Zinc–alcohol–air batteries with ultra-narrow cyclic voltage windows

Abstract

Optimization of the charging reaction for zinc–air batteries remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a series of zinc–alcohol–air batteries that replace the oxygen evolution reaction with more thermodynamically favorable alcohol oxidation reactions for the charging reaction, using AuPd@C as the model catalyst. These batteries reduce the voltage window between charge and discharge by two orders of magnitude, achieving a remarkable round-trip efficiency (RTE) of over 99% at 0.1 mA cm⁻². This design demonstrates low charging voltage, high energy density (1020.6 kW h kg_Zn⁻¹) and excellent cycling stability (over 1000 h), making it highly valuable for practical applications. The zinc–alcohol–air batteries utilizing C1–C4 alcohols show significant improvements in overall efficiency, offering great potential for biomass energy utilization and further development of zinc–air batteries.