( <i>Invited</i> ) Recent Efforts at Developing Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

Abstract

Over the years, our research group has concentrated on advancing lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology. Recently, we have expanded our focus to explore "beyond lithium-ion" battery technologies, with particular emphasis on rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ReZABs). ReZABs offer significant promise for renewable energy storage due to their safety, environmental friendliness, and higher theoretical energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. While zinc-air batteries are typically non-rechargeable, one of the major obstacles to developing a viable rechargeable version is the sluggish kinetics of oxygen reactions at the air-cathode. This challenge underscores the need for efficient cathode catalysts to enhance both the oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions. Another, if not the most, critical challenge is that most researchers across the globe have yet to recognise or adopt the required laboratory-based parameters for developing technologically ReZABs that must compete or outperform conventional lithium-ion batteries. [1] This presentation will review recent efforts in our labs and others at developing electrocatalysts for possible realization of robust and industrially relevant ReZABs. [2] References Hopkins, B. J.; Chervin, C. N.; Parker, J. F.; Long, J. W.; Rolison, D. R. (2020). An areal‐energy standard to validate air‐breathing electrodes for rechargeable zinc–air batteries. Energy Mater. 10 (30), 2001287. Mongwe, A., Haruna, A.B., Gaolatlhe, L., Soto, J., Shi, Z-X., Mwonga, P.V., Yang, X-Y., Muller, D.A., Abruña, H.D., Ozoemena, K.I., (2025). Defect-Engineered High-Entropy Spinel Oxide@Carbon Onion Catalysts for High-Areal-Energy Rechargeable Zinc−Air Batteries. Energy &amp; Fuels 39 (27), 13105–1311