Solar Energy News
ENERGY TECH
Big increase of zinc battery lifespan could boost energy storage
illustration only
Big increase of zinc battery lifespan could boost energy storage
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 29, 2024

A major step forward in energy storage technology may soon change the way large amounts of electricity are stored for renewable energy solutions. Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have unveiled a new method that could dramatically extend the lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. By addressing key durability challenges, the team suggests these batteries could last hundreds of thousands of cycles - far exceeding the typical lifespan of a few thousand cycles for current models.

Central to this advancement is a specialized protective layer applied to the zinc anodes of these batteries. The layer effectively combats common issues, such as the formation of zinc dendrites - tiny needle-like structures that interfere with performance - and mitigates unwanted side reactions that previously led to hydrogen release and corrosion.

Prof. Roland A. Fischer, who leads the research team at TUM's School of Natural Sciences, attributes the success to the use of a unique material: a porous organic polymer called TpBD-2F. This polymer creates a stable, ultra-thin, and precisely ordered film on the zinc anode, allowing zinc ions to move freely through tiny channels while keeping water from directly interacting with the anode's surface.

Zinc Batteries Offer a Promising Alternative to Lithium-Ion
Lead researcher and Ph.D. candidate Da Lei highlighted the implications of the innovation, stating: "Zinc-ion batteries with this new protective layer could replace lithium-ion batteries in large-scale energy storage applications, such as in combination with solar or wind power plants. They last longer, are safer, and zinc is both cheaper and more readily available than lithium." While lithium remains the primary choice for mobile applications like electric vehicles, its higher cost and environmental footprint are limiting factors for large-scale, stationary storage needs.

Prof. Fischer expressed optimism about the discovery, commenting: "This is truly a spectacular research result. We have shown that the chemical approach developed by Da Lei not only works but is also controllable. As fundamental researchers, we are primarily interested in new scientific principles - and here we have discovered one. We have already developed a first prototype in the form of a button cell. I see no reason why our findings couldn't be translated to larger applications. Now, it's up to engineers to take up the idea and develop appropriate production processes."

Research Report:Ion-Transport Kinetics and Interface Stability Augmentation of Zinc Anodes Based on Fluorinated Covalent Organic Framework Thin Films

Related Links
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Powering The World in the 21st Century at Energy-Daily.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
ENERGY TECH
Huge US lithium mine gets govt approval
Los Angeles, United States (AFP) Oct 24, 2024
An enormous lithium mine in the Nevada desert was granted final government approval Thursday in a project the miner predicts will quadruple US production of a mineral critical to the renewable energy revolution. Operations at Rhyolite Ridge will produce enough lithium to supply the batteries for more than 370,000 electric vehicles every year, Australian operator Ioneer said. The plant will create 500 construction jobs over the next few years and 350 jobs during its decades of extraction, the com ... read more

ENERGY TECH
Advanced biodegradable plastics achieve unprecedented toughness and sustainability

Vast and GGS Energy launch Project Bravo to power US green fuel production

Baylor engineers introduce ultra-clean biofuel combustion technology

Innovative catalyst converts CO2 to methane using electricity

ENERGY TECH
Siemens acquires AI specialist Altair Engineering

AI boom unleashes wave of new applications across China

Internet firms must face consequences, says author

CrewMate vehicle shows potential in aiding solar field workers with PV panel installations

ENERGY TECH
On US coast, wind power foes embrace 'Save the Whales' argument

Renewables revolt in Sardinia, Italy's coal-fired island

Government action needed for world to meet renewables goal: IEA

DLR tests innovative sensor system in wind turbine rotor blades

ENERGY TECH
Paris to restrict traffic in centre: city hall

Chinese EV giant BYD beats Tesla in quarterly revenue for first time

Volkswagen profit plunges on high costs, Chinese slump

Germany urges compromise in EU-China EV row; Volkswagen profits plunges on China slump

ENERGY TECH
Exploring the cost and feasibility of battery-electric ships

Big increase of zinc battery lifespan could boost energy storage

EU's extra tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese EVs angers Beijing

Fusion energy could play a major role in the global response to climate change

ENERGY TECH
Germany to bury nuclear waste but toxic dispute unresolved

Framatome to Supply Nuclear Fuel for Hungary's Paks VVER Reactors

Czech body rejects EDF, Westinghouse nuke deal complaints

Czech body halts nuclear deal after EDF, Westinghouse cry foul

ENERGY TECH
EU greenhouse gas emissions saw 'huge' drop in 2023

Trees and power lines flattened as Cyclone Dana hits India

Carbon cuts 'miles short' of 2030 goal: UN

World on deadline for carbon-cutting 'quantum leap': UN

ENERGY TECH
Autumn season science event invites volunteers to track leaf color change

One in three tree species at risk of extinction: report

Adaptability of trees endures through millions of years of climate shifts

EU states approve one-year delay of deforestation rules

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.