Self-Discharge Behaviors in Aqueous Batteries

Area of Science:

• Energy Storage
• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Aqueous batteries (ABs) are promising for grid-scale energy storage due to safety, cost, and environmental benefits.
• Recent advances focus on energy density and cycling stability, but self-discharge remains a critical, underexplored issue.
• Inconsistent testing protocols hinder reliable data comparison and practical application assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and analyze self-discharge phenomena in state-of-the-art aqueous batteries.
• To provide a theoretical framework for understanding self-discharge mechanisms and behaviors.
• To offer guidelines for standardized testing and practical mitigation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of self-discharge in aqueous batteries.
• Analysis of underlying self-discharge mechanisms.
• Critical evaluation of current measurement approaches and mitigation strategies.

Main Results:

• Identified self-discharge as a critical, underexplored parameter in aqueous batteries.
• Summarized key self-discharge mechanisms and evaluated measurement inconsistencies.
• Highlighted electrolyte and electrode-based mitigation strategies for self-discharge suppression.

Conclusions:

• Standardized testing protocols are crucial for reliable self-discharge assessment in aqueous batteries.
• Materials-oriented strategies can effectively suppress self-discharge.
• Addressing self-discharge will enhance the practical relevance and commercialization of aqueous batteries.