Scientists designed a new 3D zinc-manganese nano-alloy anode enabling faster-charging speeds while also reducing the risk of catching fire significantly in resulting batteries. According to the researchers, new dendrite-free aqueous batteries might prove useful in electric vehicles due to their high energy density.
EV battery module - Image Credit: P5h via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
A well-known problem with contemporary lithium-ion based batteries used in most modern devices is that they are somewhat prone to catching fire. Fires instigated by traditional batteries are also difficult to extinguish.
Zinc-based aqueous batteries are less likely to catch fire utilizing a water-based electrolyte as an alternative to typical chemical solvents. However, uncontrolled dendrite growth inhibits their performance potential. Furthermore, their life expectancy is much shorter, making them ineffective in real-world applications.
Scientists from the University of Houston may have found a solution to the aforementioned issues. In a paper published in Nature Communications, they described a 3D zinc-manganese nano-alloy anode that allows for a dendrite-free aqueous battery, capable of stable high-performance using seawater as the electrolyte.
Co-author Xiaonan Shan stated in a press release that the discovery made by him and his research team offers promise for energy storage and other applications, including EVs, as dendrite-free aqueous batteries provide high energy density at a low cost.
Image Credit: Olexander Kozak via Shutterstock / HDR tune by Universal-Sci
The team also produced an on-site optical visualization method that enabled them to observe the reaction dynamics on their anode in real-time, providing them with concrete evidence of the reaction kinetics. It aids in comprehending phenomena that could not be easily accessed before. The 3D zinc-manganese nano alloy anode was shown to be stable without degrading during 1,000 hours of charge/discharge cycling under a high current density of 80 mA/cm2.
An anode is an electrode through which a conventional current enters into a polarized electrical device. This contrasts with a cathode, an electrode through which conventional current leaves an electrical device. Electrodes are the medium through which the ionic charge flows between the cathode and anode. Because the scientists propose to use seawater as the electrolyte instead of expensive, heavily purified water, there is considerable potential for cost savings on batteries based on this technique.
An electric fan (upper left) is powered by the proposed zinc battery; typical charge/discharge profiles of ZIBs at 0.5C (upper right); in-situ microscope setup to image the zinc deposition dynamics (bottom left); and the morphology change caused by the zinc deposition (bottom right) - Image Credit: University of Houston
Conventional anode materials applied in aqueous batteries are inclined to dendrites (tiny growths that can cause the battery to lose power). The Houston research team introduced and demonstrated a plan to efficiently lessen and contain dendrite formation by controlling surface reaction thermodynamics with a zinc alloy and reaction kinetics by a three-dimensional structure.
A zinc-manganese alloy might not be the only possible material that can be used with this new battery technology. Multiple research teams are currently examining other alloys as a potential substitute.
Altogether there is a lot to be excited about in the world of battery tech. If scientists succeed in bringing a viable battery product to the market based on this technology, it could significantly impact the automotive industry, among others. We will keep you updated!
If you are interested in particulars of the study outlined in this article, be sure to check out the Nature Communications publication listed below.
Further reading:
FEATURED ARTICLES:
