Human Hemoglobin-Based Zinc-Air Battery in a Neutral Electrolyte

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Primary zinc-air batteries are crucial energy storage devices.
• Developing efficient and stable air electrodes is key to improving battery performance.
• Human hemoglobin (Hb) is explored as a potential bio-inspired catalyst.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of human hemoglobin (Hb) as a catalytic component in the air electrode of primary zinc-air batteries.
• To compare different electrode modifications for optimal performance.

Main Methods:

• Three electrode modifications using drop-casting of Hb and Nafion were prepared.
• Electrochemical testing was performed in a three-electrode cell.
• Oxygen electroreduction reaction (ORR) performance and long-term stability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The Hb-Nafion modified electrode demonstrated superior oxygen electroreduction (ORR) performance.
• This electrode also exhibited enhanced long-term stability compared to other configurations.
• The Hb-Nafion electrode delivered higher specific capacity and longer discharge times than the Nafion-Hb electrode.

Conclusions:

• Human hemoglobin (Hb) is a viable and effective catalyst for air electrodes in neutral electrolyte primary zinc-air batteries.
• The Hb-Nafion electrode modification offers significant advantages in terms of ORR activity, stability, and energy delivery.
• This research highlights the potential of using biomaterials like Hb to advance battery technology.