Zinc-air batteries: a new alternative

author: FutureCar Staff    

Researchers in Australia have made significant advancements in the development of zinc-air batteries, which they believe can surpass the performance of lithium-ion batteries that are widely used in electrification. While lithium-ion batteries dominate the battery storage market, they are known to have limitations in terms of cost, resource demands, and safety. Engineers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth have conducted a study demonstrating that batteries with zinc and air electrodes can offer superior performance compared to lithium-ion batteries across various metrics. The findings of this research have been published in Ecomat.

Dr Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, a chemical and materials engineer at ECU, explains 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 long-range vehicles and electric aircraft, there is a growing need for battery systems that are safer, more cost-effective, and high-performing than lithium-ion batteries.

ZABs utilize a zinc negative electrode and an air positive electrode. However, until now, they have faced challenges in terms of limited power output and a short lifespan. The ECU team, led by Dr Azhar, has successfully enhanced the performance of ZABs 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 highlights the efficiency of the new battery design, which effectively reduces the internal resistance of batteries and achieves a voltage close to the theoretical voltage. This leads to a high peak power density and exceptional stability. Additionally, the resources required to manufacture ZABs are expected to contribute to reduced costs and environmental impact compared to current supply chains.

By utilizing natural resources like zinc from Australia and air, the cost-effectiveness and viability of these innovative zinc-air batteries are further enhanced. Dr Azhar emphasizes the abundance of zinc in countries like Australia and the ubiquity of air, making zinc-air batteries a highly reliable and feasible energy storage solution for the future.

FutureCar Staff