Zinc-air Flow Batteries with High-entropy Alloys (ZAIRWAYS)

ongoing

The global transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources is crucial to address the current energy crisis and environmental challenges. However, renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent, making energy storage solutions critical. Zinc-air flow batteries (ZAFBs) have emerged as promising candidates for long-duration energy storage due to their high energy density, safety, and low cost. Yet, challenges such as zinc dendrite formation and byproduct accumulation in conventional systems limit their efficiency and lifespan. The ZAIRWAYS project aims to revolutionize ZAFB technology by incorporating High-entropy alloys (HEAs) into the cathode design (catholyte tank). HEAs, with their unique combination of five or more elements, offer exceptional structural integrity and electrochemical properties, making them ideal candidates for enhancing the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in ZAFBs. By optimizing HEAs, ZAIRWAYS will address critical issues such as discharge duration and cycling stability, paving the way for a new generation of sustainable energy storage systems. State-of-the-art research has explored HEAs for electrochemical applications, but their use in mediated oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) within ZAFBs still needs to be explored. This project, with its unique focus on synthesizing HEAs using a colloidal surfactant-free (CSF) method and testing their performance in real-world ZAFB systems, is of significant importance. Planned secondments with industrial partners will ensure the practical application of this research. The expected impact on the fellow includes the development of cutting-edge skills in advanced materials synthesis, energy storage technology, and collaborative research. This project will foster interdisciplinary expertise, enhance career prospects, and contribute to the fellow’s growth as a leader in sustainable energy research.