Compared to lithium-ion batteries, zinc-ion batteries would have an equally high energy density but with lower cost due to the abundance of zinc resources. Furthermore, due to zinc’s low reactivity with moisture, solid-state zinc-ion batteries can have less packaging, and work in open air, facilitating the production of flexible, slim, and wearable battery systems. Despite the promising advantages of zinc-ion batteries, few breakthroughs have been reported, allowing great opportunity for contribution. Our research of solid-state zinc-ion batteries will focus in three objectives. First, we will construct a comprehensive electrochemical database of zinc-ion batteries by using the solid-state battery configuration MnO2/PEO-ZnCl2/Zn. Then, based on our database, we will devote ourselves to search innovative solid poly-electrolytes with higher ionic conductivity for zinc-ions, with the help of Dr. Alex Jen’s group, who are experts in polymer research. Lastly, we are going to explore alternative cathode materials with more desirable electrochemical performance.
Final Product Video
Advisor: Jihui Yang, Materials Science and Engineering