Electro Fenton's reaction coupled Zn-air battery for in situ pollutant degradation

Introducing novel functionalities to state-of-the-art batteries has the potential to immensely enrich energy conversion chemistry. Here, we show a Zn-air battery concept wherein pollutant degradation is paired with electric power production facilitated by the in situ transformation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced on battery discharge to extremely reactive hydroxyl (OH) radical via Fenton's reaction. The battery delivered an open circuit voltage of nearly 1.3 V, a peak power density of nearly 55 mW cm(-2) at a peak current density of similar to 125 mA cm(-2), while simultaneously degrading pollutants such as Acetaminophen and phenol during the delivery of electric power. The ability of batteries to couple pollutant degradation with electric power delivery adds a novel dimension to their chemistry to perform challenging tasks in the sustainable energy landscape.

Automated summary

This study presents a concept of a zinc-air battery where the in situ transformation of hydrogen peroxide produced on battery discharge to highly reactive hydroxyl radicals is used for pollutant degradation and electric power production.