Recently, Purdue University researchers achieved an unexpected breakthrough in semiconductor research, providing a new solution to common issues in zinc batteries.

Originally focused on developing next-generation complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices, the research team accidentally discovered during studies on low-temperature semiconductors for flexible electronics that p-type tin oxide semiconductors can effectively protect zinc anodes from corrosion and hydrogen evolution. While zinc batteries are safer, more affordable, and environmentally friendly than lithium-ion systems—non-flammable, made from abundant materials, and easy to recycle—corrosion and hydrogen evolution damage zinc anodes over time, reducing performance and shortening lifespan, posing a major challenge to zinc battery technology development.

CMOS technology is widely used in the semiconductor industry for manufacturing microchips in processors, memory cells, and image sensors, and is also found in smartphones and digital cameras. Sunghwan Lee, Associate Professor at Purdue University's School of Engineering Technology (SoET) and principal investigator of the study, stated that the laboratory's interdisciplinary environment facilitated such "accidental" breakthroughs. During testing of semiconductor thin films, the team observed a spontaneous passivation effect, which proved to be an ideal solution for zinc battery challenges, and this innovative zinc anode strategy has been patented.

Zinc batteries are commonly used in vehicles and stationary energy storage systems due to their safety, affordability, and environmental benefits, but their short lifespan and performance degradation have limited widespread adoption. The tin oxide coating significantly enhances the stability and durability of zinc anodes, potentially extending battery life and paving the way for broader commercial applications.

Yuxuan Zhang, a Ph.D. student at SoET, research assistant, and first author of the paper, said this zinc anode design strategy offers a sustainable solution for environmentally friendly, large-scale energy storage systems. The researchers believe this discovery will attract attention from experts in energy storage, battery technology, and semiconductor research, particularly those interested in interdisciplinary innovation potential. He emphasized that combining fundamental knowledge with curiosity can open up entirely new fields.

The discovery has immense commercial and practical application potential, addressing key performance challenges in zinc batteries, with materials and methods scalable for real-world energy storage applications. Other paper authors include Minyoung Kim, Dong Hun Lee, Fei Qin, Han-Wook Song, Chung Soo Kim, Jeongmin Park, Chohee Kim, and Fang Lian. This serendipitous finding has led to a patent application, with results published in the leading journal Energy & Environmental Science.