Zinc-air batteries: A Lithium alternative

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【Summary】Researchers in Australia have developed zinc-air batteries that could outperform lithium-ion batteries in terms of cost, environmental impact, and performance. The batteries, which use zinc and air electrodes, have traditionally had limited power output and lifespan. However, by incorporating new materials into the design, the researchers were able to enhance the performance of the zinc-air batteries, achieving high power density, low voltage gap, and an ultra-long lifespan.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 4:26 PM PT

Zinc-air batteries: A Lithium alternative

Researchers in Australia have made significant advancements in the development of zinc-air batteries, which they claim can outperform the widely used lithium-ion batteries. The shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries, including high cost, resource demands, and safety concerns, are well known. In a recent study led by engineers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth, it was demonstrated that batteries with zinc and air electrodes could deliver superior performance compared to lithium-ion batteries across various metrics. The findings of this study have been published in Ecomat.

Dr Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, a chemical and materials engineer at ECU, highlighted the appeal of rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) due to their low cost, environmental friendliness, high theoretical energy density, and inherent safety. As the market sees the emergence of next-generation long-range vehicles and electric aircraft, there is a growing need for battery systems that are safer, more cost-effective, and offer higher performance than lithium-ion batteries.

ZABs utilize a zinc negative electrode and an air positive electrode. However, until now, they have suffered from limited power output and a short lifespan. Dr Azhar and his team at ECU have been able to enhance ZAB performance by incorporating new materials into the battery design, including carbon, iron, and cobalt-based minerals. This innovation has resulted in ZABs with a high peak power density of 228 mW cm−2, a low voltage gap of 0.77 V, and an ultra-long lifespan of 950 hours.

Dr Azhar explained that the new battery design has significantly reduced the internal resistance of the batteries, resulting in a voltage close to the theoretical voltage. This breakthrough has led to a high peak power density and exceptional stability. Furthermore, the resources required to manufacture ZABs are expected to reduce costs and have a lesser environmental impact compared to current supply chains.

Dr Azhar emphasized the use of natural resources, such as zinc from Australia, and the abundance of air, which further enhances the cost-effectiveness and viability of zinc-air batteries for future energy storage solutions. With the availability of zinc in countries like Australia and the ubiquity of air, zinc-air batteries hold great promise as a highly viable and reliable energy storage solution.