Issue 15, 2014

Recent advances in zinc–air batteries

Abstract

Zinc–air is a century-old battery technology but has attracted revived interest recently. With larger storage capacity at a fraction of the cost compared to lithium-ion, zinc–air batteries clearly represent one of the most viable future options to powering electric vehicles. However, some technical problems associated with them have yet to be resolved. In this review, we present the fundamentals, challenges and latest exciting advances related to zinc–air research. Detailed discussion will be organized around the individual components of the system – from zinc electrodes, electrolytes, and separators to air electrodes and oxygen electrocatalysts in sequential order for both primary and electrically/mechanically rechargeable types. The detrimental effect of CO2 on battery performance is also emphasized, and possible solutions summarized. Finally, other metal–air batteries are briefly overviewed and compared in favor of zinc–air.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in zinc–air batteries

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
12 Jan 2014
First published
13 Jun 2014
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2014,43, 5257-5275

Author version available

Recent advances in zinc–air batteries

Y. Li and H. Dai, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2014, 43, 5257 DOI: 10.1039/C4CS00015C

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