Overview
- Peer-reviewed results in Nature Sustainability detail pouch cells operating from −40°C to +40°C while retaining 93% capacity after 900 cycles at 25°C.
- The electrolyte keeps zinc perchlorate largely in the liquid to tune ion transport and freezing behavior, while zinc sulfate forms a protective layer on the zinc anode.
- Reported testing showed 100% capacity retention over 3,000 cycles at −40°C and 91% after 300 cycles at 40°C in pouch-format cells.
- Researchers emphasize the non-flammable, water-based system and zinc's abundance as safety and sustainability advantages over lithium-ion batteries.
- The team plans to trial the electrolyte in more practical battery formats, refine the formulation and components, and build a prototype targeting long life, higher energy density, and lower cost.