Linköping University researchers have developed a high-performance battery composed of zinc and lignin, showcasing exceptional longevity and cost-effectiveness. This pioneering breakthrough promises to address the energy needs of communities in low-income countries, offering a sustainable and accessible solution for global electricity access. The remarkable findings have been published in the prestigious journal Energy & Environmental Materials.
Addressing Global Energy Challenges
As solar panel adoption surges in low-income countries, the challenge of energy access after sundown persists. The newly developed zinc and lignin battery represents a potential solution to this issue, offering ad ependable energy storage option even in the absence of sunlight, thereby enhancing global electricity accessibility.
Reverant Crispin, Professor at the Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, expressed his optimism, stating, "The hope is that this battery technology, even with lower performance than the expensive Li-ion batteries, will eventually offer a solution for these situations."
Sustainable and Cost-Effective Battery
Crafted from zinc and lignin, the battery embodies an eco-friendly and affordable alternative. It exhibits the same energy density as lead-acid batteries but eliminates the use of hazardous lead. Notably, it can be utilized over 8000 times while retaining around 80% of its functionality, offering a stable and long-lasting energy storage solution.
Ziyauddin Khan, Principal Research Engineer at the Department of Science and Technology, emphasized the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the battery, stating, "Both zinc and lignin are super cheap, and the battery is easily recyclable. And if you calculate the cost per usage cycle, it becomes an extremely cheap battery compared tolithium-ion batteries."
Overcoming Limitations of Zinc Batteries
Historically, zinc batteries have faced challenges related to their short lifespan caused by interactions with the electrolyte solution.The researchers have addressed this issue by employing a stable material known as potassium polyacrylate based water-in-polymer salt electrolyte (WiPSE), which has demonstrated exceptional stability when used in a battery containing zinc and lignin.
Potential for Large-Scale Production
While the current batteries are small, the researchers are confident in the scalability of the technology, envisioning the construction of larger batteries, comparable in size to car batteries, owing to the abundance and affordability of lignin and zinc. This potential for scalability presents an opportunity for mass production, with the involvement of relevant companies.
Reverant Crispin emphasized Sweden's role in pioneering sustainable solutions and its responsibility to assist low-income countries in adopting green technologies from the outset, thereby averting potential environmental crises.
Support and Funding
The study received crucial support from various organizations including the Wallenberg Wood Science Centre, the Swedish Research Council, Åforsk, the Swedish government’s strategic research area onadvanced functional materials (AFM) at Linköping University, Vinnova through Fun-Mat II, and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The Swedish Energy Agency funds the SESBC center's long-term partnership with Ligna Energy AB.
The eco-friendly zinc and lignin battery represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable and accessible energy future, offering a promising solution for communities with limited access to electricity. It stands as a testament to the potential of innovative and eco-conscious technology in addressing global challenges and fostering a more sustainable world.
