US study shows zinc-ion batteries get stronger with fast charging

Source: interestingengineering
Author: @IntEngineering
Published: 8/21/2025
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Read original articleA US research team led by Hailong Chen at Georgia Tech has discovered that fast charging zinc-ion batteries actually strengthens them, contrary to the common belief that fast charging degrades battery life. Zinc-ion batteries, which are abundant, low cost, nonflammable, and environmentally safer than lithium-ion batteries, have been limited by the growth of dendrites—needle-like zinc deposits that cause short circuits and reduce battery performance. The study found that charging at higher currents suppresses dendrite formation, resulting in smooth, densely packed zinc layers that enhance battery longevity and safety.
The researchers developed a novel tool to observe zinc behavior under various charging rates in real time, enabling them to identify why fast charging prevents dendrite growth. While this breakthrough addresses the anode side of the battery, efforts are ongoing to improve the cathode and overall battery durability, including experimenting with zinc blends. This advancement could significantly impact energy storage solutions, making zinc-ion batteries viable for applications like home solar energy storage and grid stabilization, offering
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energyzinc-ion-batteriesfast-chargingbattery-technologyrenewable-energybattery-lifespansustainable-materials