E.S. Takeuchi, K.J. Takeuchi, A.C. Marschilok
Stony Brook University,
United States
Keywords: aqueous, zinc, battery, electrolyte
Summary:
The drive for widespread adoption of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar in the electric grid is motivating the need for large scale energy storage. Electrochemical energy storage solutions are versatile as they can store and release electricity directly. Currently, Li-ion batteries are the most common commonly deployed for applications linking to the grid, yet zinc is an important anode alternative for stationary rechargeable batteries. While zinc has lower gravimetric theoretical capacity than lithium, the volumetric capacity is >2X larger making the system attractive for stationary storage applications. Further, aqueous zinc systems have low cost, high natural abundance, and scalable processing as they do not require the use of dry rooms. Aqueous zinc batteries may also provide improved safety as they do not contain flammable organic solvent based electrolytes. Aqueous zinc battery technologies operate in a voltage range dictated by the electrolyte. Thus, compatible cathodes are needed that can operate within the electrolyte stability window, are reversible, and show long cycle life. This presentation will focus on the important interaction between the cathode, the anode, and the electrolyte. The electrolyte can influence the functional electrochemistry of the battery through the interactions with the cathode and the zinc-electrolyte interphase.