Gnanomat's materials display positive performance as catalysts in secondary zinc air batteries

Gnanomat’s advanced materials were reportedly confirmed as competitive bifunctional catalysts in the air electrode of Secondary Zinc-air batteries (SZAB).

The tests carried out in SZAB prototypes using Gnanomat´s advanced materials as bifunctional catalysts for the air electrode showed outstanding performance in charge and discharge modes. In addition, the tests performed in prototype cells also showed great stability and cyclability, addressing one of the most challenging drawbacks of this technology.

The bifunctional catalysts developed by Gnanomat meet the requirements to be industrially viable products, manufactured following industrial and green protocols using low cost and environmentally friendly raw materials. This represents an important advantage compared to the best catalysts in the literature, that are based on Nickel and Cobalt metals, displaying higher cost and scarcity (e.g. Cobalt is in the list of Critical raw Materials of EU).

These results were obtained in collaboration with CIDETEC, a reference center in energy storage research, as an independent third party, and the technology and findings are in process of IP filing.

The SZAB technology allows the storage of a large amount of energy. Another interesting advantage of this technology is that SZAB devices are made of environmentally friendly components and electrolytes in contrast with current market standards. SAZB is also a fine alternative to store energy generated from renewable sources. SZAB technology was also recognized as a potential candidate to compete in some applications with Lead-acid batteries or a range extender in Power Packs.

The results obtained from the Gnanomat material tests could offer a step forward to bring SZAB technology to market. Moreover, the catalytic properties found in these tests can also be exploited in other energy storage applications such as alkaline fuel cells.