Which of the following values correctly matches the specific capacitance of Zn(DAB) in a three‑electrode supercapacitor test?

The correct value is 2091.4 F g⁻¹. Options should include this figure and distractors like 1500 F g⁻¹, 2091 F g⁻¹, 2500 F g⁻¹, 3000 F g⁻¹. Relevant for GS3.

Explain why a low overpotential (≈200 mV) in water‑splitting catalysts is crucial for the economic viability of green hydrogen in India.

Low overpotential reduces the extra voltage required, cutting electricity consumption and operational cost of electrolyzers, thereby making green hydrogen competitive with fossil‑based hydrogen and supporting the National Hydrogen Mission. Relevant for GS3.

Discuss the role of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and related policy frameworks in translating laboratory‑scale breakthroughs like Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB) polymers into commercial clean‑energy solutions for India.

Structure the essay around (i) DST’s funding mechanisms and advanced materials scheme, (ii) the need for pilot‑scale units and PPP models, (iii) integration with grid storage and electrolyzer stacks, and (iv) alignment with the National Hydrogen Mission and India’s 2070 carbon‑neutral target. Relevant for GS3.

DST‑Backed Zn(DAB) & Cd(DAB) Polymers Boos...

Scientists from DST‑backed CeNS and CHRIST University have developed Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB) coordination polymers that deliver record‑high capacitance in supercapacitors and require low overpotential for water splitting, paving the way for efficient energy storage and affordable green hydrogen production.

Overview The Ministry of Science & Technology has highlighted a breakthrough in energy materials developed by researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) , an autonomous arm of the DST , in collaboration with CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. The team synthesized two novel coordination polymers , Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB), that exhibit exceptional performance both as energy‑storage media and as electrocatalysts for green hydrogen generation. Key Developments Simple, room‑temperature synthesis of Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB) in bulk without specialised equipment. Lab‑scale supercapacitor tests recorded specific capacitances of 2091.4 F g⁻¹ (Zn(DAB)) and 1341.6 F g⁻¹ (Cd(DAB)) in a three‑electrode setup. In asymmetric device configuration, the materials retained high capacitance: 785.3 F g⁻¹ (Zn(DAB)) and 428.5 F g⁻¹ (Cd(DAB)). Durability demonstrated over 5000 charge‑discharge cycles with negligible loss of capacity. Electro‑catalytic water splitting required low overpotential of 263 mV (Zn(DAB)) and 209 mV (Cd(DAB)), rivaling the best known catalysts. Important Facts The polymeric frameworks consist of layered structures where Zn²⁺ or Cd²⁺ ions are coordinated with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) ligands, creating robust networks that facilitate rapid ion transport and electron conductivity. Their synthesis proceeds at ambient conditions, making them economically viable for scale‑up. The research findings have been peer‑reviewed and published in ACS Omega and Catalysis Science and Technology . UPSC Relevance Understanding emerging supercapacitor technologies is essential for GS‑3 topics on energy security, renewable integration, and indigenous technology development. The low overpotential values illustrate progress toward cost‑effective green hydrogen , a priority area in India’s National Hydrogen Mission. The role of DST and the Ministry of Science & Technology showcases the policy‑driven push for indigenous R&D, a recurring theme in GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑3 (Economy) questions. Way Forward To translate laboratory success into commercial impact, the following steps are recommended: Establish pilot‑scale production units under the DST scheme for advanced materials. Integrate Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB) into grid‑level storage modules and electrolyzer stacks, assessing performance under real‑world load profiles. Encourage public‑private partnerships to lower capital costs and accelerate market adoption of high‑capacitance supercapacitors and low‑overpotential hydrogen catalysts. Incorporate these materials into India’s National Hydrogen Mission roadmap, aligning with the country’s carbon‑neutral targets for 2070. Continued interdisciplinary research, supported by robust policy frameworks, can bridge the gap between scientific discovery and sustainable energy solutions for India.

