Carbon‐based cathode materials for rechargeable zinc‐air batteries: From current collectors to bifunctional integrated air electrodes. Issue 3 (1st July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Jingkun; Liu, Bin; Fan, Xiayue; Ding, Jia; Han, Xiaopeng; Deng, Yida; Hu, Wenbin; Zhong, Cheng
• Is Part Of: Carbon energy. Volume 2:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 370
• Page End: 386
• Publication Date: 2020-07-01
• Subjects: air cathode -- carbon -- electrocatalyst -- rechargeable zinc‐air battery -- support; Carbon -- Periodicals; Carbon dioxide industry -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Research -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Research; Energy industries; Carbon dioxide industry; Carbon; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 620.193
• DOI: 10.1002/cey2.60
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2637-9368

Abstract

Abstract: Rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) have attracted much attention as the next‐generation energy conversion and storage devices due to the abundance and environmental friendliness of zinc (Zn) for anode materials, as well as the safety and low cost of aqueous electrolytes. However, rational design of nonprecious and low‐cost integrated air cathode materials with a desirable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic performance remains a great challenge for the commercialization of rechargeable ZABs. In previous research studies, various cost‐effective carbon‐supported electrocatalysts and light‐weight carbon‐based current collectors for air cathodes have been developed, showing vast potential in the application of carbon‐based materials. To improve the bifunctional performance and integration of air cathodes, efforts with respect to the design of morphology, defects, and synergistic effects of carbon‐based materials have been made. In this perspective, the general understanding of the air cathode construction and the battery working mechanism is discussed. The recent progress in the design of carbon‐based materials for air cathodes in rechargeable ZABs is summarized. Several possible future research directions and the expected development trends are also discussed, aiming to facilitate the commercialization of advanced rechargeable ZABs in our life. Abstract : This study provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of carbon‐based materials in bifunctional cathodes for rechargeable zinc‐air batteries; also, it describes how these materials can simplify the design and enhance the electrocatalysis. The motivation for the future design of new materials may focus on attaining highly active and stable three‐phase interfaces to gain efficient batteries.