Advanced Hybrid Zn/Br2-MnO2 Battery Enabled by Nanostructured Cathodes and Supramolecular Electrolytes

Objective

The ZEST project aims to develop a hybrid Zn||Br2–MnO2 battery for stationary energy storage, addressing the main challenges of current technologies, such as low energy density, limited reversibility, and short cycle life. To achieve this, it proposes innovations in both the cathode and the electrolyte, which will enhance the battery’s stability, safety, and performance, as well as its economic and environmental viability. The project’s approach integrates advanced active material synthesis, electrolyte optimization, and cell engineering to create a functional prototype that serves as a proof of concept. This prototype will validate the technology and demonstrate its scalability, while also establishing a clear pathway toward commercial exploitation, including market analysis, intellectual property strategy, and collaboration with industrial partners. In this way, ZEST seeks to mitigate the risks associated with the transition to long-duration energy storage solutions, providing a safe, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative that facilitates large-scale adoption of renewable energy.