Zinc-air batteries provide alternative to lithium

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【Summary】Australian researchers have developed zinc-air batteries that they claim can outperform lithium-ion batteries in terms of cost, energy density, and safety. The new design incorporates materials such as carbon, iron, and cobalt-based minerals, resulting in batteries with high peak power density, low voltage gap, and an ultra-long lifespan.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 4:14 PM PT

Zinc-air batteries provide alternative to 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. 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 study has been published in Ecomat.

Dr Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, a chemical and materials engineer at ECU, explained that rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are gaining popularity due to their low cost, environmental friendliness, high theoretical energy density, and inherent safety. With the rise of long-range vehicles and electric aircraft, there is a growing need for battery systems that are safer, more cost-effective, and higher performing than lithium-ion batteries.

ZABs utilize a zinc negative electrode and an air positive electrode. However, until now, they have had 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 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.

According to Dr Azhar, the new battery design has significantly reduced the internal resistance of the batteries, resulting in a high peak power density and exceptional stability. In addition to their improved performance, the resources required to manufacture ZABs are expected to be more cost-effective and have a lower environmental impact compared to current supply chains.

Dr Azhar emphasized the use of natural resources such as zinc from Australia and air, which further enhances the cost-effectiveness and viability of these innovative zinc-air batteries for future energy storage solutions. With the abundance of zinc in countries like Australia and the widespread availability of air, ZABs present a highly viable and reliable energy storage option.