Unlock flow-type reversible aqueous Zn-CO₂ batteries.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Metal-CO₂ batteries show promise for energy storage and CO₂ utilization.
• Challenges remain in device design for efficient CO₂ reduction and power output.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an aqueous reversible flow-type Zn-CO₂ battery with enhanced performance.
• To address limitations in CO₂ reduction and energy supply for metal-CO₂ batteries.

Main Methods:

• Assembly of an aqueous reversible flow-type Zn-CO₂ battery.
• Utilized a Pd/SnO₂@C cathode catalyst for CO₂ reduction.
• Characterization of electrochemical performance, including voltage, power density, and efficiency.

Main Results:

• Achieved an ultra-high discharge voltage of 1.38 V.
• Demonstrated a peak power density of 4.29 mW cm^-2 and high energy efficiency of 95.64%.
• Reported a theoretical energy density of 827.3 W h kg^-1 and high formate faradaic efficiency (95.86%) at a high rate.

Conclusions:

• The developed Zn-CO₂ battery system offers a promising solution for simultaneous energy storage, CO₂ elimination, and valuable chemical production.
• This technology addresses critical energy and environmental challenges.
• The optimized system showcases significant advancements in metal-CO₂ battery technology.