<h3>Overview</h3> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Ministry of Science & Technology — Indian government ministry responsible for formulation and implementation of policies related to scientific research and development (GS3: Science & Technology)">Ministry of Science & Technology</span> has highlighted a breakthrough in energy materials developed by researchers at the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) — An autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology that focuses on nanomaterials and soft matter research (GS3: Science & Technology)">Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS)</span>, an autonomous arm of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Department of Science and Technology (DST) — Central government department that funds and coordinates scientific research, crucial for innovation and technology policy (GS3: Science & Technology)">DST</span>, in collaboration with CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru. The team synthesized two novel <span class="key-term" data-definition="Coordination polymer — A class of crystalline materials where metal ions are linked by organic ligands forming extended networks, offering tunable properties for energy applications (GS3: Materials Science)">coordination polymers</span>, Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB), that exhibit exceptional performance both as energy‑storage media and as electrocatalysts for <span class="key-term" data-definition="Green hydrogen — Hydrogen produced by water electrolysis using renewable electricity, a clean fuel with zero carbon emissions (GS3: Energy & Environment)">green hydrogen</span> generation.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Simple, room‑temperature synthesis of Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB) in bulk without specialised equipment.</li> <li>Lab‑scale supercapacitor tests recorded specific capacitances of <strong>2091.4 F g⁻¹</strong> (Zn(DAB)) and <strong>1341.6 F g⁻¹</strong> (Cd(DAB)) in a three‑electrode setup.</li> <li>In asymmetric device configuration, the materials retained high capacitance: <strong>785.3 F g⁻¹</strong> (Zn(DAB)) and <strong>428.5 F g⁻¹</strong> (Cd(DAB)).</li> <li>Durability demonstrated over <strong>5000 charge‑discharge cycles</strong> with negligible loss of capacity.</li> <li>Electro‑catalytic water splitting required low <span class="key-term" data-definition="Overpotential — Extra voltage beyond the thermodynamic requirement needed to drive an electrochemical reaction; lower values indicate more efficient catalysts (GS3: Electrochemistry)">overpotential</span> of <strong>263 mV</strong> (Zn(DAB)) and <strong>209 mV</strong> (Cd(DAB)), rivaling the best known catalysts.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The polymeric frameworks consist of layered structures where Zn²⁺ or Cd²⁺ ions are coordinated with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) ligands, creating robust networks that facilitate rapid ion transport and electron conductivity. Their synthesis proceeds at ambient conditions, making them economically viable for scale‑up. The research findings have been peer‑reviewed and published in <span class="key-term" data-definition="ACS Omega — Peer‑reviewed scientific journal publishing research across chemistry, indicating the credibility of the findings (GS3: Science & Technology)">ACS Omega</span> and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Catalysis Science & Technology — International journal covering advances in catalysis, underscoring the relevance of the work for clean energy (GS3: Science & Technology)">Catalysis Science and Technology</span>.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding emerging <span class="key-term" data-definition="Supercapacitor — An electrochemical energy storage device that delivers high power density and long cycle life, important for grid stability and renewable integration (GS3: Energy)">supercapacitor</span> technologies is essential for GS‑3 topics on energy security, renewable integration, and indigenous technology development. The low <span class="key-term" data-definition="Overpotential — Extra voltage beyond the thermodynamic requirement needed to drive an electrochemical reaction; lower values indicate more efficient catalysts (GS3: Electrochemistry)">overpotential</span> values illustrate progress toward cost‑effective <span class="key-term" data-definition="Green hydrogen — Hydrogen produced by water electrolysis using renewable electricity, a clean fuel with zero carbon emissions (GS3: Energy & Environment)">green hydrogen</span>, a priority area in India’s National Hydrogen Mission. The role of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Department of Science and Technology (DST) — Central government department that funds and coordinates scientific research, crucial for innovation and technology policy (GS3: Science & Technology)">DST</span> and the Ministry of Science & Technology showcases the policy‑driven push for indigenous R&D, a recurring theme in GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑3 (Economy) questions.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>To translate laboratory success into commercial impact, the following steps are recommended:</p> <ul> <li>Establish pilot‑scale production units under the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Department of Science and Technology (DST) — Central government department that funds and coordinates scientific research, crucial for innovation and technology policy (GS3: Science & Technology)">DST</span> scheme for advanced materials.</li> <li>Integrate Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB) into grid‑level storage modules and electrolyzer stacks, assessing performance under real‑world load profiles.</li> <li>Encourage public‑private partnerships to lower capital costs and accelerate market adoption of high‑capacitance supercapacitors and low‑overpotential hydrogen catalysts.</li> <li>Incorporate these materials into India’s <span class="key-term" data-definition="National Hydrogen Mission — Government initiative aimed at promoting hydrogen as a clean energy vector, covering production, storage, and utilization (GS3: Energy)">National Hydrogen Mission</span> roadmap, aligning with the country’s carbon‑neutral targets for 2070.</li> </ul> <p>Continued interdisciplinary research, supported by robust policy frameworks, can bridge the gap between scientific discovery and sustainable energy solutions for India.</p>

