Air-breathing cathode enhances conversion efficiency, durability of alkaline nickel-zinc batteries

Alkaline nickel-zinc batteries are a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries due to their high energy density and low cost. However, these batteries have been limited by their short cycle life and low conversion efficiency.

A team of researchers from the University of Waterloo has developed a new air-breathing cathode that can enhance the conversion efficiency and durability of alkaline nickel-zinc batteries. The cathode is made of a porous carbon material that allows oxygen from the air to enter the battery and react with the zinc electrode, which improves the battery's performance.

The researchers tested the new cathode in a prototype alkaline nickel-zinc battery and found that it had a conversion efficiency of 87%, which is significantly higher than the 70% efficiency of traditional alkaline nickel-zinc batteries. The new cathode also showed improved durability, with the battery maintaining 80% of its initial capacity after 1200 cycles.

The air-breathing cathode has the potential to make alkaline nickel-zinc batteries a more viable option for energy storage applications, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. These batteries are also safer and more environmentally friendly than lithium-ion batteries, as they do not contain toxic or flammable materials.

The researchers are continuing to optimize the design of the air-breathing cathode and plan to test it in larger-scale batteries. They hope that their work will contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/air-breathing-cathode-enhances-conversion-efficiency-durability-of-alkaline-nickel-zinc-batteries

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