An Areal‐Energy Standard to Validate Air‐Breathing Electrodes for Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries. Issue 30 (22nd June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hopkins, Brandon J.; Chervin, Christopher N.; Parker, Joseph F.; Long, Jeffrey W.; Rolison, Debra R.
• Is Part Of: Advanced energy materials. Volume 10:Issue 30(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-06-22
• Subjects: areal energy -- cycle life -- rechargeable zinc–air batteries -- testing standards; Energy harvesting -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Materials -- Periodicals; Photovoltaics -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Thermoelectric materials -- Periodicals; 621.31
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202001287
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1614-6832

Abstract

Abstract: Rechargeable zinc–air batteries may become safe, sustainable, low‐cost, and energy‐dense alternatives to Li‐ion batteries for many applications, but problems associated with today's air‐breathing electrodes limit zinc–air performance. To overcome this challenge, researchers have investigated hundreds of air‐breathing electrode variations over the last decade. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these variations remains ambiguous due to nonstandardized cycling protocols that map to areal‐energy values spanning five orders of magnitude. To compete with Li‐ion batteries, researchers should cycle zinc–air cells at 35 mWh cmgeo −2, but only 8, of the 100 publications reviewed here, breach this threshold. Once the community cycles zinc–air cells at the proposed areal energy and better understands failure mechanisms, lab‐scale results will translate to practical advancements. Abstract : Researchers have investigated hundreds of air‐breathing electrode variations over the last decade to boost the performance of rechargeable zinc–air batteries. Unfortunately, the success of these variations is ambiguous due to the use of nonstandardized testing protocols. To compete with Li‐ion, researchers should cycle zinc–air cells at 35 mWh cmgeo −2 until failure.