The Controller of Patents, Government of India, has granted three patents for the development of sustainable electrode materials and design fabrication for lithium-ion and lithium-air batteries and hybrid energy device application developed by Prof. Elumalai’s research team at Department of Green Energy Technology, Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies, Pondicherry University.
One of the patents demonstrates the extraction of carbon and generation of LiMn2O4 cathode from the bobbin of the spent dry cell, which is a primary e-waste being generated globally. This patent was jointly granted to PU and CPRI. The spent bobbin after enriching with certain composition was used as an efficient air cathode for lithium-air battery, which has delivered a high energy density compared to present lithium-ion battery.
Additionally, the carbon electrode generated was explored as an efficient electrode material for lithium-ion battery and hybrid energy storage applications. Also, the other patent showcases the transformation of the sustainable waste, the spent walnut shell into an efficient alternate anode material for lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor. This involves extraction of the carbon from the spent walnut shell as an anode for lithium-ion battery, demonstrating the conversion of the waste into valuable resource. Prof. Elumalai credits these achievements to the dedication and hard work of his research scholars and postgraduate students. The details of the patents granted are as follows:
1. A Lithium-Air Electrochemical Cell with Catalyzation Composition from Dry Cell Bobbins and Preparation Method Thereof: (Patent Number :552979)
2. Sustainable Derived Electrodes for Hybrid Energy Storage Device and Lithium-Ion Battery and Fabrication: Appl. No.: (Patent Number :553106)
3. Carbon Electrode from Spent Walnut Shell for Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Supercapacitor and Lithium-Ion: (Appl. No.: 201941038646)
Prof. Elumalai’s electrochemical energy storage group in Department of Green Energy Technology, is pioneering in the development of high capacity, high-energy electrode materials for various energy storage applications which includes, lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, lithium-sulphur battery, Metal-air battery, supercapacitors and supercapatteries. The supercapatteries combine the characteristics of both supercapacitors and batteries.
Prof. Elumalai has also filed the examination reports for four other patent applications and the results are awaiting final approval. He has published over 100 research articles in peer review internation journals, published by American Chemical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, Wiley International etc. in the field of electrochemical energy storage. Also, his research works secured three cover featured articles, recently.
His recent publication in Advanced Energy Materials journal along with Prof. Doron Aurbach’s research group, is notable one. He has recently edited a book on “Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries: trends and progress in electric vehicles”, published by CRC Press London, being widely sold. A state-of-art research facility has been established in his lab for battery and supercapacitor fabrication and their testing.
Prof. Elumalai thanks Department of Science & Technology (DST), Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), UGC-DAE and Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) for their generous funding and Pondicherry University of their continuous support. Hon'ble Vice Chancellor (i/c), Prof. Tharanikkarasu extended his heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Elumalai and his research team at Department of Green Energy Technology, Madanjeet School of Green Energy Technologies, for securing three Indian Patents granted on Hybrid Energy Storage Device, Lithium-ion Battery and Lithium-Air Battery and their remarkable achievements. He commended their relentless hard work, innovative contributions, and commitment to advancing the frontiers of science and technology, particularly in the field of energy storage.