Nickel-Zinc Chemistry
Zn + 2 NiOOH + H2O = ZnO + 2 Ni(OH)2
E = 1.74 V
Nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries are chemically similar to nickel-metal hydride batteries. Both use a strong alkaline electrolyte and a nickel electrode but differ significantly in their voltage. Thanks to the standard potential of the Zinc electrode, the NiZn cell delivers more than 0.4V of additional voltage both at open circuit and under load, which in turn, leads to higher energy density.
Sunergy was able to make available the advantages of the NiZn battery chemistry by solving the technical problems associated with the instability of the zinc electrode in a rechargeable cell. The cornerstone of this solution was found in a patented electrode formulation that reduces the shape change of zinc electrode and prevents dendrite short-circuit problems.
The capabilities of the cell were further enhanced with patented advancements. Additionally, the company has a strong and broad intellectual property position that addresses all major aspects of the cell chemistry as well as engineering and construction details that enable the use of existing nickel-metal hydride manufacturing equipment for production of the cells.
We believe we can change the hierarchy among the main battery systems, namely lithium-ion, lead-acid, NiCd and NiMH, producing a remarkable impact in this area.
