Aqueous rechargeable zinc air batteries operated at-110?C

Zinc air batteries (ZABs) based on alkaline aqueous electrolytes us-ing metallic zinc and air as electrodes have attracted significant attention for large-scale energy conversion systems. Nonetheless, the freezing of aqueous electrolytes and the catalytic performance deterioration in electrocatalysts hinder the ultralow-temperature operation of ZABs. Herein, we develop an ultralow-temperature-tolerant ZAB by fine-tuning the structure of the conventional KOH and developing an ultralow-temperature-tolerant FeCo-PC bifunc-tional electrocatalyst, which can endure the ultralow working tem-perature of a ZAB down to -110 degrees C and exhibit an unprecedented battery performance with a maximum power density of 61.3 mW cm -2, capacity of 627.9 mAh g-1, and cycling stability of about 140 h at -70 degrees C. This work represents a remarkable advance toward profoundly understanding the antifreezing properties of the con-ventional KOH electrolyte and the design of a low-temperature electrocatalyst, which will promote the development of ZABs with remarkably enhanced environmental adaptability.

Automated summary

The researchers have developed an ultralow-temperature-tolerant zinc air battery by adjusting the structure of conventional KOH electrolyte and developing a low-temperature-tolerant FeCo-PC bifunctional electrocatalyst. The battery can operate at -110 degrees C and shows exceptional performance, including a maximum power density of 61.3 mW cm -2, capacity of 627.9 mAh g-1, and cycling stability of about 140 h at -70 degrees C. This work advances the understanding of antifreezing properties in electrolytes and the design of low-temperature electrocatalysts, contributing to the development of zinc air batteries with enhanced environmental adaptability.