Evaluation of testing factors In zinc–air battery, the losses in activation, ohm and concentration polarization areas together determine the final performance [44, 46]. The activation polarization is mainly related to the kinetics of electrocatalytic redox reactions in cathode.
Zinc–air batteries have higher energy density than many other types of battery because atmospheric air is one of the battery reactants, in contrast to battery types that require a material such as manganese dioxide in combination with zinc. Energy density, when measured by weight (mass) is known as specific energy.
By fitting the polarization curves of the zinc–air batteries, we reveal the effect of testing parameters (electrode distance, electrolyte concentration, and oxygen flux) and preparation of catalysts ink on the activation, ohm, and concentration polarizations of the zinc–air battery.
Zinc–air batteries provide a great potential for future large-scale energy storage. We assess the test factors that mainly affect the measured power density of the zinc–air battery.
These highly active catalysts have improved the peak power density of zinc–air battery – the most important performance indicator, to > 200 mW cm −2 [28, 29]. In laboratories, rotating disk electrode (RDE) method is traditionally used to screen electrocatalysts for zinc–air batteries.
Reproduced with permission from Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) have a higher theoretical energy density (1218 Wh kg −1) compared to LIBs, making them more energy-efficient in a form factor and thereby enabling in a lighter and cheaper design.
OverviewMaterialsHistoryReaction formulasStorage densityStorage and operating lifeDischarge propertiesCell types
Cobalt oxide/carbon nanotube hybrid oxygen reduction catalyst and nickel-iron layered double hydroxide oxygen evolution cathode catalysts exhibited higher catalytic activity and durability in concentrated alkaline electrolytes than precious metal platinum and iridium catalysts. The resulting primary zinc–air battery showed peak power density of ~265 mW/cm, current density of ~200 mA/cm at 1 V and energy density >700 Wh/kg.