Unmet Need: Zinc dendrite growth and cross-diffusion of bromide ions causes failure in Zn-Br2 static batteries.
Flowless zinc bromide (Zn-Br2) batteries show potential as cost-effective, safe alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. However, uneven metal deposition leading to the growth of zinc dendrites limits the efficiency and durability of static Zn-Br2 battery systems. WSU inventors have developed a method to mitigate dendrite growth, corrosion, and cross-diffusion in Zn-Br2 batteries, leading to long life cycles and increased coulombic and voltage efficiencies.
The Technology: Increased performance of static Zn-Br2 batteries through the incorporation of magnetic fields.
WSU inventors have developed a static Zn-Br2 battery incorporating magnetic fields that slow the deposition of zinc, resulting in a reduction of zinc dendrite growth. The technology utilizes magnetic fields of varying strength to create different Lorentz forces, effectively reducing zinc dendrite growth as well as surface corrosion.
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Patent Information:
Provisional patent application has been filed.