New Catalyst Boosts Rechargeability of Zinc-Air Batteries to 500 Cycles
Researchers led by Professor Jörg J. Schneider from the Department of Chemistry have developed a new catalyst that significantly improves the rechargeability of zinc-air batteries. Historically, zinc-air batteries, while offering higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries, have been largely non-rechargeable, limiting their widespread application beyond single-use devices like hearing aids. The new material, composed of iron, nickel, and carbon, enables these batteries to be charged and discharged up to 500 times. This breakthrough addresses a major drawback, as previous attempts to create rechargeable zinc-air batteries faced challenges with consistent performance over multiple cycles. The catalyst facilitates the chemical reactions involving oxygen during both discharge and recharge phases, which are crucial for the battery's operation. The research highlights the potential for zinc-air batteries to become a more viable option for energy storage, offering a significant advancement in battery technol...
