Rechargeable zinc-based batteries could not only store as much energy as lithium-ion batteries but also be safer, cheaper, smaller and lighter, new research finds. The results suggest zinc batteries could find use in mild hybrids (microhybrids), electric vehicles, electric bicycles, and eventually perhaps smartphones and power grid storage.
The researchers are now aggressively testing these batteries and exploring scaling up this technology. “We feel we can have a battery ready for the market by the end of 2019,” says Michael Burz, CEO of energy technology firm EnZinc
2 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
APB’s battery could be a turning point for both storage and electric vehicle applications, analyst says
Battery breakthrough makes lithium-ion tech 90% cheaper – and manufacturing is easy as ‘buttering toast’
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/battery-lithium-ion-breakthrough-cheaper-safer-a9611826.html?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1594397329
“The problem with making lithium batteries now is that it’s device manufacturing, like semiconductors,” Mr Horie told The Japan Times. “Our goal is to make it more like steel production.”
Manufacturing the new batteries is significantly simplified by replacing the metal-lined electrodes and liquid electrolytes typically found within lithium-ion units with a resin construction.
One of the key issues surrounding high-powered lithium-ion batteries is safety, having caused fires in Samsung smartphones and crashed Tesla cars in recent years.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel%E2%80%93zinc_battery
A nickel–zinc battery, abbreviated NiZn, is a type of rechargeable battery similar to NiCd batteries, but with a higher voltage of 1.6 V.
Larger nickel–zinc battery systems have been known for over 100 years. Since 2000, development of a stabilized zinc electrode system has made this technology viable and competitive with other commercially available rechargeable battery systems. Unlike some other technologies, trickle charging is not recommended.
A Review Of NiZn Batteries
https://reactual.com/portable-electronics/nizn-batteries.html
In A Nutshell
NiZn (Nickel-Zinc) batteries are a type of rechargeable AA battery that operates with a nominal voltage 1.6 volts, which is very close to the 1.5 volts of alkaline batteries.
This makes NiZn battery perform well in high-drain devices like handheld games. However, NiZn batteries do not have a long life — after about 30-50 recharges, they tend to go flat easily. NiZn batteries also require a special charger optimized for their chemistry.
Overall, these batteries are good for high-drain devices that require a high voltage, but whenever possible we recommend sticking with high-capacity LSD NiMH batteries.