Zinc-ion batteries are promising for energy storage, but their traditional current collectors suffer from scalability issues, restricting industrial applications. In a recent study, researchers from Dongguk University have designed a novel alternative current collector in the form of graphene-coated stainless-steel foil. Consequently, they achieve batteries with high electrochemical performance and superior cycling stability, potentially paving the way for industrial-scale systems.
The present century has witnessed a proactive shift towards more sustainable forms of energy, including renewable resources such as solar power, wind, nuclear energy, and geothermal energy. These technologies naturally require robust energy storage systems for future usage. In recent years, lithium-ion batteries have emerged as dominant energy storage systems. However, they are known to suffer from critical safety issues.
In this regard, zinc-ion batteries based on water-based electrolytes offer a promising solution. They are inherently safe, environmentally friendly, as well as economically viable. These batteries also mitigate fire risks and thermal runaway issues associated with their lithium-based counterparts, which makes them lucrative for grid-scale energy storage. Furthermore, zinc has high capacity, low cost, ample abundance, and low toxicity. Unfortunately, current collectors utilized in zinc-ion batteries, such as graphite foil, are difficult to scale up and suffer from relatively poor mechanical properties, limiting their industrial use.
In a new breakthrough, a team of researchers from Republic of Korea, led by Associate Professor Geon-Hyoung An at the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering at Dongguk University, has proposed graphene-coated stainless steel foil as a novel alternative current collector. Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials on April 02, 2025.
According to Prof. An, “The core innovation of the present study is the use of graphene-coated stainless-steel foil, or G@SSF-400, as a current collector for zinc-ion batteries. Unlike conventional collectors, our material can be produced through a simple graphene coating and heat treatment for surface oxide removal. This enables both industrial scalability and high electrochemical performance.”
This innovation overcomes the common challenges of corrosion and poor conductivity seen in water-based systems and operates stably even under high-mass loading conditions, which is essential for practical use. Notably, the battery exhibited high specific capacities exceeding 1 mAh cm-2, as well as retained 88.7% of its capacity after 1,500 cycles, a strong indicator of long-term durability. Furthermore, because this technology supports roll-to-roll manufacturing, it opens the door to large-scale production, bringing zinc-ion batteries closer to commercialization in the energy storage sector.
“This technology is highly suitable for grid-scale energy storage systems, especially in the context of renewable energy integration. By enabling the use of water-based zinc-ion batteries, our approach provides a non-flammable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lithium-ion systems,” remarks Prof. An.
Consequently, this research could contribute significantly to the global shift toward clean and resilient energy systems. It addresses key barriers in energy storage, including cost, scalability, and safety, especially in underserved markets. By reducing dependence on expensive or hazardous materials, such as those used in lithium-ion batteries, this technology supports the development of a more sustainable and circular battery economy. In practical terms, it could lead to wider access to affordable energy storage. In the long run, this could play a role in mitigating climate change, enhancing energy equity, and accelerating the global energy transition.
In summary, the proposed next-generation technology furthers large-scale high-performance zinc-ion batteries as a safe and scalable energy storage solution.
Reference
Title of original paper: Industrial Scalability of Zinc-Ion Batteries: Enhanced Electrochemical Performance with High Mass Loading Electrodes on Graphene-Coated Metal Current Collectors
Journal: Advanced Energy Materials
About Dongguk University
Dongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18,000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism.
Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/
About Professor Geon-Hyoung from Dongguk University
Prof. Geon-Hyoung An is an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering at Dongguk University. His research focuses on electrochemical energy storage systems, aiming to develop advanced materials and scalable battery technologies for safe, sustainable applications. He earned his Ph.D. from Seoul National University of Science and Technology in 2018 and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford. From 2019 to 2025, he served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Energy Engineering at Gyeongsang National University.
