A research team from Dongguk University has announced a major breakthrough in energy storage technology with the development of a novel graphene-coated current collector for zinc-ion batteries, a step that could significantly advance the scalability and safety of grid-scale battery systems.
The team, led by Associate Professor Geon-Hyoung An of the Department of Energy and Materials Engineering, has engineered a graphene-coated stainless-steel foil (G@SSF-400) to replace traditional current collectors in zinc-ion batteries. This innovation addresses persistent challenges in industrial energy storage, such as mechanical instability and poor scalability of materials like graphite foil.
Published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials on April 2, 2025, the study highlights the material’s potential to enable high electrochemical performance and excellent cycling stability. Batteries using the G@SSF-400 design achieved specific capacities exceeding 1 mAh cm⁻² and retained 88.7% of their capacity after 1,500 cycles—key indicators of durability in real-world applications.
“The core innovation of the present study is the use of graphene-coated stainless-steel foil as a current collector for zinc-ion batteries,” said Prof. An. “Our material can be produced through a simple graphene coating and heat treatment, enabling both industrial scalability and superior performance.”
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which dominate today’s energy storage landscape but suffer from safety and environmental concerns, zinc-ion batteries based on water-based electrolytes offer a non-flammable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative. However, their deployment at industrial scale has been hindered by limitations in current collector materials.
The newly proposed collector overcomes these issues by preventing corrosion and improving conductivity in aqueous systems. It also performs stably under high-mass loading conditions—a prerequisite for grid-scale applications. Moreover, the technology’s compatibility with roll-to-roll manufacturing processes supports large-scale production, a crucial factor in commercialization.
“This technology is highly suitable for grid-scale energy storage systems, especially in the context of renewable energy integration,” Prof. An noted. “By enabling the use of water-based zinc-ion batteries, our approach provides a safer and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion systems.”
The innovation arrives at a time of rising global demand for safer, more accessible, and environmentally conscious energy storage. The zinc-based design aligns with the broader movement toward decarbonization, addressing barriers such as cost, safety, and material availability. In doing so, it could play a significant role in expanding energy access, supporting underserved markets, and mitigating climate change.
This breakthrough signals a promising step toward the development of next-generation battery technologies that can power a cleaner and more resilient energy future.
