An All Solid‐State Zinc−Air Battery with a Corrosion‐Resistant Air Electrode

Abstract

We illustrate an all solid-state ZnÀair battery by utilizing the ability of a titanium-nitride-functionalized molecular catalyst to mediate the oxygen reduction reaction by avoiding the parasitic corrosion chemistry and the hydroxide-holding capacity of the Zirfon membrane. The efficient ionic communication between the half-cell electrodes provided by the Zirfon membrane in combination with the chemical/electrochemical stability of the TiN-based air electrode ultimately led to an all solid-state and air-breathing battery possessing high durability and stability.Electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices such as batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors have the potential to address global warming and alarming pollution due to their near zero emission power output. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] MetalÀair batteries are new generation batteries which are anticipated to contribute to long driving range per charge compared to conventional metal ion batteries. [8][9][10][11][12] The air electrode architecture is expected to increase gravimetric energy storage capability of the device since oxygen in principle can be accessed from atmosphere circumventing the storage of oxidant on board the device. [13][14][15] Though non aqueous Li air batteries are being pursued intensely across the world, aqueous ZnÀair batteries are much evolved and even used in commercial hearing aid devices. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] However, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), the cathodic halfcell reaction in air batteries often require precious metal based electrocatalyst to catalyze the 4 electron scission of molecular oxygen. [25][26][27][28][29] Usually Pt is supported on carbon which is known to undergo extensive corrosion in presence of oxygen and especially peroxide, the 2 electron product of ORR. [30][31][32] Pt is also known to catalyze carbon corrosion resulting in sintering and agglomeration of Pt nanoparticles and ultimately to the loss of precious metals. [33,34] We demonstrate that by replacing carbon with conducting titanium nitride (TiN), an extremely corrosion resistant as well as chemically stable material used in aberration industry, [35][36][37] carbon corrosion and its negative consequences can be addressed at the air electrode of metalair batteries. Further, we show a strategy for tuning the catalytic activity of this promising corrosion resistant catalytic support by simple diazotization reaction. [38] We have exploited the base reservoir capability of Zirfon PERL UTP 500 membrane for ionic communication between the half-cells. [39,40] To develop an all solid-state metalÀair battery. The results demonstrate that TiN based catalytic system outperforms carbon based catalysts in terms of long-term stability and durability ultimately leading to an all solid-state ZnÀair battery possessing a corrosion resistant air electrode.TiN particles were flake like with irregular morphology, scanning electron microscopic image, Figure 1a. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Figure 1b, clearly indicates the constituent elements are m...

Zinc Battery Driven by an Electro-Organic Reactor Cathode

“…The polarization curve of the Zn-organic reactor battery (Figure b (green trace)) demonstrates an open circuit voltage of ∼1.5 V and a peak power density of ∼125 mW/cm 2 at a peak current density of ∼195 mA/cm 2 . The polarization curve without NB (orange trace in Figure b) demonstrated a power density of only ∼33 mW/cm 2 at a peak current density of ∼95 mA/cm 2 which is typical of a Zn-carbon battery. − The galvanostatic polarization of a Zn-NB organic reactor battery at different current densities (Figure c) indicates a decline in cell voltage when the current rating is increased, which is typical of a battery. At any given current, it is usual that a battery experiences activation and ohmic and concentration polarizations which will become severe at higher current ratings. , These are responsible for the voltage drops at higher current ratings in Figure c.…”

Single‐Atom Catalytic Materials for Advanced Battery Systems

“…In this case, chemically stable material such as TiN is recommended to replace carbon matrices. [ 177 ] Second, the serious dissolution of zinc in the electrolyte is another issue to be taken into consideration. To improve the zinc utilization, heteroatom‐doping can be applied to the zinc electrode.…”

Mapping the Design of Electrolyte Materials for Electrically Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries

“…For instance, Zirfon PERL UTP 500, Tokuyama A901, and Tokuyama A201 membranes have been applied in ERZAB assemblies. [59][60][61][62] In addition, electrolyte reservoir membranes (e.g., filter paper and cellulose membranes) prewetted in an alkaline electrolyte solution have also served as the electrolytes in ERZABs. [63][64][65] GPEs, which are composed of polymer matrices and electrolyte solutions, combine the advantages of solid and liquid electrolytes resulting in good mechanical strength and relatively high ionic conductivities under ambient conditions (10 −4 -10 −1 S cm −1 ).…”