Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), recently signed an MoU with Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) for commercialization of zinc-based batteries.
About Zinc-ion batteries:
- They are a type of rechargeable battery that use zinc ions (Zn²⁺) as the charge carriers.
- These batteries are considered a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries, particularly for large-scale energy storage applications.
How Zinc-Ion Batteries Work?
- Anode (Negative Electrode): Typically made of metallic zinc, which releases zinc ions when the battery is discharging.
- Cathode (Positive Electrode): Usually made of a material that can host zinc ions, like manganese dioxide or vanadium oxide.
- Electrolyte: A solution that facilitates the movement of zinc ions between the anode and cathode. It is often a water-based (aqueous) solution, making these batteries safer and more environmentally friendly.
- Charging/Discharging: During charging, zinc ions move from the cathode to the anode, where they are deposited as zinc metal. During discharging, these ions move back to the cathode, releasing energy.
Key Features and Benefits:
- They are inherently safer than lithium-ion batteries because they use a water-based electrolyte, which is non-flammable and reduces the risk of thermal runaway.
- Zinc is abundant and inexpensive compared to lithium and other materials used in lithium-ion batteries, potentially making zinc-ion batteries a more affordable option.
- Zinc-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly, as they use non-toxic and readily available materials. The water-based electrolyte also makes recycling easier and safer.
- While not as high as lithium-ion batteries, zinc-ion batteries offer a respectable energy density, making them suitable for applications, including grid storage and backup power.
- Zinc-ion batteries have a longer lifespan and can endure more charge-discharge cycles compared to some other battery types.
- Due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and durability, these are used for grid-scale energy storage, backup power systems, and possibly even in electric vehicles in the future.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What are Zinc-Ion batteries?
Zinc-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that uses zinc ions (Zn²⁺) as charge carriers.
They are considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, especially for large-scale energy storage applications.
What makes Zinc-Ion batteries safer than Lithium-Ion batteries?
Zinc-ion batteries use a water-based electrolyte, which is non-flammable, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and making them inherently safer than lithium-ion batteries.
Are Zinc-Ion batteries more cost-effective than Lithium-Ion batteries?
Yes, zinc is more abundant and less expensive than lithium and other materials used in lithium-ion batteries, making zinc-ion batteries a potentially more affordable option.