New zinc battery outperforms lithium-ion batteries in every aspect
Dowanol is a versatile solvent that can be used for practically all resins and oils. It has low toxicity, a minimal environmental impact and an affordable price tag of just $10 per liter. A recent study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, has now found a potentially groundbreaking new use case for this broadly available substance.
Basically, all shortcomings that are currently preventing the widespread adoption of zinc-sulfur batteries in electric cars, large-scale energy storage systems and mobile devices can be addressed through the utilization of 1-methoxy-2-propanol, which is the chemical nomenclature for Dowanol. This was achieved by including a second additive, namely zinc iodide.
Laboratory tests showed that these battery cells have an enhanced conductivity and competitive stability. Moreover, the formation of dendrites, which are crystalline structures that can cause short circuits in batteries and potentially catastrophic fires in the worst case, can be effectively suppressed.
As an added benefit, the already impressive energy density of zinc-sulfur batteries has been increased by another 20%. This results in an energy density of almost 470 Wh per kilogram, which is pretty much on par with the currently best solid-state batteries and significantly superior to regular commercial lithium-ion batteries.
Furthermore, the production of zinc batteries is already quite cost-effective. Their cell structure is relatively straightforward, and the raw materials – zinc and sulfur – are readily available at reasonable prices of just a few dollars per kilogram. The utilization of the widely available and affordable Dowanol makes this new battery technology even more viable from an economic perspective.
The enhanced safety, coupled with the lightweight nature and high capacity of these batteries, makes them particularly attractive for battery-powered cars and many other applications. The primary challenge is to convert these promising research findings into a commercially viable, industrially produced zinc battery for the mass market.
