Printed Batteries

Zinc based batteries offer the highest power density of rechargeable battery systems that are available commercially with power densities approaching 600 mW/g. The overall goals of this project are to:
• Increase the cyclability of zinc based batteries
• Eliminate leakage and de-gassing problems
• Increase the shelf life
• Simplify the packaging requirements
The results presented here are centered on understanding the deposition kinetics of zinc on the electrode surface. The zinc electrode is typically the limiting electrode for rechargeable applications. The poor cyclability of the zinc electrode is the result of:
• Formation of detrimental morphologies (dendrites, filaments, nodules, etc.)
• Size and shape change
By understanding the kinetics of zinc deposition during recharging, we may be able to design zinc based rechargeable battery systems that could reduce or eliminate the problems currently encountered with the zinc electrode.