Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel battery technology that not only stores energy but also produces hydrogen peroxide, a cleaner and cheaper alternative to traditional methods. The breakthrough utilizes zinc-air battery technology to generate H₂O₂ in a process that is environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
The new method uses abundant zinc and ambient oxygen to drive the production of hydrogen peroxide, bypassing the need for rare metals like palladium or platinum. This approach makes it an attractive alternative to traditional methods, which require high energy input and precious metal catalysts.
When the battery discharges, it induces a reduction reaction that converts oxygen into H₂O₂ instead of simply water. The team achieved this feat by integrating a metal-free, chemically modified carbon catalyst into the system.
The generated hydrogen peroxide interacts with toxic synthetic dyes commonly found in textile effluents, causing a visible color change and breaking down pollutants. Over time, this results in the complete degradation of color and toxicity, showcasing a new approach to industrial wastewater treatment using energy storage systems.
This dual-purpose battery technology has significant implications for various sectors, including medical sterilization, wastewater purification, and textile processing. The study demonstrates the potential for energy systems to be multifunctional, capable not just of storing electricity but also performing useful chemical reactions as part of their operation.
The IISc breakthrough contributes to the global trend of rethinking battery chemistry and repurposing byproducts once seen as problems into secondary outputs for other industries. With its low-cost, metal-free alternative and significant emissions reductions, this technology has the potential to transform both energy storage and industrial pollution treatment.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/04/new-battery-makes-power-cleans-wastewater