The NiZn battery technology
The NiZn electrochemical system has been recognised since long time ago for its intrinsic qualities that distinguish it from other battery solutions, namely: abundance, availability, environmentally friendliness and sustainability of materials, stability, safety and robustness of the system. However, the short lifetime has prevented a major development and commercialisation of rechargeable nickel zinc battery technologies.
After 20 years of research, we have overcome this barrier.
Nickel-Zinc Chemistry
Zn + 2 NiOOH + H2O = ZnO + 2 Ni(OH)2
E = 1.74 V
Nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries are chemically similar to nickel-metal hydride batteries. Both use a strong alkaline electrolyte and a nickel electrode but differ significantly in their voltage. Thanks to the standard potential of the Zinc electrode, the NiZn cell delivers more than 0.4V of additional voltage both at open circuit and under load, which in turn, leads to higher energy density.
Sunergy was able to make available the advantages of the NiZn battery chemistry by solving the technical problems associated with the instability of the zinc electrode in a rechargeable cell. The cornerstone of this solution was found in a patented electrode formulation that reduces the shape change of zinc electrode and prevents dendrite short-circuit problems.
The capabilities of the cell were further enhanced with patented advancements. Additionally, the company has a strong and broad intellectual property position that addresses all major aspects of the cell chemistry as well as engineering and construction details that enable the use of existing nickel-metal hydride manufacturing equipment for production of the cells.
CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT SINCE SEVERAL YEARS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED:
Since 2019, a new breakthrough with a patent application has been achieved thanks to our special know-how.
We have managed to limit the dry out of the cell, which means we can double its lifespan.
A UNIQUE COMBINATION OF CHARACTERISTICS:
high energy and power performance : just after Li-ion
low cost : just after lead-acid batteries
fully safe behavior
environmentally friendly (recyclable and abundant)