, safe, and efficient sodium metal battery systems.

Read the full article in https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/smll.202502636

Enhanced Stability of Sodium Metal Anodes in Covalent Triazine Frameworks via Progressive Nucleation with Optimized Conducting Composite Matrix The covalent triazine framework (CTF), when combined with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), can serve as an effective organic host for stabilizing a sodium metal anode. The high conductivity of rGO, alon...

A huge congratulations to Kundan Wasnik for successfully defending his PhD thesis today! ✨🥳💐

Kundan’s research made a significant contribution to the field of energy storage. His work focused on the design of host materials for sodium deposition and utilizing these materials as anodes for sodium metal batteries — a promising direction for next-generation, cost-effective battery technologies 🔋⚡💡.

This marks the culmination of years of hard work, persistence, and innovation 🥳🧪!

Wishing you all the success as you take this exciting next step in your journey, Dr. Kundan Wasnik 🥳✨🎓.

Energy Storage Lab awarded the "Best Safety Compliance Lab" award during the National Safety Week celebration at CSIR-NCL, held from March 4th to 10th! A big thanks to everyone who contributes to creating a safe and secure work environment!
🥼🥽🧯...

Publication alert!
Our latest research on sodium metal batteries is now online. This work explored the fundamentals of sodium nucleation on alloying interlayer. Different theoretical models were applied to predict the mode of nucleation and the parameters for SEI decomposition.
A strong DFT support is provided from the computational studies by Dr. Priya Johari's group from SNU Delhi.
Checkout the link for further information

Investigations into the Nucleation Dynamics of the Stable Na-Metal Anode: Revealing the Role of a Tin-Infused Carbon Nanofiber Interlayer Fundamental understanding and controlling of sodium nucleation are essential for enhancing the performance, safety, and longevity of sodium metal batteries, which is not yet clearly understood in the case of sodium metal batteries. The present study showcases how a modification in the host material....