Panasonic begins developing zinc batteries
zinc batteries, photovoltaic, energy, new technology
Panasonic is expanding development of a zinc battery technology it currently uses for hearing aids. He said the new devices, which will be designed to store renewable energy, will be safer than their high-energy-density lithium-ion counterparts.
Japanese electronics maker Panasonic said this week that it has begun development of a zinc battery (ZAFB) to store large amounts of renewable energy.
"Based on the zinc battery technology we have developed over many years, we aim to create a low-cost, high-capacity energy storage technology with a new 'flow' design," the company said in a statement.
Panasonic zinc batteries are currently used in hearing aids.
"They provide a consistent level of power, ensuring your handset works properly at all times," the company said. “Zinc Air batteries are particularly suitable for hearing aids. They have high energy density. Batteries of the same size can contain twice as much energy as a lithium-ion battery."
Panasonic zinc batteries
Panasonic said the new devices will be safer than lithium-ion batteries, as the electrolyte in which the zinc is soaked is a water-based liquid and the possibility of ignition is extremely low.
A ZAFB consists of two electrodes – a Zn anode and an air cathode. The anode and cathode are separated by a spacer that allows ions to transport across the cell. Aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is commonly used as the electrolyte.
"At batteries with a 'flow' design, the cell and tank are independent of each other, so it is possible to easily increase the capacity by increasing the size of the tank," said Panasonic. During charging, zinc oxide (ZnO) is chemically converted to zinc for electrical energy storage. In the discharge phase, when the zinc returns to zinc oxide by the action of the oxygen contained in the air. The stored electrons are released so that electricity can be produced.”
The company said the research project has the support of Japan's Ministry of the Environment. He did not provide additional technical details.
