Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have unveiled a groundbreaking battery technology that not only generates hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) but also cleans wastewater, presenting a dual solution for energy storage and industrial pollution treatment.

Professor Aninda J. Bhattacharyya highlighted that this innovative approach is sustainable, economically viable, and highly energy-efficient, making it ideal for widespread applications.

The research, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, leverages zinc-air battery technology, which is recognized as a low-cost and energy-dense alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.

The method involves a reduction reaction at the battery's cathode, where oxygen is converted into H₂O₂ using a metal-free, chemically modified carbon catalyst.

Lead researcher Asutosh Behera underscored the importance of generating a disinfectant while simultaneously degrading pollutants through this integrated process.

This research aligns with a broader trend of rethinking battery chemistry by investigating multifunctional energy systems that not only store electricity but also facilitate valuable chemical reactions.

By reengineering the zinc-air battery, the team has enabled it to produce H₂O₂ during the discharge cycle, moving away from the traditional, energy-intensive methods that rely on expensive metal catalysts.

The conventional H₂O₂ production method, known as the anthraquinone process, is energy-intensive and dependent on fossil fuels and precious metals, which the IISc method avoids by utilizing abundant zinc and ambient air.

This technology holds particular promise for rural or off-grid areas, as it can provide both power and clean water, with potential applications in medical sterilization and wastewater purification.

When applied to toxic synthetic dyes from the textile industry, the generated hydrogen peroxide effectively breaks down these pollutants, leading to a significant reduction in color and toxicity in wastewater.