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Updated: May 14, 2026

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Fabrication of VB2/Air Cells for Electrochemical Testing
Published on: August 5, 2013
High-voltage aqueous battery approaching 3 V using an acidic-alkaline double electrolyte
Long Chen1, Ziyang Guo, Yongyao Xia
1Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Institute of New Energy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Summary
Researchers developed a novel Zinc/Potassium permanganate aqueous cell using a unique double electrolyte system. This battery achieves a high 2.8 V operating voltage, offering energy density comparable to lithium batteries.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous electrolytes offer safety and cost advantages over organic electrolytes.
- Developing high-voltage aqueous batteries is crucial for next-generation energy storage.
- Zinc-based batteries are attractive due to zinc's abundance and high theoretical capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a novel high-voltage aqueous battery.
- To investigate the performance of a Zinc/Potassium permanganate (Zn/KMnO4) system.
- To evaluate the energy density potential for practical applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a Zn/KMnO4 aqueous cell.
- Utilizing an acidic-alkaline double electrolyte system.
- Electrochemical performance testing to determine operating voltage and energy density.
Main Results:
- A novel Zn/KMnO4 aqueous cell was successfully designed and fabricated.
- The cell demonstrated a high operating voltage of 2.8 V.
- The theoretical energy density is comparable to organic electrolyte-based lithium batteries.
Conclusions:
- The developed acidic-alkaline double electrolyte system enables high voltage in aqueous Zn/KMnO4 batteries.
- This technology presents a promising alternative for high-energy-density storage solutions.
- Further research can optimize performance for commercial viability.
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