The rapid expansion of renewable energy and the modernization of electrical grids have significantly increased demand for reliable, durable, and sustainable energy storage solutions. However, current dominant technologies still face major limitations in terms of cost, material availability, and lifespan. In this context, zinc-bromine batteries have emerged as a promising alternative for industrial and grid applications—provided key technical challenges related to performance and efficiency can be overcome.
The ZinCAGE project tackles these challenges head-on by developing a patented supramolecular aqueous electrolyte that stabilizes a critical redox-active species essential for the battery’s charge-discharge cycle. This innovation eliminates the need for expensive complexing agents while improving key performance metrics, such as electrochemical stability, corrosion resistance, and dendrite suppression—a major cause of degradation in zinc-based batteries.
Building on this formulation, the team will design and validate prototypes of zinc-bromine batteries in both flow-electrolyte and static-electrolyte configurations, aiming to streamline scalability and future technology transfer.
ZinCAGE aligns with the ongoing research led by María Giménez and her team at CiQUS-USC, focused on developing advanced materials for more efficient and sustainable energy storage systems. The project builds on previous initiatives, such as the ERC-POC ZABCAT and ZUPRAenergy Proof of Concept projects, funded by the European Research Council and Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. These efforts have successfully translated fundamental research from European and national projects into applied solutions.
ZinCAGE was selected in the fifth Ignicia Proof of Concept call, which will support a total of nine research projects with a combined investment of €4 million and the involvement of 47 professionals from Galician universities and technology centers. This initiative is part of the Galician Research and Innovation Plan 2025-2027 and serves as a key public instrument for bridging the gap between research and industry in Galicia.
The project adds to CiQUS’s strong track record within the Ignicia Program. Previous initiatives, such as Fluorotools (which led to the spin-off Celtarys Research, founded by Eddy Sotelo), RuCSC (led by José Luis Mascareñas, with support from the ”la Caixa” Foundation and the European Innovation Council), and TraffikGene (coordinated by Javier Montenegro, also backed by the EIC), demonstrate CiQUS’s ability to transform research into market-ready innovations with societal impact.
CiQUS receives financial support from the European Union through the Galicia FEDER Program 2021-2027 and is part of the CIGUS Network, a Galician government initiative that brings together the region’s leading research centers.
Over the next two years, the team will validate a groundbreaking supramolecular aqueous electrolyte technology designed to create more efficient, safer rechargeable zinc batteries. | CiQUS