Efforts at Enhancing Bifunctional Electrocatalysis and Related Events for Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable zinc-air batteries (RZABs) are one of the most promising next-generation energy-storage technologies for stationary applications (home and industry), wearable and portable electronics, and transportation (including electric vehicles) due to their high energy density, environmental friendliness, safety, and low cost. However, RZABs still face serious challenges (such as sluggish oxygen reactions, poor durability, inferior reversibility of the zinc anode, and low cell energy efficiency) that conspire against their widespread commercialization. The reactions that occur at the three key components of the RZAB (air cathode, zinc anode, and electrolyte) co-operatively conspire against its performance. Thus, this review focuses on the bifunctional electrocatalytic events at the cathode (i. e., oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER)). That is in addition to the recent developments aimed at mitigating the performance-limiting events at the anode and the electrolytes. This review directs the attention of researchers and users to the critical areas for the development of the next-generation RZABs.