A research team from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Manchester in the UK has recently announced the development of a new zinc-ion battery whose charge-discharge cycle life is extended by 50% compared to conventional zinc-ion batteries, making it a promising safer and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries for energy storage applications.

Zinc-ion batteries are regarded as a potential solution for large-scale energy storage (such as grid-level solar or wind energy storage) due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, traditional zinc-ion batteries suffer from rapid degradation of internal components during repeated charging and discharging, resulting in a short lifespan. Through two key technological breakthroughs, the new zinc-ion battery maintains high capacity after 5000 charge-discharge cycles, significantly enhancing its commercial viability.

The research team states in the paper that the core of the breakthroughs lies in two innovations. The first is the application of a two-dimensional (2D) superlattice material composed of multiple layers of manganese oxide (a common battery transition-metal oxide) and graphene (ultrathin carbon sheets) forming a "sandwich" structure at atomic-scale thickness. The second is the synergistic utilization of the "Jahn-Teller effect." This quantum phenomenon causes specific atoms to distort under certain conditions, forming a stress-release mechanism at the atomic level. By deliberately introducing this effect into the material structure, the battery can withstand stress during repeated zinc-ion insertion and removal without structural fracture.

"This design is equivalent to giving the battery a 'flexible skeleton' that bends rather than breaks during charge-discharge cycles," the team explained. Through these innovations, the stability of the cathode material in the new zinc-ion battery is significantly improved, thereby extending overall lifespan.

In addition, the battery uses a water-based electrolyte, low-temperature manufacturing processes, and non-toxic materials, simplifying production and reducing environmental impact. Its safety is also superior to lithium-ion batteries—lithium-ion batteries pose fire risks due to flammability, whereas zinc-ion batteries are far less likely to ignite even under high temperature or overcharge conditions.

The research team emphasized: "Our approach provides an effective strategy for extending rechargeable battery life by cooperatively leveraging the Jahn-Teller effect to relieve electrode material stress." The final outcome is a low-cost, high-performance, and durable aqueous zinc-ion battery whose safety is significantly higher than that of lithium-ion batteries reliant on scarce metals such as cobalt and lithium.

In terms of application prospects, this technology is expected to promote the widespread adoption of grid-scale renewable energy storage systems. With zinc being abundant and inexpensive, the new battery also offers clear cost advantages.

"This research opens new directions in strain engineering of two-dimensional materials," said Professor Guoxiu Wang, lead and corresponding author from UTS. The team is currently collaborating with industry partners to advance technology commercialization, targeting small-scale commercial applications within the next three years.