High-Voltage Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-Based Batteries: Latest Progress and Future Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Rechargeable aqueous zinc-based batteries (AZBs) are attractive for renewable energy storage due to high capacity, low cost, and safety.
• Current energy density limitations hinder practical application of AZBs.
• Previous research focused on increasing capacity via electrode materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review strategies for enhancing energy density in AZBs by increasing output voltage.
• To classify and discuss methods for constructing high-voltage AZBs.
• To identify future challenges and research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in high-voltage AZB construction.
• Classification of strategies into electrode and battery structure categories.
• Comparative analysis of advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.

Main Results:

• Identified two primary categories of strategies for high-voltage AZB development: electrode modification and battery structural design.
• Discussed specific examples within each category, detailing their performance and limitations.
• Highlighted the critical role of the electrolyte's electrochemical stability window.

Conclusions:

• Elevating output voltage is crucial for improving AZB energy density.
• Both electrode and battery structural innovations are key to achieving higher voltages.
• Overcoming electrolyte limitations remains a significant challenge for next-generation AZBs.