We all rely on rechargeable batteries for everything from our phones to our cars, but the lithium-ion technology we depend on isn't perfect. It can be expensive, rely on scarce materials, and even pose a fire risk.
As it turns out, a safer, cheaper alternative may have been hiding in plain sight, and the secret to unlocking its power is surprisingly simple: charge it faster.
Tech Xplore reports how this counterintuitive discovery comes from a team at Georgia Tech, who found that fast-charging zinc-ion batteries make them stronger and last longer.
Researchers have long been interested in zinc because it's one of the most abundant metals on Earth, and the batteries are nonflammable, which is a critical safety benefit. However, the technology had a major flaw: the growth of sharp metal spikes called dendrites, which can short-circuit and kill the battery.
The team, led by associate professor Hailong Chen, found a complete reversal of their expectations. "We found that using faster charging actually suppressed dendrite formation instead of accelerating it," Chen said.
Instead of forming dangerous spikes, the high-speed charge forces the zinc to deposit in smooth, dense layers — more like neatly stacked books than splintered shards. This not only prevents short circuits but also dramatically extends the battery's life span.
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This breakthrough is a big deal because it makes zinc batteries a much more viable option for large-scale energy storage. "You can imagine these zinc-ion batteries being used to store solar energy in homes, or for grid stabilization," Chen explained. "[Anywhere] you need reliable, affordable backup power."
Storing energy from solar panels is becoming more affordable for homeowners every year. With reliable battery storage, homes can become more energy-independent, a trend seen when Texas residents relied on solar and batteries to stabilize the power grid during a heat wave.
Many are realizing that installing solar panels is a key move to guard against rising electricity costs. This new battery technology could help curb the harmful air pollution from dirty energy sources by making clean energy more accessible.
The team's research, published in the journal Nature Communications, flips the script on how batteries are designed. "It goes against the conventional thinking that fast charging shortens battery life," Chen added.
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Chen hopes that with continued development, these improved zinc-ion batteries could be ready for everyday use in about five years.
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