Gujarat is rapidly becoming India’s battery manufacturing capital. Agratas (Tata Group) is building a 20 GWh lithium-ion cell factory on 320 acres in Sanand with over 2,000 construction workers on site. TDSG, a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki, has established a separate 20 GWh facility in Gujarat. Tata AutoComp manufactures EV components from ESR’s Sanand Industrial Park. Reliance Industries has announced 30 GWh capacity in Gujarat.
Every stage of battery development, from cathode synthesis to final cell assembly, requires material characterisation. The MNRDC at Parul University provides the full suite of instruments needed for battery material testing within a single facility in Vadodara, positioned between the Sanand manufacturing belt and the Ankleshwar chemical corridor. Head here to learn how MNRDC Facilities and Services plays a major role in increasing the research levels.
Electrode Impedance and Dielectric Properties (LCR Meter)
The ZM2376 LCR Meter at MNRDC measures resistance, capacitance, inductance, impedance, quality factor, and dissipation factor from 1 mHz to 5 MHz. The integrated furnace with gold-plated electrodes tests up to 1200C, enabling temperature-dependent dielectric analysis critical for understanding electrode behaviour under charging/discharging thermal cycles.
Cathode and Anode Crystal Phases (XRD)
For battery manufacturers, this is the quality gate that confirms whether a batch of cathode material meets the crystallographic specification before it enters cell assembly.
Electrode Surface Morphology (SEM+EDS)
After cycling tests, SEM can identify degradation mechanisms such as lithium plating, dendrite formation, and SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interface) layer growth.
Thermal Stability (DSC/STA)
STA simultaneously tracks mass loss, identifying decomposition products. This data is essential for cell safety validation and for comparing the thermal stability of different cathode chemistries. Head here to read how XRD Testing at MNRDC happens and earns global attention!
Electrode Surface Roughness (AFM)
The Nanosurf Core AFM measures surface roughness at nanoscale with MountainsSPIP producing 50+ ISO roughness parameters. Higher roughness generally indicates more active surface area, but excessive roughness may indicate coating defects. Head here to read more on – Dielectric Testing: LCR Meter at MNRDC
The Gujarat Energy Research Context
MNRDC’s own research output validates its energy-sector testing capability. The center’s highest-impact publication is in Renewable Energy (Impact Factor 9.1, Q1, 2025): NiFeP@Ni nanotubes for green hydrogen production through electrolysis. The Royal Academy of Engineering UK funds this project, and the research collaboration with the University of Surrey UK provides an international validation layer. Head here to read Royal Academy of Engineering UK collaborates with Green Hydrogen Research at MNRDC (Electrocatalyst characterisation)
FAQ
Can MNRDC test lithium-ion battery electrode materials?
Yes. They’re executing complete electrode characterisation under one roof. For detailed information, you can get in touch with them via their official website.
How close is MNRDC to Gujarat's EV manufacturing hub?
MNRDC is located at Parul University, Vadodara. The Sanand-Hansalpur EV belt (Tata Motors, Agratas 20 GWh, Maruti Suzuki, Honda) is approximately 110 km north, accessible in under 2 hours. The Ankleshwar chemical corridor (battery material suppliers) is approximately 130 km south.
