Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed a safer alternative to fire-prone lithium-ion batteries.
They have developed the nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries in which a three-dimensional Zn “sponge” replaces the powdered zinc anode, or positively charged electrode, traditionally used.
With 3D Zn, the battery provides an energy content and rechargeability that rival lithium-ion batteries while avoiding the safety issues that continue to plague lithium.
The 3D sponge form factor allows us to reimagine zinc, a well-known battery material, for the 21st century.
Zinc-based batteries are the go-to global battery for single-use applications, but are not considered rechargeable in practice due to their tendency to grow conductive whiskers (dendrites) inside the battery, which can grow long enough to cause short circuits.
With the benefits of rechargeability, the 3D Zn sponge is ready to be deployed within the entire family of Zn-based alkaline batteries across the civilian and military sectors.
In 1901 Thomas Alva Edison was awarded U.S. Patent for a rechargeable nickel–zinc battery system.