Scientists from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have developed an efficient, durable Zn-air battery for remote sub-zero conditions, ideal for areas like the Himalayas where conventional batteries fail. This device combines an effective cathode catalyst and anti-freeze electrolyte.
With rising energy demand, efficient storage systems are crucial. Traditional lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have limited energy density due to heavy cathode materials. Metal-air batteries, using metals like lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, and iron, and oxygen at the air electrode, offer higher energy density.
Electrocatalytic techniques like water splitting, fuel cells, and metal-air batteries provide low-carbon energy solutions but face challenges like low energy generation rates. Efficient heterogeneous catalysts are needed. Multifunctional catalysts, accelerating oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), promise reduced material use and better energy utilization.
DST developed a cathode material integrating cobalt-iron (CoFe) alloy and iron carbide (Fe3C) nanoparticles, supported on nitrogen-doped carbon sheets. This structure enhances durability and catalytic efficiency, working well in liquid and solid-state Zn-air batteries even at subzero temperatures. The device, published in Advanced Functional Materials, is portable, flexible, and lightweight, suitable for consumers and military use in harsh environments.