Open AccessSystematic cycle life assessment of a secondary zinc–air battery as a function of the alkaline electrolyte composition
Author(s) -
Mainar Aroa R.,
Iruin Elena,
Colmenares Luis C.,
Blázquez J. Alberto,
Grande HansJürgen
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
energy science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.638
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2050-0505
DOI - 10.1002/ese3.191
Subject(s) - electrolyte , zinc , battery (electricity) , separator (oil production) , electrode , bifunctional , chemistry , materials science , chemical engineering , inorganic chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , metallurgy , chromatography , organic chemistry , thermodynamics , engineering , catalysis , physics , power (physics)
Abstract Development of secondary zinc–air batteries goes through a proper specification of the electrolyte formulation adapted to extend the cycle life of the battery. However, defining an optimal formulation is not a trivial work due to the specific requirements for each electrode. At half‐cell level, it has been determined that ZnO‐saturated 4 mol L −1 KOH with 2 mol L −1 KF and 2 mol L −1 K 2 CO 3 (4s‐2) is the most suitable formulation to increase the cycle life of secondary zinc electrode, whereas additive‐free 8 mol L −1 KOH (8‐0) formulation is more beneficial for the bifunctional air electrode ( BAE ). Through this systematic cycle life assessment, it has been found that the most suitable electrolyte formulation for the full cell system is a compendium for both electrodes requirements. It has determined an optimal electrolyte formulation for the full system consisting of ZnO‐saturated 7 mol L −1 KOH with 1.4 mol L −1 KF and 1.4 mol L −1 K 2 CO 3 (7s‐1.4). This electrolyte composition increases at least 2.5 times the reversibility of the secondary zinc–air battery in comparison with that employing the traditional formulation for primary zinc–air batteries (additive‐free 8 mol L −1 KOH ). In addition, the development of a proper cell design or separator is also necessary to further enhance the secondary zinc–air cycle life.