The rapid development of mobile devices has exposed the limitations of battery technology. While the industry has continuously explored new, high-efficiency battery solutions, many have remained theoretical due to various challenges. However, a breakthrough from Stanford University is now changing the game.
Stanford researchers have developed an advanced zinc-air battery, which offers high catalytic activity and reliability at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional batteries like platinum or rhodium-based ones. This cost-effectiveness is crucial for the widespread adoption of new energy storage technologies.
According to Hongjie Dai, a professor of chemistry at Stanford and lead researcher on the project, "The demand for high-performance, affordable, and safe batteries for portable electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage is growing rapidly. Metal-air batteries present a promising low-cost solution. Since oxygen is abundant in the atmosphere, the theoretical energy density of metal-air batteries far exceeds that of conventional lithium-ion or water-based batteries. Among these, zinc-air batteries stand out as the most technically and economically viable option."
Zinc-air cells operate by using ambient oxygen and zinc metal in an alkaline electrolyte, generating current through the oxidation of zinc. After recharging, both oxygen and zinc can be regenerated, allowing the battery to be reused.
Although zinc-air battery technology isn't entirely new—used in hearing aids and electric vehicles—it has long been limited by the inability to recharge. Rechargeable versions are typically large fuel cells, but the main challenge has been the inefficiency of air catalysts and the short lifespan of zinc electrodes.
To address this, Hongjie Dai's team developed a series of high-performance electrocatalysts using common metals combined with carbon nanotubes. These materials exhibit superior catalytic activity and stability in alkaline environments, outperforming traditional precious metals.
This new zinc-air battery demonstrates excellent reversibility and reliability, maintaining performance over several weeks of charge-discharge cycles. With these improvements, the technology is one step closer to becoming a practical and sustainable power source for the future.
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