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Low-Dose Self-Assembling Additive for Longer-Life Zinc–Air Batteries

Lead Inventor: Anna Wuttig

SUMMARY

This technology improves the cycling durability of rechargeable zinc–air batteries by introducing a non-covalent self-assembling electrolyte additive in low concentrations that reduces zinc dendrite formation and cathode peroxide formation.

The Unmet Need: Rechargeable zinc–air batteries need longer-lasting electrodes and more stable cycling

Battery development is increasingly focused on improving energy efficiency and durability while using abundant, cost-effective materials such as zinc. Zinc–air batteries are safer and more environmentally benign than lithium-ion batteries but currently lag in performance. Rechargeable zinc–air batteries exhibit reduced performance due to degradation from dendrite formation at the zinc anode and peroxide formation at the air cathode, limiting stable charging and long-lived discharging. Fe–N–C catalysts, which support oxygen reactions, have faced stability and sluggish-kinetics challenges in neutral electrolytes. High concentrations of these additives are currently required to enhance the performance of zinc-air batteries.

The Proposed Solution: A low-molecular-weight additive that self-assembles to protect both zinc and air-electrode interfaces

The technology is a simple, drop-in electrolyte additive that forms non-covalent, electrode-orthogonal self-assembled layers. It reduces dendrite formation at the zinc anode to support more stable charging and suppresses peroxide formation at Fe–N–C air cathodes to extend discharge life, while preserving air-cathode reactions. Unlike approaches relying on separate additives at higher concentrations, the self-assembling additive has been tested at 300 ppm. This low concentration additive can stabilize Fe–N–C catalysts in near-neutral electrolyte, which lowers cell overpotential and improves energy efficiency. This technology improves longevity for near-neutral rechargeable zinc–air batteries.

 

ADVANTAGES

  • Longer rechargeable battery cycling

  • Reduced zinc dendrite formation

  • Lower cathode peroxide formation

  • Stable charging and extended discharge

  • Low-concentration, drop-in additive

  • Improved energy efficiency

APPLICATIONS

  • Rechargeable zinc–air batteries
  • Near-neutral zinc–air battery systems
  • Alkaline zinc–air battery systems