Zinc-air batteries: a substitute for lithium

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】Australian researchers have developed zinc-air batteries that they claim can outperform lithium-ion batteries in terms of cost, performance, and safety. The batteries, which use zinc and air electrodes, have been enhanced with new materials, resulting in high power density, low voltage gap, and an ultra-long lifespan. The use of abundant zinc resources from Australia and air makes these batteries a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy storage solution for the future.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 11:19 PM PT

Zinc-air batteries: a substitute for lithium

Researchers in Australia have made significant advancements in the development of zinc-air batteries, which they believe can outperform the widely used lithium-ion batteries. The shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries, such as high cost, resource demands, and safety concerns, are well-known in the battery storage market. However, a recent study led by engineers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth has demonstrated that batteries with zinc and air electrodes can offer 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, explained the appeal of rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs), stating that they are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and possess high theoretical energy density, as well as inherent safety. With the increasing demand for safer, more cost-effective, and high-performance battery systems due to the emergence of long-range vehicles and electric aircraft, ZABs have become more attractive.

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 new design has resulted in ZABs that deliver 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 design significantly reduces the internal resistance of the batteries, resulting in a high peak power density and exceptional stability. Moreover, the resources required to manufacture ZABs are expected to be more cost-effective and have a reduced environmental impact compared to current supply chains.

Dr Azhar highlighted the use of natural resources, such as zinc from Australia and air, which further enhances the cost-effectiveness and viability of zinc-air batteries for the future. The abundance of zinc available in countries like Australia, combined with the ubiquity of air, makes zinc-air batteries a highly viable and reliable energy storage solution.