Rechargeable, Long-Life, Zinc-Air Battery
Technology Description:
EnZinc is developing a low-cost battery using 3D zinc microstructured sponge technology that could dramatically improve the rechargeability of zinc-based EV batteries. As a battery material, zinc is inexpensive and readily available, but presently unsuitable for long-term use in EVs. Current zinc based batteries offer limited cycle life due to the formation of tree-like internal structures (dendrites) that can short out the battery. To address this, EnZinc, in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, will replace conventional zinc powder-bed anodes with a porous zinc sponge that thwarts formation of structures that lead to battery failure. EnZinc’s technology will enable zinc-based batteries that accept high-power charge and discharge as required by EVs.
Potential Impact:
If successful, EnZinc’s zinc-anode technology would reduce EV battery cost by more than 50%, double the amount of energy stored, and allow for greater rechargeability.
Security:
This technology could provide inexpensive rechargeable zinc–air batteries, enabling the mass adoption of EVs and dramatically reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
Environment:
Greater use of EVs would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 28% of which come from the transportation sector.
Economy:
Technological advancements from the RANGE program could enable EVs to travel significantly further on a single charge at a much lower cost than that of current EVs and conventional vehicles.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Ping Liu
Project Contact:
Dr. Michael Burz
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
mburz@enzinc.com
Partners
US Naval Research Laboratory
Related Projects
Release Date:
02/15/2013