Researchers from the University of Leicester are in the process of developing a new zinc-based rechargeable battery for use in hybrid and electric vehicles (EV). The research project known as Polyzion was initiated with a €3.5 million fund under the EU Seventh Framework Programme. The project involves reputed research institutes in researching batteries, pulse charging, zinc deposition, conducting plastics and ionic liquids.
According to Claire Fullarton, a postgraduate researcher from the Department of Chemistry and engaged on the design, properties and production of a new prototype battery, the present research is engaged in formulating a new type of rapid rechargeable batteries using a zinc-plastic based system comprising eco-friendly and low-priced solvent.
The project mixes a new low-priced electrolytes (ionic liquids) that are eco-friendly and insensitive to air and moisture along with nano-sized zinc deposits and high-speed charging conducting polymers.
The project, though aimed at finding cost effective energy storage technologies for a number of applications, will concentrate on electric vehicles. It is in the process of finding alternative technologies for currently used lead acid, lithium ion or nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries that have ecological, cost constraints and short circuit burning problems
The global market for hybrid EVs and EV is poised to grow around $2 billion by 2015 and offers promising opportunities for new cost-effective and efficient battery technologies.