Zinc-ion batteries for stationary energy storage

• Published in: Joule Vol. 7; no. 7; pp. 1415 - 1436
• Main Authors: Gourley, Storm W.D., Brown, Ryan, Adams, Brian D., Higgins, Drew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 19.07.2023
• Subjects: cost; energy storage systems; Li-ion batteries; recycling; safety; sustainability; Zn-ion batteries; cost; energy storage systems; safety; recycling; Zn-ion batteries; Li-ion batteries; sustainability
• ISSN: 2542-4351; 2542-4351
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2023.06.007

The development of safe, inexpensive, and long service life stationary energy storage infrastructure is critical to support the decarbonization of the power and automotive sectors. While lithium-ion batteries are considered the industry standard of excellence for applications requiring high energy density, they may not be the best choice for all applications, particularly stationary energy storage. This study presents rechargeable Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) as a promising technology primed for greater utilization in stationary applications. We consider the main benefits and challenges of ZIBs by comparing key characteristics such as cost, safety, environmental impact, and lifetime with pumped hydro, compressed air, lithium-ion, lead-acid, and redox-flow batteries. The low projected manufacturing costs, high safety, and excellent recyclability of ZIBs highlight the potential success of the technology. However, commercialization efforts are bottlenecked by active material dissolution, a lack of realistic performance demonstrations, and the need for manufacturing validation and cost analysis at the pilot scale. Considering recent advancements to lifetime and capacity of ZIBs, we propose a modified research approach including performance analysis of high-loading electrodes, in situ/operando characterization of reaction mechanisms, and standardized testing protocols and reporting to move beyond the benchtop battery and better facilitate ZIB commercialization. Batteries play a critical role in supporting the rapid transition to a sustainable energy sector, a major effort in the current fight against climate change. Strategies to reduce carbon emissions from the energy sector involve an increased deployment of renewable energy production (solar and wind). However, the intermittent nature of renewables requires stationary energy storage systems capable of reliable energy dispatch at the grid level. Similar to the electrified mobility market, lithium-ion batteries have, as of now, been the most popular option for utility-scale energy storage installations. However, lithium may not be a one-size-fits-all solution to our growing need for stationary energy storage where cost, safety, and durability are more important metrics than the weight of the battery. Considering this along with the rising cost of raw materials, increasing frequency of supply chain disruptions, and growing demand for energy storage installations, it is important that we acknowledge the diversity of technologies that may be better suited for stationary applications. This work presents rechargeable zinc-ion batteries as a promising alternative to lithium, one that is particularly well equipped for stationary applications. In this paper, we contextualize the advantages and challenges of zinc-ion batteries within the technology alternatives landscape of commercially available battery chemistries and other stationary energy storage systems (e.g., pumped hydro, compressed air, and flywheels). Specifically, we compare application-relevant metrics and properties valuable for scalable deployment of zinc-ion batteries. Metrics including cost (materials, manufacturing, and maintenance), safety, and recycling feasibility are discussed in detail. We further provide insight into the challenges of industrially ready zinc-ion batteries, highlighting a roadmap of actionable developments for future researchers to push zinc-ion batteries toward commercial deployment. This paper provides insight into the landscape of stationary energy storage technologies from both a scientific and commercial perspective, highlighting the important advantages and challenges of zinc-ion batteries as an alternative to conventional lithium-ion. This paper is a “call to action” for the zinc-ion battery community to adjust focus toward figures of merit relevant to stationary applications, with guidance for actionable developments that will be essential to see zinc-ion energy storage become the backbone of stationary applications in the future.