The rise of renewable energy has driven demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions, with lithium-ion batteries currently dominating the market. However, the extraction of lithium and other raw materials often raises environmental and ethical concerns, prompting the search for alternative technologies. Addressing these challenges, the INFAB project, led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and its partners, aims to develop a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative—zinc-ion batteries.
The INFAB project is focused on advancing zinc-ion battery technology, which offers several advantages over lithium-ion counterparts. Zinc-ion batteries use readily available and non-toxic raw materials, such as zinc and water-based electrolytes, which can be sourced and processed within the European Union, ensuring both environmental and social compatibility. This eliminates the dependence on problematic mining practices often associated with lithium and cobalt, commonly used in traditional batteries.
A key innovation of the project is the development of a novel cell chemistry utilizing water-based electrolytes. This system forms the foundation for a modular and scalable battery architecture designed specifically for stationary energy storage. By adopting a dry coating process for electrode manufacturing, the INFAB team has eliminated the need for energy-intensive solvent-based drying methods, reducing production costs and environmental impact. The dry coating method also enables thicker electrode layers, which can contribute to improving the overall performance of the battery.
At the heart of this innovation is the modular design of zinc-ion battery cells and systems. The University of Stuttgart, a project partner, played a key role in modeling this technology, while acp systems AG developed the innovative cells and modules. The modular design not only simplifies production and maintenance but also allows easy disassembly for recycling, further enhancing the sustainability of the system.
By the end of the project, the team had successfully built and characterized battery cell and stack prototypes at the 48V voltage level for stationary applications. Initial results have demonstrated significant cost reduction potential compared to lithium-ion batteries with LFP cathodes, positioning zinc-ion batteries as a promising alternative. However, challenges remain in improving energy density and long-term stability.
Looking ahead, the INFAB consortium plans to explore additional innovations in water-based and organic cell chemistries for both zinc-ion and sodium-ion batteries, driving the future of sustainable energy storage.
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