Innovative breakthrough in sodium-ion battery chemistry by Macsen Labs, resulting in a provisional patent submission and progression towards large-scale manufacturing.
Macsen Labs, a manufacturer of APIs, dyes, and specialty chemicals since 1952, has made a significant breakthrough in the field of sodium-ion battery technology. The company's latest innovation, the proprietary Prussian White cathode material, has shown promising results and is poised to revolutionise the energy storage industry.
Performance on Par with Lithium-Ion Batteries
The high-performance Prussian White cathode material, synthesized by Macsen Laboratories, delivers an energy density exceeding 150 mAh/g. This performance is comparable to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, a standard in safety and longevity for lithium-ion batteries.
Focus on Stationary Energy Storage Systems
Macsen Labs sees the greatest potential for their sodium-ion technology in stationary energy storage systems, such as grid storage for renewable energy integration. The company envisions sodium-ion batteries as a key component in building a truly indigenous energy storage ecosystem in India.
From Pharmaceuticals to Energy Storage
The breakthrough arose from Macsen Labs’ work on Prussian Blue for medical uses. Mr. Achal Agrawal, CEO of Macsen Labs and the lead researcher behind the project, led the team that discovered Prussian White while working on Prussian Blue as a drug for radioactive poisoning.
Pilot Manufacturing on the Horizon
After successful R&D-scale synthesis and initial battery optimization, Macsen Labs is now moving toward pilot-scale manufacturing. The pilot-scale production facility is expected to be operational by early 2026. Macsen is also setting up a pilot-scale cell fabrication line to demonstrate the performance of Prussian White in commercial large-format cells.
Cost Advantage and Future Developments
The use of aluminium as the cathode current collector in sodium-ion technology offers a cost advantage over traditional materials. Macsen is focusing on improving cycle life, energy density, charge-discharge rates, and optimizing electrolyte-additive systems, while also reducing the cost contribution of other components of the battery cell.
A Dedicated Focus on Energy Storage Innovation
A dedicated entity, 'Macsen Energy', is being formed to focus on energy storage innovation and scale-up. Macsen aims to develop economical form factors by innovatively combining low-cost battery materials, components, and manufacturing processes, especially for large-scale stationary energy storage.
The potential of sodium-ion batteries lies in stationary energy storage systems for renewable energy storage and management. Macsen's Sodium-Ion battery technology is suitable for applications such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) for grid and solar, household backup and inverter systems, short-range EVs, auto-rickshaws, two-wheelers, city buses, rural microgrids, and energy access solutions.
[1] Macsen Labs Press Release [2] The Energy Times Article [3] Energy Storage News Article [4] Battery University Article [5] Battery Academy Article
Read also:
- Sustaining Measures Need to Progress in the Year 2025
- Examining the Expansion of Electric Vehicles in Our Society
- Mysterious Deep-Sea Sponges Consuming Meat in the Oceans' Depths
- Astronauts from SpaceX's Crew-10 mission bid farewell to space and landed back on Earth, having spent almost 5 months orbiting our planet (video).
