Zinc-air batteries as a substitute for lithium

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】Researchers in Australia have developed zinc-air batteries that are claimed to outperform lithium-ion batteries in terms of cost, environmental friendliness, and performance. By incorporating new materials into the battery design, such as carbon, iron, and cobalt-based minerals, the team was able to enhance the performance of the batteries, resulting in high peak power density, low voltage gap, and an ultra-long lifespan.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 6:15 AM PT

Zinc-air batteries as a substitute for lithium

Researchers in Australia have made a breakthrough in battery technology by developing zinc-air batteries that they claim can outperform the widely used lithium-ion batteries. While lithium-ion batteries dominate the battery storage market, they have well-known shortcomings 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 deliver better performance than lithium-ion batteries in several areas. The findings 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, have a high theoretical energy density, and are inherently safe. With the increasing demand for safer, more cost-effective, and high-performance battery systems in the market, especially for long-range vehicles and electric aircraft, ZABs are becoming more attractive.

ZABs use a zinc negative electrode and an air positive electrode. However, they have previously had limited power output and a short lifespan. The ECU team, led by Dr Azhar, has been able to enhance ZAB performance by incorporating new materials into the battery design, including carbon, iron, and cobalt-based minerals. This 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 highlighted the efficiency of the new battery design, stating that it suppressed the internal resistance of the batteries and achieved a voltage close to the theoretical voltage, leading to high peak power density and long-term stability. Additionally, the resources required to manufacture ZABs are expected to reduce costs and environmental impact compared to current supply chains.

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