Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Abstract

Zinc batteries were invented in the eighteenth century, but are still in widespread use as primary commercial batteries known as aqueous alkaline batteries. In this article, we discuss the state of the art of rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries. On the one side of the battery cell, porous zinc metal electrodes offer high energy and power densities. On the other side, zinc‐air batteries perform oxygen electrocatalysis in air electrodes, while zinc‐ion batteries use intercalation electrodes. These electrodes are connected by aqueous alkaline or aqueous neutral electrolytes. We introduce the basic history, concepts, and challenges of each technology. Our overview is spiced with some details of current research.

Theory of Transport in Highly Concentrated Electrolytes

“…Secondary zinc-ion batteries (ZIB) are an emerging technology for safe and low-cost energy storage. [81][82][83] Here, we model a secondary ZIB with IL-water mixture as electrolyte, based on the experimental work described in Ref. 41.…”

Theory of Transport in Highly Concentrated Electrolytes

“…Secondary zinc-ion batteries (ZIB) are an emerging technology for safe and low-cost energy storage. [81][82][83] Here, we model a secondary ZIB with IL-water mixture as electrolyte, based on the experimental work described in 41. Comparison with these experimental results serves as validation for our transport theory.…”

A True Non-Newtonian Electrolyte for Rechargeable Hybrid Aqueous Battery

“…The major limitation of zinc batteries is at the zinc anode, which is not very stable in an aqueous environment (both mild acidic and alkaline) [11][12][13][14][15]. Major problems include passivation, corrosion, and dendrite formation [16]. The passivation process consists of the deposits of non-soluble Zn 2+ oxide or hydroxide salts on the zinc anode.…”