(Invited) Sustainability, Safety, Scalability, Rechargeability, and Manufacturability Courtesy of Architected Zinc Anodes

Abstract

Towards the goal of decarbonizing electrification, concerns remain over the sustainability of the requisite Li and Co, as well as the stringent transportation limits on the amount and operational state of Li allowed in airfreight. Rechargeable zinc-based batteries using aqueous electrolyte offer a compelling alternative to lithium-based batteries with the added benefit of a two-electron anode that augments the energy density, helping to compensate for lower cell voltage inherent to aqueous electrolytes. To solve the standing caveat with rechargeable zinc-based batteries — that they form separator-piercing dendrites — we built on our understanding of the importance of 3D co-continuous wiring of electrons, ion, and molecules in energy-storing nanoarchitectures. Sponge form factors fabricated by fusing ~50 µm zinc particles into a monolithic pore–solid architecture physically prevents formation of dendrites even at high charging current density [1,2]. Throughout the story of the NRL Zn sponge anode, each successive generation of the electrode has been fabricated with manufacturability as a foremost consideration, such that the current sponge formulation (Gen 5) is processed quickly, at scale, to sizes necessary for decarbonizing electrification. I will present the performance of these “big and strong” zinc sponges versus a variety of cathodes and the potential paths forward for the development and transition of this safer energy-storage technology.[1] J.F. Parker, C.N. Chervin, E.S. Nelson, D.R. Rolison, J.W. Long, “Wiring zinc in three dimensions re-writes battery performance―Dendrite-free cycling.” Energy Environ. Sci., 7, 1117–1124 (2014).[2] J.F. Parker, C.N. Chervin, I.R. Pala, M. Machler, M.F. Burz, J.W. Long, and D.R. Rolison, “Rechargeable nickel–3D zinc batteries: An energy-dense, safer alternative to lithium-ion.” Science, 356, 415–418 (2017).