Advanced Thin-film Battery Development

We propose developing high energy density, non-toxic, environmentally friendly zinc-water battery system, which can be manufactured in various form factors including flexible cells, based on novel metal hydrated ruthenium (IV) oxide chemistry. The cells are flexible and have a low recharge voltage. This makes them useful in a variety application as well (mounted on air frame support elements to monitor structural integrity, for example.) The objectives of this proposal include: (i) building galvanic cells that benefit from a highly efficient cathode material, based on hydrated Ru(IV) oxide, and (ii) extending the operational time of the cells by using seawater based electrolytes and fuel. Anticipated benefits of the proposed approach include: (i) creating power sources with extended lifetime that can be adapted to system geometry and product requirements for a particular application envisioned; (ii) the cell can be re-fueled with electrolyte concentrates and rejuvenating solutions, to provide optimized cell performance, while minimizing self-discharge; (iii) as seawater or seawater with a small amount of added fortifying chemicals is used as the fuel, no extra load needs to be carried with the cell, and high energy densities up to values exceeding 2000 Wh L-1 are projected, depending on the specific cell configuration implemented.