Zinc-Based Batteries For Greener Solutions

Recent advancements have overcome key challenges, offering safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy storage with higher energy density. 

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, central to devices like electric vehicles and wearables, may soon face competition from a more sustainable alternative: zinc-based batteries. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made advancements in developing high-performance, low-cost zinc-sulfur batteries.

The team mentioned that this represents a major step toward safer, more sustainable energy storage solutions. Zinc-sulfur batteries, he noted, could revolutionize applications ranging from renewable energy systems to portable electronics due to their reduced environmental footprint and reliance on abundant materials.

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While lithium-ion batteries dominate today’s market, they are expensive, depend on rare resources, and are challenging to manufacture. Zinc-sulfur batteries, in contrast, utilize cost-effective, widely available materials and pose fewer environmental and safety risks. However, persistent challenges, including zinc-anode corrosion, low conductivity, and dendrite formation, have limited their commercial viability—until now.

The team addressed these issues by introducing two additives: propylene glycol methyl ether and zinc-iodide. These compounds improved energy capacity by 20%, enhanced conductivity, stabilized the batteries, and inhibited zinc dendrite growth, which can otherwise cause short circuits and fires.The resulting batteries offer higher energy density than lithium-ion counterparts, enabling more compact and durable designs ideal for renewable energy systems and high-demand devices.

Beyond affordability and safety, zinc-sulfur batteries have transformative potential in soft robotics and advanced sensing systems. Cao, who leads the Soft Machines and Electronics Laboratory at CWRU, is exploring their use in biologically inspired robots, space exploration, and even space debris removal. This research, conducted in collaboration with Fudan University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, signals a promising shift toward greener, cost-efficient energy storage solutions.

“These additives improve battery efficiency and tackle safety concerns, making them more reliable for diverse applications,” said Guiyin Xu, co-senior author and professor at Donghua University.