Energy storage has been a crucial area of focus for researchers and industries over the last few decades. It is important to have efficient and durable batteries that can also ensure safety during operation and be environmentally friendly. The development of alternative battery technologies has been vital towards fulfilling these requirements, and zinc metal batteries have emerged as a promising solution.
Zinc metal batteries have shown significant potential to offer a sustainable energy storage solution due to their unique features. They are cheap, abundant, and can store more energy than traditional lead-acid batteries. Additionally, they have a longer lifespan and can tolerate high temperatures and charge-discharge cycles.
The real challenge for researchers has been to make zinc metal batteries safer and environmentally friendly. Several studies have focused on developing stable electrolytes that are environmentally friendly and free from toxic solvents. Researchers have also made progress in establishing a safe and efficient system for the charging and discharging of the battery.
One of the significant breakthroughs in zinc metal battery technology has been the discovery of a reversible 2-electron transfer cathode. This method allows for greater energy density, enabling zinc metal batteries to store energy efficiently in both high and low-temperature environments without compromising on their lifespan or safety.
Over the years, researchers have developed several variants of zinc metal batteries, including hybrid and flow batteries, both of which have shown promising results in energy storage.
Hybrid batteries have been successful in achieving high power output and are suitable for applications that require rapid discharge of energy.
Flow batteries have shown great potential in energy storage applications for renewable energy sources like Solar PV, Wind farm, and electric vehicles, among others.
Despite the progress made in zinc metal battery technology, there are still some challenges to be addressed in mass production and scaling. However, with the current developments in research and innovations, we could expect drastic improvements and increased adoption of zinc metal batteries in the near future.
With the growing merger of all critical characteristics of being cheap, efficient, durable, safe, and environmentally friendly, zinc metal batteries have proved to be one of the most promising solutions towards a sustainable energy storage system.
As we continue to explore and research better energy storage solutions, it is essential to acknowledge and continue to monitor the progress made in alternative battery technology, including the zinc metal batteries.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 