Magnetic zinc-air batteries for storing wind and solar energy

• Published in: iScience Vol. 25; no. 2; p. 103837
• Main Authors: Wang, Keliang, Pei, Pucheng, Zuo, Yayu, Wei, Manhui, Wang, Hengwei, Zhang, Pengfei, Chen, Zhuo, Shang, Nuo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 18-02-2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy systems; Materials application; Materials application; Applied sciences; Energy systems
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103837

With the consensus on carbon peak and neutrality around the globe, renewables, especially wind and solar PV will grow fast. Correspondingly, the batteries for renewables would be scheduled to meet the requirements of performance, lifetime, cost, safety, and environment. Rechargeable zinc-air battery is a promising candidate for energy storage. However, the lifetime and power density of zinc-air batteries remain unresolved. Here we propose a concept of magnetic zinc-air batteries to achieve the demand of the next generation energy storage. Firstly, an external magnetic field can effectively inhibit dendrite growth of the zinc depositing layer and expel H2 or O2 bubbles away from the electrode’s surface, extending the battery life. Secondly, magnetic fields can promote electrons, ions, and O2 transfer, enhancing power density of zinc-air batteries. Lastly, four schemes to generate magnetic fields for zinc-air batteries are exhibited to fulfill battery energy storage demand of high performance and long service life.
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Applied sciences; Energy systems; Materials application