8JUNE 2024SOLID STATE SODIUM AIR BATTERIES SEEN AS PROMISING GREEN ENERGY SOURCEAresearch team led by Professor Byoungwoo Kang and Dr. Heetaek Park from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has successfully developed a high-energy, high-efficiency all-solid-state sodium-air battery. This innovative battery can reversibly utilize sodium (Na) and air without requiring any special equipment, marking a significant advancement in the field of next-generation high-capacity secondary batteries.Key Features and Benefits:Metal-Air Battery Technology: Metal-air batteries, which use abundant resources such as oxygen and metals like sodium, are considered promising for green technologies such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems. These batteries draw power from the reaction of metals with oxygen.Challenge of Carbonate Formation: A common issue with metal-air batteries is the formation of carbonate byproducts when the metal reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O). This carbonate formation reduces the battery's efficiency. Traditionally, metal-air batteries require additional equipment, like an oxygen permeation membrane, to purify or selectively use atmospheric oxygen, which complicates the system. INDIAN FERTILIZER INDUSTRY ESTIMATED TO REACH 1.38 LAKH CRORE BY 2032The Indian fertilizer industry is experiencing significant growth and is projected to reach a market size of 1.38 lakh crore by 2032, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2 percent from 2024 to 2032, according to a report by IMARC Group. This growth trajectory highlights the sector's crucial role in enhancing India's agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.In 2023, the Indian fertilizer market was valued at 94,210 crore, fueled by increasing agricultural demands and strategic government interventions. The production of fertilizers in FY24 reached 45.2 million tonnes, reflecting the Ministry of Fertilizers' effective policies. India's status as the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, second only to China, further supports the expansion of the fertilizer industry.Government initiatives have played a pivotal role in this growth. Direct income support schemes from both central and state governments have improved farmer liquidity, enabling greater investment in fertilizers. Programs such as PM-KISAN and PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana, which have been endorsed by the United Nations Development Programme, have significantly contributed to food security by providing financial support to farmers.The geopolitical landscape has also influenced the Indian fertilizer market. The government has focused on increasing the domestic production of nano-liquid urea to stabilize fertilizer prices. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced plans to raise the number of nano-liquid urea production plants from nine to thirteen by 2025. These plants are expected to produce 44 crore bottles of 500 ml nano urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), ensuring a steady supply to meet the growing agricultural demands. TOP STORIES
< Page 7 | Page 9 >