Multi-phase Aqueous Zinc Batteries: The Potential of “Wet Sand” Electrolytes in Energy Storage

The Mechanism of the “Wet Sand” Battery

Developed by scientists at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this design is an advanced iteration of aqueous zinc batteries. Its defining feature is a multi-phase aqueous electrolyte with a consistency resembling “wet sand.” This medium combines diethylene glycol and alumina nanoparticles to suppress the activity of free water molecules. By “immobilizing” a portion of the water, the electrolyte prevents detrimental side reactions that typically degrade battery performance.

The “wet sand” battery achieves 1,700 charge-discharge cycles across an extensive temperature range—maintaining stability even at 140°C. This thermal resilience allows the battery to function reliably in both ambient conditions and extreme heat. Furthermore, in pouch cell formats, the battery demonstrated over 100 stable cycles at 80°C. This indicates that the technology is scalable from small-scale laboratory cells to larger, industrial formats.

Implications for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

Aqueous zinc batteries are considered a promising solution for stationary energy storage, particularly for integrating renewable sources like solar and wind power. These systems offer high safety standards, low manufacturing costs, and utilize abundant raw materials. However, their practical application has historically been hindered by poor durability and instability at elevated temperatures.

This project provides an innovative electrolyte design strategy for next-generation energy storage systems capable of operating under harsh conditions.

– emphasizes Professor Chen Zhongwei.

Comparative Analysis: Zinc-Based vs. Lithium-Ion Technology

Classic lithium-ion batteries utilize flammable organic electrolytes, which increases energy density but carries a significant fire risk and high material costs for components like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. In contrast, aqueous zinc batteries use water-based zinc salt solutions that are cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and inherently safer.

Until now, the practical application of zinc batteries was difficult due to uncontrolled side reactions that led to efficiency loss and limited reliability. The “wet sand” technology addresses these issues by providing exceptional thermal stability and a prolonged lifecycle. This makes it an ideal candidate for applications where lithium-ion batteries may fail due to heat or safety concerns.

If further research confirms the economic scalability of this technology, the “wet sand” from the Chinese laboratory could move into industrial energy storage, providing a real alternative to expensive lithium-ion systems and facilitating the transition to a greener power grid.

Read this article in Polish: Ta bateria wygląda jak mokry piasek. Może zmienić energetykę