Zinc-ion batteries can indeed be securely engineered
In the bustling city of Seoul, South Korea, a team of engineers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionise the world of energy storage.
Led by Professor Seokwoo Jeon, the team has developed a zinc-ion battery that is safe enough to be worn on the body, addressing a long-standing issue in the field of zinc-ion batteries - the formation of dendrites. These structures can lead to short circuits, reduced efficiency, and even potential fires or explosions.
The team's breakthrough came with the development of a method of periodic anodization. This innovative technique allows them to control the nature of the near-surface zinc oxide film and metallic zinc, forming pyramid-like structures of metallic zinc covered by zinc oxide on the surface of a metal electrode.
The zinc-ion battery built by the team, under the guidance of researcher Joong-Kee Lee, retained almost 100% of its capacity after 1000 cycles. This high level of structural and electrochemical stability indicates that the battery could be a game-changer in the energy storage industry.
The demand for energy storage is on the rise, and while lithium-ion batteries are currently the most common, they are expensive and have unevenly distributed resources. The high-performance zinc-ion battery developed by Lee and colleagues is expected to be suitable for various applications due to its excellent electrochemical performance and safety.
In fact, these batteries could potentially be suitable for wearables, making them a promising solution for powering devices that are worn close to the body. However, no information is available regarding the commercialization of these zinc-ion battery prototypes.
The team plans to continue their research, focusing on developing a zinc-ion battery in the form of flexible fibers. These fibers could be easily bent and integrated into clothing or a bag, making them a practical solution for everyday use.
The new design of the zinc-ion battery also includes zinc oxide, which blocks direct contact between the electrode and the electrolyte, significantly slowing down corrosion. Through electrochemical reduction, the new design prevents the formation of disturbing dendritic crystals in the zinc-ion battery.
This isn't the first time South Korean researchers have made strides in the field of zinc-ion batteries. In 2017, a prototype was announced that also managed to avoid dendrite formation, using a zinc metal anode, a vanadium oxide cathode, and an aqueous electrolyte with zinc ions. This prototype retained 80% of its capacity after 1000 cycles.
Even earlier, in 2011, Feiyu Kang from the University Town of Shenzhen presented manganese dioxide anodes with special tunnel structures for zinc-ion batteries.
As the world continues to grapple with the need for safe, efficient, and cost-effective energy storage solutions, the work being done by these South Korean researchers could pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
