India will “maintain its contribution” to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a multi-country fusion response plant developing in France, at ₹745 crore, in accordance to authorities paperwork. ITER is a long-term challenge; in accordance to the newest Energy Technology Perspectives 2026 report of the Internati- onal Energy Agency, the ITER, if profitable, might pave the way in which for a 500 MW demonstra- tion plant related to the grid, by round 2050. India’s contribution is a part of a rising international curiosity in fusion, even when the outcomes are anticipated far sooner or later (see associated report ‘Why nuclear fusion is gaining funding’).
Next-gen materials for environment friendly vitality storage
Newly developed polymeric supplies might considerably enhance vitality storage and inexperienced hydrogen manufacturing, advancing entry to clear vitality.
Scientists have created coordination polymers, Zn (DAB) and Cd (DAB), through which zinc or cadmium ions mix with natural molecules to kind secure, layered constructions.
A key benefit is that these supplies could be simply synthesised at room temperature, with out advanced tools, making them appropriate for largescale use.
Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, in collaboration with Christ University, examined the supplies for 2 crucial clean-energy functions — vitality storage and hydrogen technology.
In laboratory exams, the supplies demonstrated excessive vitality storage capability and retained efficiency even after 1000’s of cost–discharge cycles, indicating sturdy sturdiness, in accordance to a press launch.
They additionally carried out effectively in additional sensible, device-like situations.
Equally vital, the supplies confirmed sturdy potential as electrocatalysts for water splitting, requiring comparatively low vitality enter to produce hydrogen. This makes them aggressive with among the greatest present supplies.
Graphite from spent battery
A brand new expertise for the reuse of spent graphite recovered from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries might convert battery waste right into a high-value practical materials that improves gas cell effectivity.
Researchers from the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) recovered graphite from spent lithium-ion batteries and chemically peeled (exfoliated) it to improve floor space and the variety of edge practical teams.
They additionally carried out in depth physicochemical characterisation, electrochemical analysis for oxygen discount response and methanol tolerance, and optimisation of composition for max efficiency and stability.
When built-in with platinum catalysts, the exfoliated graphite shaped a conductive community that enhanced each digital conductivity and oxygen transport whereas selectively adsorbing methanol molecules. This additionally acted as a chemical barrier, suppressing methanol oxidation and platinum CO poisoning. An optimum composition of 10 wt per cent exfoliated graphite was recognized, providing superior efficiency and sturdiness.
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Published on April 6, 2026