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18
June 2023
BY TEAM
IO
Groundbreaking leap in zinc-air battery technology
SUSTAINABILITY - Currently, zinc-air batteries have energy densities
more than three times higher than lithium-ion batteries, but
advancements are required to match their specific energy and voltage
levels.
![](images/images_06_20_2023/R5LFWTh1_2x-986x1004.jpg)
Prototype zinc-air battery
Researchers from Tohoku University have made a game-changing
innovation in zinc-air batteries, significantly improving their
performance and making them a strong contender against lithium-ion
batteries. By using a novel iron azaphthalocyanine unimolecular layer
(AZUL) electrocatalyst and a tandem electrolyte system, the team
boosted the potential of zinc-air batteries to approximately 2.25 V
and a high power density of 318 mW/cm2. This opens up opportunities
for zinc-air batteries to be used in advanced devices such as drones,
electric vehicles, and grid-scale energy storage systems.
Highlights
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Theoretically, zinc-air batteries have a higher energy density than
Li-ion batteries.
-
There are limitations currently stopping the use of zinc-air in
power-hungry applications like cars.
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With the Tohoku University innovation, zinc-air may become competitive
with Li-ion.
Understanding zinc-air batteries
Zinc-air batteries are a type of
metal-air battery powered by the oxidation of zinc with oxygen from
the air. They are known for their high energy densities and relatively
low cost of production, making them an attractive option for various
applications. However, their low power density and standard voltage of
around 1.4 V have limited their use in advanced devices.
The innovation from Tohoku University involves the development
of cobalt oxide/carbon nanotube hybrid catalysts and nickel-iron
layered double hydroxide cathode catalysts, which exhibit higher
catalytic activity and durability. This results in a zinc-air battery
with a peak power density of around 265 mW/cm³ and energy density
greater than 700 Wh/kg. The innovation also includes rechargeable
zinc-air batteries with small charge-discharge voltage polarisation
and high reversibility.
Comparing with lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are currently the most popular battery
type, with a specific energy of around 150-250 Wh/kg and a nominal
cell voltage of around 3.6 V. In comparison, current zinc-air
batteries have a specific energy of 470 Wh/kg (practical) and 1370 Wh/kg
(theoretical), as well as a specific power of 100 W/kg. The nominal
cell voltage for zinc-air batteries is 1.45 V. With the Tohoku
University innovation, the energy density of zinc-air batteries can
potentially increase to 400-500 Wh/kg, which is comparable to or even
higher than that of lithium-ion batteries. The voltage can also be
increased to 1.6-1.8 V.
Which emerging battery technology will define our future?
Innovation Origins - Emerging battery technologies hold great
potential to impact various industries, from energy transition and
electric vehicles to medical applications.
![](images/images_06_20_2023/pic2.png)
AI generated image of an experiment to generate the
best possible battery © MidJourney
Author profile picture
From cars to medical appliances, contemporary life relies extensively
on batteries. The ability to store energy efficiently is crucial for
powering devices ranging from minuscule gadgets to large SUVs.
Consequently, there is a continuous endeavor to enhance battery
performance. What does the cutting-edge battery technology landscape
look like? What breakthroughs can we anticipate in the near future?
Oxygen-ion batteries: a new long-life solution
Researchers at the University of Technology Vienna have
developed an oxygen-ion battery that offers several advantages over
traditional lithium-ion batteries. Although oxygen-ion batteries have
lower energy densities, their storage capacity can be regenerated,
potentially enabling an extended service life. These batteries are
constructed from incombustible materials and do not require rare
elements, making them an excellent choice for large energy storage
systems that store electrical energy from renewable sources.
Stretchable and biodegradable batteries for healthcare
Austrian researchers at Johannes Kepler University have created
the first stretchable and biodegradable battery. This innovative
battery is water-soluble, easily broken down in the body, and designed
for use in wearables and medical implants. Existing batteries often
contain toxic metals and are difficult to recycle, but this
breakthrough overcomes these limitations by using elastomer,
magnesium, molybdenum oxide, and a biodegradable gel in its
construction.
Although zinc-air batteries have a higher energy density and
potentially higher specific energy than lithium-ion batteries, further
improvements are needed to match the specific energy and voltage
levels of lithium-ion batteries. The innovation by Tohoku University
researchers is a significant step towards achieving this goal,
boosting the potential of zinc-air batteries to approximately 2.25 V
and a high power density of 318 mW/cm².
Potential near-future applications
With their higher energy density and improved performance,
zinc-air batteries have the potential to become a competitive
alternative to lithium-ion batteries in the near future. Possible
applications for zinc-air batteries include electric vehicle
batteries, portable electronics, and utility-scale energy storage
systems. Zinc-air batteries are already used to replace
now-discontinued mercury batteries commonly used in photo cameras and
hearing aids.
In addition, the AZUL electrocatalyst and tandem electrolyte
system developed by the Tohoku University researchers show high
stability and excellent oxygen reduction reaction performance in an
ultralow pH region. The tandem-electrolyte cells demonstrated a cell
voltage of over 1.0 V at a high discharge current density of 200 mA/cm²,
and the output power density reached 1139 mWh/g(Zn) at 100 mA/cm²
discharge. This innovation could pave the way for the use of zinc-air
batteries as a drive power source in cutting-edge devices, such as
drones and other advanced electronics.
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