Unlike conventional lithium-ion systems, which pose significant fire risks and high costs, zinc-ion batteries based on water-based electrolytes offer a safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly option. However, existing zinc-ion battery designs often face scalability issues due to the limited mechanical strength and conductivity of commonly used current collectors like graphite foil.
The Dongguk University team's approach overcomes these challenges by using graphene-coated stainless steel, which can be mass-produced through a straightforward coating and heat treatment process to remove surface oxides. According to Prof. An, "The core innovation of the present study is the use of graphene-coated stainless-steel foil, or G@SSF-400, as a current collector for zinc-ion batteries. Unlike conventional collectors, our material can be produced through a simple graphene coating and heat treatment for surface oxide removal. This enables both industrial scalability and high electrochemical performance."
The new current collector demonstrated exceptional performance, including high specific capacities exceeding 1 mAh cm-2 and the ability to retain 88.7% of its capacity even after 1,500 charge-discharge cycles. These attributes are critical for large-scale, long-term energy storage solutions. Additionally, the technology's compatibility with roll-to-roll manufacturing processes supports industrial-scale production, making it a practical choice for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid.
"This technology is highly suitable for grid-scale energy storage systems, especially in the context of renewable energy integration. By enabling the use of water-based zinc-ion batteries, our approach provides a non-flammable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lithium-ion systems," Prof. An added.
With these advancements, the G@SSF-400 current collector design positions zinc-ion batteries as a viable, scalable, and sustainable energy storage solution, potentially reducing the reliance on hazardous and costly lithium-based technologies. This breakthrough could significantly impact global energy storage, promoting wider access to renewable power and supporting a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
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Dongguk University
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