Study of Zinc Compounds for Improving the Reversibility of the Zinc Anode in Zinc–Air Secondary Batteries

Abstract

Several studies have focused on rechargeable zinc–air batteries. Among them, the formation of zincate ions has been studied to enhance the reversibility of the zinc anode. In this study, zinc compounds, such as zinc oxide, chloride, and acetate, showed different solubility in KOH; this is related to the generation of zincate ions. A full‐cell test was carried out to compare the electrochemical properties of electrodes. Zinc oxide has a high second discharge capacity of 178 mAh/g. To increase the solubility, the particle size of microsized ZnO was changed to nanosized ZnO. In addition, in the full‐cell test, nanosized ZnO showed a higher cycle capacity than microsized ZnO. The reduction peaks were indicated clearly until 10 cycles in the three‐electrochemical cell. Therefore, it is essential that microsized ZnO be converted easily to zincate ions.

Enhanced Cycling Performance of Rechargeable Zinc–Air Flow Batteries Using Potassium Persulfate as Electrolyte Additive

“…Therefore, at some point, the concentration of zincate ions in the electrolyte at the vicinity of the anode exceeded its solubility limit. Thus, the conversion of to ZnO duly occurred, as in Equation (3) [ 29 ]: …”

Alkaline Ni−Zn Rechargeable Batteries for Sustainable Energy Storage: Battery Components, Deterioration Mechanisms, and Impact of Additives

“…Upon addition, Zinc‐ions are solvated by a solvation shell that affects the conductivity, i. e., the mobility and migration of the ionic species in the solution [11] . ZnO has the highest solubility in KOH solutions among potential precursors, like zinc acetate (ZnAc 2 ) and zinc chlorides (ZnCl 2 ), and its conversion to zincate is relatively easier [102] …”

Sulfonate compounds embraced from acid copper electroplating baths as innovative additives for alkaline Zn batteries

“…13,15 Simultaneously, the electrochemical process in the cathode comprises a transition from Ni(OH) 2 to NiOOH, with the b phase being the desired one due to both high reversibility and stability, while compromising capacity. [16][17][18][19] Finally, the aqueous alkaline electrolyte has a high solubility of ionic Zn species, 20,21 a high conductivity, 2,21,22 and a reduced volatility. 2 Even though this chemistry has previously been thoroughly explored, a breakthrough is still necessary to keep up with commercializing existing battery chemistries.…”