The study, published in the journal Advanced Materials, describes how scientists solved two main problems of zinc-ion batteries: preventing the formation of dendrites, metal spikes that can cause short circuits, and reducing hydrogen production from the aqueous electrolyte. may cause the battery to deteriorate.

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Researchers used tungsten and oxide coatings on electrodes to reduce dendritic growth and extend battery life. They also found a way to adjust the acidity level of the aqueous solution to slow hydrogen evolution.

Energy density of battery prototype 75 W-hour/kgabout which 30% of modern lithium-ion batteriesbut the charge and discharge cycles are comparable to them in terms of duration.

Researchers believe that zinc-ion batteries have great potential for energy storage because zinc is lighter and provides higher energy density than other metals such as nickel and magnesium. Zinc is also available, inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

The next step is to increase the energy density of our water-based batteries by developing new nanomaterials as electrode materials.
– researchers say.

They also stated that magnesium-ion batteries are more promising in the future as they provide faster charging and higher power for energy-intensive devices and applications.