rki.news | Sources: Xinhua
CANBERRA, Aug. 21: Australian researchers have developed a rechargeable zinc-iodine battery that could offer a safer and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage.
The aqueous battery, developed by researchers at Flinders University, can be charged and discharged for up to 60,000 cycles, according to a university statement.
The researchers used a low-cost organic polymer based on cyclodextrin to control iodine compounds inside the battery, helping it charge rapidly while maintaining performance.
The battery can be fully charged in seven minutes and operate at 1.3 to 1.4 volts with a capacity of 200 milliampere-hours per gram over 8,000 cycles. With a three-minute charging time, it can last more than 60,000 cycles at 150 milliampere-hours per gram.
Researchers said zinc is widely available and Australia has the world’s largest known zinc reserves.
The technology could provide a more sustainable energy-storage option as demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to rise. The team is working with industry partners to develop a prototype system.