Can Aqueous Zinc-Air Batteries Work at Sub-Zero Temperatures?

Efficient energy storage at low temperatures starves for competent battery techniques. Herein, inherent advantages of zinc-air batteries on low-temperature electrochemical energy storage are discovered. The electrode reactions are resistive against low temperatures to render feasible working zinc-air batteries under sub-zero temperatures. The relatively reduced ionic conductivity of electrolyte is identified as the main limiting factor, which can be addressed by employing a CsOH-based electrolyte through regulating the solvation structures. Accordingly, 500 cycles with a stable voltage gap of 0.8 V at 5.0 mA cm(-2) is achieved at -10 degrees C. This work reveals the promising potential of zinc-air batteries for low-temperature electrochemical energy storage and inspires advanced battery systems under extreme working conditions.

Automated summary

This study reveals the potential advantages of zinc-air batteries for low-temperature energy storage and demonstrates improved performance by regulating the electrolyte structure. The stable performance achieved under extreme low temperatures provides inspiration for the development of advanced battery systems for extreme working conditions.