All-Weather Zn-MnO2 Aqueous Batteries Using Pressurized CO2
The Problem
Aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries are attractive systems for stationary energy storage due to the high cost to capacity ratio for materials like Zinc and MnO2, along with their high theoretical energy densities of 150 Wh/kg. However, being stationary, such batteries are subject to wide variations in temperature, and require a robust all-weather design. Approaches to reduce instability and premature cycling failure from phenomena like dendrite formation, electrolyte decomposition, and oxide cathode dissolution currently do not exist to enabling robust performance across a range of temperatures.
The Solution
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed an aqueous battery-management approach involving the use of pressurized CO2 to suppress zinc corrosion, inhibit dendrite growth, and suppress manganese ion dissolution. Another developed approach makes use of CO2-containing additives sealed in batteries for slow-release of CO2 to maintain performance during long-cycling operations.
Benefits
| Benefit |
|---|
| Experimentally verified unit energy density of 148 Wh/kg, along with significantly improved shelving life. |
| Cycling stability of these batteries reveals nearly 70% retention for 100 cycles at 0.1C. |
| Offers durable cycling under experimentally verified, real world conditions. |
More Information
- Emma Vetland
- Assistant Technology Manager, Multi Campus Office
- 865-974-1811 | evetland@tennessee.edu
- UTRF Reference ID: 25052
- Patent Status:
Innovators
Yingwen Chen
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, UT Knoxville
Dr. Chen received his PhD from Duke University in Chemistry. Dr. Chen was featured as an Emerging Investigator from two academic journals Nanoscale (RSC) and Energy & Fuels (ACS). His research primarily focuses on storage for renewable energy and smart power grids.
Read more about Yingwen ChenSiyuan Gao
Research Assistant, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, UT Knoxville
Dr. Gao received his Ph.D. from the University of Northern Illinois in 2023 in Materials for Energy Storage & Electrocatalysis.
Read more about Siyuan GaoBomin Li
Research Assistant, Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, UT Knoxville
Mr. Li is a Ph.D. candidate studying Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Read more about Bomin Li