Recent research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia has opened the door for a revolution in the world of battery power and storage. The study, led by Muhammad Rizwan Azhar, has shown that zinc-air batteries could displace lithium-ion batteries as the predominant technology in the futurethanks to its lower cost, safety and improved sustainability.
In accordance with The Energy Newspaper, progress focuses on improve the life and performance of zinc-air batteries using a combination of more economical and environmentally friendly materials. Despite the popularity of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles around the world, they face limitations related to cost, limited resource availability, and safety concerns.
Zinc-air batteries (ZAB) are emerging as an attractive alternative due to their low cost, respect for the environment, high theoretical energy density and inherent safety.
Azhar, in charge of the project, points out that with the appearance of long-range vehicles and electric aircraft on the marketthe need for safer, more cost-effective, high-performance batteries is becoming ever more pressing.
The barriers that the ZABs overcame
Until now, the ZABs had faced limitations due to low power output and limited life of the air electrodes. However, the advancement of the ECU has allowed engineers to redesign these batteries using a combination of new materials, such as carbon and more affordable iron- and cobalt-based minerals.
This new design has managed to eliminate the internal resistance of the batteries and increase their maximum power density, providing ultra-long stability.
The abundance of zinc in countries like Australia and the ubiquity of air make zinc-air batteries a viable and reliable energy storage solution. In addition, the focus on the use of natural resources, such as zinc and air further enhances the profitability and viability of these innovative batteries for a more sustainable future.
The redesign of zinc-air batteries not only has the potential to revolutionize the energy storage sector, but also makes a significant contribution to building a sustainable society, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact environmental.