Carbon‐based cathode materials for rechargeable zinc‐air batteries: From current collectors to bifunctional integrated air electrodes
Jingkun Wu,
Bin Liu,
Xiayue Fan,
Jia Ding,
Xiaopeng Han,
Yida Deng,
Wenbin Hu,
Cheng Zhong
Affiliations
Jingkun Wu
Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Bin Liu
Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Xiayue Fan
Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Jia Ding
Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Xiaopeng Han
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Yida Deng
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Wenbin Hu
Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Cheng Zhong
Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Abstract Rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) have attracted much attention as the next‐generation energy conversion and storage devices due to the abundance and environmental friendliness of zinc (Zn) for anode materials, as well as the safety and low cost of aqueous electrolytes. However, rational design of nonprecious and low‐cost integrated air cathode materials with a desirable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic performance remains a great challenge for the commercialization of rechargeable ZABs. In previous research studies, various cost‐effective carbon‐supported electrocatalysts and light‐weight carbon‐based current collectors for air cathodes have been developed, showing vast potential in the application of carbon‐based materials. To improve the bifunctional performance and integration of air cathodes, efforts with respect to the design of morphology, defects, and synergistic effects of carbon‐based materials have been made. In this perspective, the general understanding of the air cathode construction and the battery working mechanism is discussed. The recent progress in the design of carbon‐based materials for air cathodes in rechargeable ZABs is summarized. Several possible future research directions and the expected development trends are also discussed, aiming to facilitate the commercialization of advanced rechargeable ZABs in our life.
