Current State and Future Prospects of Environmentally Catalytic Zn‐NO_x Batteries

Abstract

Zn‐based catalytic batteries, recognized as eco‐friendly alternatives, are attracting significant research interest for their applications in energy storage, conversion, pollutant degradation, and ammonia synthesis. This review compiles the latest developments in Zn‐nitrogen oxides (NOx) batteries, covering various types including Zn‐nitrate, Zn‐nitric oxide, and Zn‐nitrite batteries. This study explores the electrode reactions and structural evolutions of these batteries, emphasizing the different challenges posed by cathodic reactions. Advanced design strategies for cathode materials, such as inhibiting hydrogen production, utilizing tandem sites, and enhancing reactant enrichment, are presented and evaluated. These strategies have markedly improved NOx reduction performance and have driven significant progress in Zn‐NOx battery. The future directions for research are outlined, highlighting the need for more efficient NOx reduction catalysts, optimization of Zn anodes, development of alternative metal anodes, battery structure improvements, and exploration of charging reactions. Addressing these challenges is crucial for advancing the development of eco‐friendly and high‐energy‐density Zn‐NOx batteries.