Electron sponge ” technology improves the sustainability of zinc-ion aqueous batteries in fire safety

The researchers have developed a new electrode material based on copper oxide and successfully applied it to the aqueous zinc-ion batteries, achieving a triple improvement of sustainability. The results are published in the newspaper Nature communications.

Aqueous zinc The batteries are secondary batteries that use water as an electrolyte, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-ion batterieswhich use volatile liquid electrolytes and have fire risks. Their low production cost and cheap materials also make it a promising candidate for new generation energy storage systems (ESS).

However, during the load process, a phenomenon known as the dendrite formation occurs, in which zinc metal deposits develop in elongated forms on the surface of the anode, resulting in a reduction in the life of the battery. These dendrites can penetrate the separator between the anode and the cathode, causing electrical short circuits and considerably compromising the durability of the battery.

Directed by Dr. Jung Hoon Yang and Dr. Chan-Woo Lee of the Energy Research Department of Korea Institute of Energy Research, the research team has developed new copper oxide nanoparticles and successfully deleted the dendrite dendrite formation in the aqueous batteries of the Zinc-ion using an “electrons sponge” electrons at anode. The aqueous zinc-ion battery incorporating this technology has demonstrated a durability three times higher compared to conventional batteries.

The research team has tested a range of candidate materials with zinc alloy properties, analyzing their performance by particle size. Consequently, they found that the copper oxide nanoparticles had the highest affinity in zinc.

By relying on this, the research team has developed new copper oxide nanoparticles and applied them to the aqueous zinc-ion batteries. In zinc-ion batteries, electrons meet zinc ions with anode to form metallic zinc, thus storing energy. The copper oxide nanoparticles act as a sponge, quickly absorbing electrons, which allows zinc to deposit evenly around them. This uniform zinc training effectively removes the development of dendrites, which generally arise from the irregular growth of zinc.

During the discharge, “sponge” quickly releases electrons, a bit like pressing the water from a sponge, thus promoting the dissolution of zinc metal and minimizing residual zinc on the surface of the anode. This mechanism prevents the remains of zinc from developing in dendrites during repeated charge load cycles.

The research team has appointed “electronic sponge” technology and, by computer modeling, has shown that it can also reduce loss of energy During the battery load. When applied to a zinc-polyioiodur flow battery, a type of zinc-based aqueous battery, no Dendrite training Was observed even after 2,500 load discharge cycles.

In comparison, conventional batteries generally start to develop dendrites and fail after about 800 cycles, which indicates that new technology offers sustainability more than three times.

In addition, the battery presented a great efficiencyWith a load / discharge capacity ratio of 98.7%. He also made a Energy density Out of 180 Wh / L, more than 30% higher than previously reported zinc-polyioiodide flow batteries, considerably improving its marketing potential.

Dr. Jung Hoon Yang and Dr. Chan-Woo Lee, who led research to Kier, said: “We expect this study to provide a key breakthrough for the development of new generation zinc batteries with high performance and security.

“We are planning to quickly validate performance on a commercial scale by integrating the copper oxide electrode material newly developed into a zinc-polyood battery demonstration system of 3.5 kW.”