News Chemistry

Zinc-air batteries are typically single-use. A new design could change that

Swapping out the electrolyte helps these energy-dense power sources last longer

battery illustration

Zinc-air batteries are typically not rechargeable. But using new materials, researchers have now built one of these devices that can be recharged hundreds of times.

Viktor Chebanenko/iStock/Getty Images Plus

By Maria Temming

- More than 2 years ago

Zinc-air batteries have a lot going for them. They’re lightweight, compact and made of more sustainable, less flammable materials than other batteries.