Materials for Aqueous Zinc Batteries: Silver Tungstate Cathode

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Paul Smith

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Inorganic Chemistry

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

With increasing reports of electrode active materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries, it is valuable to determine if there exist reactivity trends which will guide the design of better performing devices. These trends are most precise if observed over a series of structurally related materials in identical testing conditions. Here, we will show a comparative study between two varieties of tungstate cathodes which suggest overarching structural features to pursue in the design of zinc-ion cells. This trend considers that many common active materials will not achieve complete redox reactions unless inactive components such as carbon and binder are added. The use of silver containing cathodes, such as in the implantable cardiac defibrillator battery, negates the need for this addition, as electrode cell assembly is simplified and the gravimetric energy density of the cell increases. We investigate whether the reduction of Ag­2WO­4 produces a silver metal lattice that may enable complete reaction in an aqueous zinc ion battery. Phase pure α-Ag2WO4 and β- Ag2WO4 were synthesized and compared in primary batteries against zinc metal anodes by potentiostat, then the reduced material was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. The structure which promoted the better silver network will be discussed.

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