Zinc-air batteries: a viable 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, performance, and safety. The batteries, which use zinc and air electrodes, have been enhanced with new materials to improve their power output and lifespan. The incorporation of carbon, iron, and cobalt-based minerals has resulted in zinc-air batteries that deliver high peak power density, low voltage gap, and an ultra-long lifespan.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 11:42 PM PT

Zinc-air batteries: a viable lithium alternative

Researchers in Australia have made a breakthrough in battery technology by developing zinc-air batteries that have the potential to outperform lithium-ion batteries. While lithium-ion batteries are widely used in the battery storage market, they have known limitations in terms of cost, resource demands, and safety. However, a recent study led by engineers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Perth has shown that batteries with zinc and air electrodes could offer better performance across various metrics. The research has been published in Ecomat.

Dr Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, a chemical and materials engineer at ECU, highlighted the advantages of rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs), including their low cost, environmental friendliness, high theoretical energy density, and inherent safety. With the increasing demand for safer, more cost-effective, and high-performance battery systems in the market, ZABs are becoming more appealing.

ZABs use a zinc negative electrode and an air positive electrode. However, they have previously suffered from limited power output and a short lifespan. The ECU team, led by Dr Azhar, has been able to overcome these limitations by incorporating new materials into the battery design, such as carbon, iron, and cobalt-based minerals. This has resulted in ZABs that exhibit 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 high peak power density and exceptional stability. Moreover, the resources required to manufacture ZABs, such as zinc from Australia and air, are abundant and readily available. This not only enhances the cost-effectiveness of the batteries but also reduces their environmental impact compared to current supply chains.

The development of these innovative zinc-air batteries opens up new possibilities for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions in the future. With the abundance of zinc in countries like Australia and the ubiquity of air, ZABs offer a highly viable and reliable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.