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Key Insight

DST‑backed polymers boost supercapacitor power and low‑overpotential hydrogen, advancing India’s clean‑energy agenda

Key Facts

Zn(DAB) and Cd(DAB) coordination polymers were synthesized at room temperature by DST‑backed CeNS in collaboration with CHRIST (Deemed) University, Bengaluru.
In a three‑electrode setup, Zn(DAB) recorded a specific capacitance of 2091.4 F g⁻¹ and Cd(DAB) 1341.6 F g⁻¹.
In asymmetric supercapacitor devices, the polymers retained 785.3 F g⁻¹ (Zn) and 428.5 F g⁻¹ (Cd) over 5000 charge‑discharge cycles with negligible loss.
For electrocatalytic water splitting, Zn(DAB) required an overpotential of 263 mV and Cd(DAB) 209 mV, rivaling the best known catalysts.
The research was peer‑reviewed in ACS Omega and Catalysis Science & Technology, underscoring DST’s push for indigenous clean‑energy R&D.
The development aligns with India’s National Hydrogen Mission and DST’s advanced materials scheme for scaling up green‑hydrogen and storage technologies.

Background

Supercapacitors and low‑overpotential electrocatalysts are critical for grid‑level renewable integration and affordable green hydrogen, both priority areas under GS‑3 (Science & Technology) and the National Hydrogen Mission. The breakthrough showcases how policy‑driven funding (DST) can translate laboratory discoveries into strategic energy solutions for India’s carbon‑neutral goals.

UPSC Syllabus

GS3 — Developments in science and technology and their applications
Essay — Science, Technology and Society
Essay — Environment and Sustainability
Prelims_GS — Environmental Issues and Climate Change
Essay — Economy, Development and Inequality
GS2 — Government policies and interventions for development
GS3 — Infrastructure - Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways
Prelims_GS — Physics and Chemistry in Everyday Life

Mains Angle

In a GS‑3 answer, candidates can discuss the role of coordinated‑polymer research in strengthening India’s indigenous clean‑energy ecosystem and its relevance to the National Hydrogen Mission. A likely question may ask about policy measures needed to commercialise such advanced materials.

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Mains Essay

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UPSC Syllabus

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DST‑Backed Zn(DAB) & Cd(DAB) Polymers Boost Supercapacitor Energy & Green Hydrogen

Overview

Full Article

Key Facts

Background & Context

UPSC Syllabus Connections

Mains Answer Angle

Analysis

Practice Questions

Prelims MCQ

Mains Short Answer

Mains Essay

Quick Reference

Key Insight

Key Facts

Background

UPSC Syllabus

Mains Angle