Electrochemical properties of an alkaline solid polymer electrolyte based on P(ECH-co-EO)

Modulating Cation and Water Transports for Enhanced CO Electrolysis via Ionomer Coating

Electrification of the chemical industry has been considered an enabler for energy transition on a massive scale. In this context, carbon monoxide electroreduction (COR) to produce multi-carbon (C2+ ) products is considered one of the forefront emerging technologies. The key challenge in COR comes from the excessive cation crossover to the cathode via electromigration and water diffusion, which limits CO availability and impedes product selectivity. Commercial anion exchange membrane (AEM) suppresses the electromigration of cations, however, suffers from water diffusion which facilitates cation crossover. Here, we tackled these problems emerging from cation crossover and water diffusion by directly depositing an ultrathin Nafion ionomer on the cathode (sputtered Cu) surface. Our approach enables full-cell energy efficiency of 21 % for converting CO into ethylene (C2 H4 ) at 100 mA/cm2 with over 200 hours of stable operation. We also exhibited record high energy efficiency for ethanol (C2 H5 OH) production with CO-to-C2 H5 OH electrolysis efficiency of 17 %. This approach to directly depositing ultrathin ionomer on the cathode to enhance system performance may benefit other electrochemical systems to overcome challenges associated with scalability, stability, and efficiency to produce high-value chemicals.

A Minireview of the Solid-State Electrolytes for Zinc Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained significant recognition as highly promising rechargeable batteries for the future due to their exceptional safety, low operating costs, and environmental advantages. Nevertheless, the widespread utilization of ZIBs for energy storage has been hindered by inherent challenges associated with aqueous electrolytes, including water decomposition reactions, evaporation, and liquid leakage. Fortunately, recent advances in solid-state electrolyte research have demonstrated great potential in resolving these challenges. Moreover, the flexibility and new chemistry of solid-state electrolytes offer further opportunities for their applications in wearable electronic devices and multifunctional settings. Nonetheless, despite the growing popularity of solid-state electrolyte-based-ZIBs in recent years, the development of solid-state electrolytes is still in its early stages. Bridging the substantial gap that exists is crucial before solid-state ZIBs become a practical reality. This review presents the advancements in various types of solid-state electrolytes for ZIBs, including film separators, inorganic additives, and organic polymers. Furthermore, it discusses the performance and impact of solid-state electrolytes. Finally, it outlines future directions for the development of solid-state ZIBs.

Metal-Redox Bicatalysis Batteries for Energy Storage and Chemical Production

New types of electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices based on redox electrocatalytic reactions possess great potential in renewable energy to maximize energy utilization and balance environmental issues. The typical device is the metal-redox bicatalysis battery, where the cathode is redox bifunctional catalyst (named as redox bicatalyst) with gas, solid, liquid as active reactants while anode is metal, driven by cathodic redox electrocatalytic reactions during charge/discharge processes, which promotes the energy storage and chemical production. In this system, the metal anode, redox-bicatalyst cathode, electrolytes, and the redox electrochemical reactions can be modified and adjusted to achieve the optimal energy conversion and utilization. Therefore, the deep understanding of the electrochemical system is conducive to designing new devices to meet the demand among various applications, including energy storage and conversion. In this review, the authors clarify the fundamentals and design principles of the rechargeable/reversible metal-redox bicatalysis batteries and how each part affects the devices in energy conversion and chemical production. The authors summarize the electrocatalytic reduction/oxidation reactions, the reported systems relied on redox reactions, and the corresponding redox bicatalysts. Finally, a perspective of the key challenges and the possible new types of metal-redox bicatalysis batteries for efficient energy utilization and chemical production are given.

