Metal-Air Batteries—A Review

Abstract

Metal–air batteries are a promising technology that could be used in several applications, from portable devices to large-scale energy storage applications. This work is a comprehensive review of the recent progress made in metal-air batteries MABs. It covers the theoretical considerations and mechanisms of MABs, electrochemical performance, and the progress made in the development of different structures of MABs. The operational concepts and recent developments in MABs are thoroughly discussed, with a particular focus on innovative materials design and cell structures. The classical research on traditional MABs was chosen and contrasted with metal–air flow systems, demonstrating the merits associated with the latter in terms of achieving higher energy density and efficiency, along with stability. Furthermore, the recent applications of MABs were discussed. Finally, a broad overview of challenges/opportunities and potential directions for commercializing this technology is carefully discussed. The primary focus of this investigation is to present a concise summary and to establish future directions in the development of MABs from traditional static to advanced flow technologies. A systematic analysis of this subject from a material and chemistry standpoint is presented as well.

Challenges and doubts of electrochemical energy conversion and storage

“…Za razliku od do sada opisanih elektrohemijskih sistema, hibridni elektrohemijski sistemi podrazumevaju da je bar jedna od aktivnih komponenti akumulirana van kućišta izvora. U hibridne sisteme ubrajaju se protočni redoks akumulatori [25], gorivni galvanski spregovi [26] i metal-vazduh akumulatori [27].…”

“…Ukupna elektrohemijska reakcija sagorevanja goriva u prisustvu kiseonika, zbog prostorne razdvojenosti, rezultuje usmerenim protokom naelektrisanja kroz spoljašnje električno kolo (potrošača), dok se u samoj ćeliji balans uspostavlja kretanjem jona kroz elektrolit. Poslednjih godina, istraživanja su usmerena na razvoj spregova zasnovanih na anodnoj oksidaciji zagađujućih otpadnih organskih materija primenom poluprovodnika u foto-elektrohemijskim gorivnim spregovima i biogorivnim ćelijama uz primenu bakterija i enzima [26][27][28], ali i spregova koji mogu koristiti više vrsta goriva [29]. Matematičkim modelovanjem pokušava se doći do optimalnijih konstrukcija i geometrijskih oblika, koji bi poboljšali karakteristike gorivnih spregova [30].…”

“…Metal-vazduh elektrohemijski izvori su danas uglavnom hibridni primarni elementi zasnovani na anodnoj reakciji rastvaranja elektronegativnih metala -cinka, aluminijuma, magnezijuma, kalijuma ili litijuma [27]. No praktičnu primenu imaju samo oni na bazi cinka, dok se najviše pažnje u istraživanjima usmerava na one na bazi litijuma.…”

Zinc‐Air Battery Operated with Modified‐Zinc Electrodes/Gel Polymer Electrolytes

“…The theoretical energy density of ZABs (1.3 kW h kg −1 ) is five‐fold higher to that of Li‐ion, [2] and 6.2 and 5.2‐fold lower to those displayed by Al‐air (8.1 kW h kg −1 ) and Mg‐air batteries (6.8 kW h kg −1 ) [3] . However, one important disadvantage of Al and Mg metals is that they are critically corroded in aqueous electrolytes, being the energy efficiency of ZABs 6 to 9 times higher to that presented by Al‐air batteries [4] . In addition, the ZABs are recharged more easily than Mg, Fe, and Al‐air batteries [5] …”

Last developments in polymers for wearable energy storage devices

“…Scientists are trying to overcome with these difficulties hence, new studies are appearing looking for materials with high power and energy density properties as an alternative to common batteries. In 1878, Maiche discovered the metal‐air batteries (MABs), 14 which seemed like a good lead‐acid alternative. MABs are composed of an air‐breathing cathode (which catches oxygen from the air), a metal anode (zinc, 15 lithium, 16 sodium, potassium, and more) and an electrolyte, which can be aqueous or nonaqueous.…”