Mexican Researchers Develop Tough Zinc-Air Batteries to Replace Lithium-Ion

A research team in Chihuahua, Mexico, has developed a groundbreaking battery that not only withstands extreme conditions but also promises to be a safer alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Led by scientist Noé Arjona at the Center for Advanced Materials Research, the new zinc-air battery prototype continues to function after being punctured and submerged in water—conditions that typically pose a significant risk of fire for lithium-ion batteries used in mobile phones and electric vehicles.

The motivation behind this innovation stems from ongoing safety concerns associated with lithium-ion technology. “We are not using lithium-ion batteries because of the many safety concerns regarding the flammability of the electrolytes that are used in that kind of technology,” Arjona stated. Instead, the researchers opted for a metal-air battery that utilizes metal and oxygen from the air, replacing flammable liquids with a safer alternative.

Innovative Design and Testing

The design of the battery minimizes the use of metals, addressing safety concerns linked to more active materials. Arjona explains that many metals typically used in batteries can be critical materials, which are often scarce. To mitigate this, the team developed a carbon sheet embedded with individual atoms of nickel, a more abundant and cost-effective material.

To analyze their prototype at the molecular level, the scientists employed the advanced imaging capabilities of the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan. Their research confirmed that the battery contained single atoms of nickel combined with novel gel polymer electrolytes and zinc. This unique composition significantly reduces the safety risks associated with traditional battery designs.

In rigorous testing, the prototype demonstrated exceptional durability. The team subjected the battery to extreme conditions, hammering a nail through it, exposing it to flames, and submerging it in water. Remarkably, the battery continued to operate effectively throughout these challenges.

Addressing Temperature and Environmental Concerns

Beyond safety, the new battery design is notably resilient to temperature fluctuations. Arjona highlighted a crucial advantage, particularly for electric vehicles in colder climates. “In Canada, you have a huge problem with recharging batteries in very cold temperatures. Our kind of technology doesn’t have the same issues with very low or very high temperatures,” he said.

The research team is also committed to enhancing the environmental sustainability of their battery. They are exploring the integration of biodegradable components, which could enrich soil and support plant growth after the battery reaches the end of its life cycle. Future studies will investigate the use of bioplastics in their design and potentially substitute nickel with iron, a metal commonly found in soil.

While the innovative design shows great promise, Arjona emphasizes that further research is essential before the technology can replace current battery systems. “If we want to have highly safe batteries, we need to design them with single-atom catalysts. This is the future of energy storage,” he concluded.

The findings of this research were published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, underscoring the potential for zinc-air batteries to reshape the landscape of energy storage solutions. As the demand for safer and more sustainable battery technologies continues to grow, this development could pave the way for significant advancements in various industries, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles.