Study finds redesigned zinc-air batteries a ‘better alternative’ to lithium

A team of researchers at Western Australia’s Edith Cowan University (ECU) have redesigned zinc-air batteries in such a way that they claim to have overcome the technology’s notorious power output limitations. 

“The new design has been so efficient it suppressed the internal resistance of batteries, and their voltage was close to the theoretical voltage which resulted in a high peak power density and ultra-long stability,” research lead Dr Muhammad Rizwan Azhar said.

Zinc-air batteries consist of a zinc negative electrode and an air positive electrode, and while the chemistry holds promise and is significantly more sustainable than lithium-based counterparts, the poor performance of air electrodes and short lifespan has limited the technology’s power output and ultimately its reach. 

The ECU team, however, says it has made a breakthrough in the technology which has enabled engineers to use a combination of new materials, such as carbon, cheaper iron and cobalt based minerals, to overcome these issues. 

These redesigned zinc-air batteries emerged as a better alternative to lithium, according to the team’s recent study.

“Rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are becoming more appealing because of their low cost, environmental friendliness, high theoretical energy density, and inherent safety,” Dr Azhar said.

Lithium batteries, on the other hand, rely on high-cost and finite resources, and have safety issues.”With the emergence of next-generation long-range vehicles and electric aircraft in the market, there is an increasing need for safer, more cost-effective, and high-performance battery systems that can surpass the capabilities of lithium-ion batteries,” Dr Azhar said.

“By using natural resources, such as zinc from Australia and air, this further enhances the cost-effectiveness and viability of these innovative zinc-air batteries for the future.”