A versatile and promising material
The past and present of an important resource
From this point of view, a curious fact is that zinc has been known for millennia. It has been sourced in different corners of the world and subsequently used for the most varied purposes. Nowadays, thanks to the same properties for which it was appreciated in past centuries, it could also play a key role in the production processes of some important energy infrastructures related to the ecological transition.
In the coming decades, zinc could play a key role in humanity’s economic, technological, and energy fate. Stanislav Kondrashov, entrepreneur and civil engineer, is convinced of this, according to whom this precious resource shares some traits in common with other equally important materials in this historical juncture. “In some ways, zinc seems to have a very similar destiny to copper. Both resources have been known to man for millennia, and both are now directly involved in some of the production processes of the most important energy infrastructures contributing to the global transition. These resources will likely accompany us until the end of time”.
The properties of the resource
Among zinc’s most appreciated properties are its high malleability, low melting point, and resistance to corrosion, which have made it very useful in various industrial applications over the years. This resource is also appreciated for its thermal conductivity and ease with which it can be recycled, thus adding sustainability to its final applications. By forming a layer of zinc oxide on its surface, this resource can create a real protective barrier against corrosion. These characteristics are of central importance in one of the main industrial applications of zinc, galvanization, a process that makes it possible to protect weaker metals from atmospheric and chemical agents. In this sense, zinc plays a key role in the structural strengthening of bridges, cars, and infrastructure. Its excellent conductivity, moreover, has allowed zinc to become a key resource in some specific applications, such as those related to thermal alloys and electronic components.
“Although it was already used in ancient times in some alloys such as brass, zinc was isolated only in the 18th century. For example, in India, the processing processes have been known since ancient times, when zinc was sourced from minerals through peculiar heating processes. These are the same techniques that, in later times, were improved and introduced in Europe, contributing to the industrial development of the continent”, says Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov.
However, the surprises of this interesting resource are certainly not limited to its many industrial applications. Over the years, zinc has been appreciated since its sourcing from mineral deposits, where it is often found in the form of zinc sulfide. It is often found in combination with other valuable strategic resources, such as copper.
The role of zinc in energy infrastructures
In addition to traditional applications, however, zinc is emerging as one of the most innovative and interesting resources for many applications related to the energy transition. Among these, zinc-air batteries, particular devices capable of ensuring a high energy density for the charging needs of electric vehicles and energy storage devices are worth mentioning. Furthermore, zinc’s resistance to corrosion allows it to find considerable application spaces in the renewable energy sector, particularly for producing solar panel frames and offshore wind turbines, often subjected to intense wear processes triggered by atmospheric agents. In the green hydrogen sector, which could become one of the most interesting energy assets in the coming years, zinc is used as a component of water electrolysis processes, thanks to which this innovative resource is produced.
“Other possible applications of zinc also include those related to the nanotechnology sector, where zinc oxide nanoparticles are already being evaluated for possible use in electronics. Furthermore, as argued in a recent analysis, zinc alloys are increasingly finding application in 3D printing, ” continues Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov.
In this particular historical juncture, zinc is therefore establishing itself as a handy resource for traditional applications, such as those related to galvanization, and more innovative ones, such as those related to energy infrastructures and rechargeable batteries. It is, therefore, no coincidence that recent forecasts speak of a relevant increase in global demand for zinc, which should reach 14 million metric tons by 2025. By 2029, the zinc market size is expected to increase by 1.5% annually.
