JODHPUR, Dec. 12 -- Researchers at the Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage Lab in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Jodhpur have made progress in two major areas: producing green hydrogen directly from seawater and developing next-generation aqueous zinc-ion batteries. According to the team, these innovations can play an important role in tackling global challenges related to renewable energy, water scarcity, and climate resilience. Assistant professor Dr Prashant Kumar Gupta said traditional electrolysis methods require very pure water, and producing 1kg of hydrogen needs about 30 liters of purified water. He said the team is working on advanced electrocatalysts that make it possible to carry out electrolysis with seawater. The lab is also developing aqueous zinc-ion batteries as zinc offers high energy density, is widely available, and is safer and more economical. The team is designing high-performance cathode materials and electrolyte additives to solve issues like corrosion and passivation at the anode. This will help them retain capacity for longer cycles and maintain structural stability. htc...