ZiLsicher - Zinc-air accumulator as safe electrochemical storage for low-emission and explosion-proof industrial areas

For future electrochemical energy storage systems, the demand for elements such as lithium and vanadium will steadily increase. In search of a cost-efficient and eco-friendly battery technology, zinc-air batteries provide a promising alternative to conventional systems. The use as primary battery is already well-established in hearing devices. The concept of a rechargeable battery is based on a flow through system, where a potassium hydroxide solution is used as electrolyte. This system includes a porous zinc electrode and a bifunctional gas diffusion electrode. The number of charge and discharge cycles is mainly affected by the degradation of the electrodes. Here the formation of dendrites often occurs at the zinc electrode during charging, which is avoidable by using the pulse-loading method. A further challenge is the stability of the bifunctional gas diffusion electrode, because the oxygen development does provoke the loss of activity. This is due to the release of the catalyst from the electrode matrix.

Within the project appropriate materials for the battery components have to be investigated and evaluated with respect to their long-term stability. The evaluation has to be carried out in half and full cells. Furthermore, an examination of the optimum operating conditions has to be done for the development and assembly of a 100 W demonstrator.

More information: ZiLsicher: langes Leben durch Struktur