Stabilizing zinc anodes for different configurations of rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) are a prospective energy storage technology that has attracted increasing interest for their high energy density, cost benefits, and safety, as well as their abundant supply of zinc (Zn) and environmental friendliness. Due to their limited cycle-life, electrically rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ERZABs) have not been developed on a large scale. The poor morphology of Zn deposition limits a battery's cycle-life and practical applicability. To alleviate anodic challenges and stabilize Zn anodes, significant efforts have been made through material-based, operational-based, and cell-architecture-based techniques. Mechanically rechargeable ZABs are deemed critical as an alternative technology. Herein, the mechanisms of ERZABs regarding Zn deposition/ dissolution are underlined. An attempt is made to offer a viewpoint on pivotal issues of the Zn electrode and potential solutions in different configurations of ERZABs. In addition, the state of art of mechanically rechargeable ZAB technologies is explored. Essentially, research gaps and perspectives on current challenges/ opportunities and future research directions to promote the commercial application of ZABs are provided.

Automated summary

This article introduces the mechanism and challenges of zinc-air batteries and electrically rechargeable zinc-air batteries, and provides potential solutions to these challenges. It also explores the latest developments in mechanically rechargeable ZAB technologies and provides future research directions to promote their commercial application.