Seoul National University Develops Molecule Fix Boosting Zinc-Ion Battery Efficiency to 99.96% Over 600 Cycles

Recent advances in battery technology highlight significant improvements in zinc-ion and zinc-air batteries, focusing on enhancing performance, stability, and practical application potential. Researchers at Seoul National University improved aqueous zinc-ion batteries by modifying a single molecule in the electrolyte, achieving high Coulombic efficiency and long cycle life, addressing issues like water decomposition and dendrite formation. Another study on zinc–air batteries introduced a novel air electrode with ultrasmall high-entropy alloy nanoparticles that dramatically enhance oxygen reaction kinetics, resulting in high power density and stable operation. Complementing this, engineers at Monash University developed a breakthrough catalyst featuring cobalt and iron atom pairs on carbon sheets, surpassing traditional catalysts and enabling rechargeable zinc–air batteries to operate continuously for over two months, signaling readiness for real-world applications. These innovations collectively address critical challenges such as electrode passivation, reaction efficiency, and catalyst effectiveness, promising safer, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage solutions. The findings not only advance zinc-based battery technology but also offer design principles applicable to broader clean energy technologies like fuel cells and water splitting.