Anion Exchange Membranes for Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells-A Concise Review

Solid anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolytes are an essential commodity considering their importance as separators in alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells (APEFC). Mechanical and thermal stability are distinguished by polymer matrix characteristics, whereas anion exchange capacity, transport number, and conductivities are governed by the anionic group. The physico-chemical stability is regulated mostly by the polymer matrix and, to a lesser extent, the cationic head framework. The quaternary ammonium (QA), phosphonium, guanidinium, benzimidazolium, pyrrolidinium, and spirocyclic cation-based AEMs are widely studied in the literature. In addition, ion solvating blends, hybrids, and interpenetrating networks still hold prominence in terms of membrane stability. To realize and enhance the performance of an alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cell (APEFC), it is also necessary to understand the transport processes for the hydroxyl (OH^-) ion in anion exchange membranes. In the present review, the radiation grafting of the monomer and chemical modification to introduce cationic charges/moiety are emphasized. In follow-up, the recent advances in the synthesis of anion exchange membranes from poly(phenylene oxide) via chloromethylation and quaternization, and from aliphatic polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan via direct quaternization are highlighted. Overall, this review concisely provides an in-depth analysis of recent advances in anion exchange membrane (AEM) and its viability in APEFC.

Mapping the Design of Electrolyte Materials for Electrically Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

Electrically rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ERZABs) have attracted substantial research interest as one of the best candidate power sources for electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and portable electronics owing to their high theoretical capacity, low cost, and environmental benignity. However, the realization of ERZABs with long cycle life and high energy and power densities is still a considerable challenge. The electrolyte, which serves as the ionic conductor, is one of the core components of ERZABs, as it plays a significant role during the discharge-charge process and greatly influences the rechargeability, operating voltage, lifespan, power density, and safety of ERZABs. Herein, the fundamental electrochemistry of electrolyte materials for ERZABs and the associated challenges are presented. Furthermore, recent advances in electrolyte materials for ERZABs, including alkaline aqueous electrolytes, nonalkaline electrolytes, ionic liquids, and semisolid-state electrolytes are discussed. This work aims to provide insights into the future exploration of high-performance electrolytes and thus promote the development of ERZABs.

Transference Number Determination in Poor-Dissociated Low Dielectric Constant Lithium and Protonic Electrolytes

Whereas the major potential of the development of lithium-based cells is commonly attributed to the use of solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) to replace liquid ones, the possibilities of the improvement of the applicability of the fuel cell is often attributed to the novel electrolytic materials belonging to various structural families. In both cases, the transport properties of the electrolytes significantly affect the operational parameters of the galvanic and fuel cells incorporating them. Amongst them, the transference number (TN) of the electrochemically active species (usually cations) is, on the one hand, one of the most significant descriptors of the resulting cell operational efficiency while on the other, despite many years of investigation, it remains the worst definable and determinable material parameter. The paper delivers not only an extensive review of the development of the TN determination methodology but as well tries to show the physicochemical nature of the discrepancies observed between the values determined using various approaches for the same systems of interest. The provided critical review is supported by some original experimental data gathered for composite polymeric systems incorporating both inorganic and organic dispersed phases. It as well explains the physical sense of the negative transference number values resulting from some more elaborated approaches for highly associated systems.

A Review of the Use of GPEs in Zinc-Based Batteries. A Step Closer to Wearable Electronic Gadgets and Smart Textiles

With the flourish of flexible and wearable electronics gadgets, the need for flexible power sources has become essential. The growth of this increasingly diverse range of devices boosted the necessity to develop materials for such flexible power sources such as secondary batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, sensors, dye-sensitized solar cells, etc. In that context, comprehensives studies on flexible conversion and energy storage devices have been released for other technologies such Li-ion standing out the importance of the research done lately in GPEs (gel polymer electrolytes) for energy conversion and storage. However, flexible zinc batteries have not received the attention they deserve within the flexible batteries field, which are destined to be one of the high rank players in the wearable devices future market. This review presents an extensive overview of the most notable or prominent gel polymeric materials, including biobased polymers, and zinc chemistries as well as its practical or functional implementation in flexible wearable devices. The ultimate aim is to highlight zinc-based batteries as power sources to fill a segment of the world flexible batteries future market.

An intrinsically stretchable and compressible Zn–air battery

An intrinsically 300% stretchable and 85% compressible Zn–air rechargeable battery with good electrochemical performances was fabricated for the first time.

Poly(2,6-Dimethyl-1,4-Phenylene Oxide)-Based Hydroxide Exchange Separator Membranes for Zinc-Air Battery

Rechargeable zinc–air batteries are deemed as the most feasible alternative to replace lithium–ion batteries in various applications. Among battery components, separators play a crucial role in the commercial realization of rechargeable zinc–air batteries, especially from the viewpoint of preventing zincate (Zn(OH)₄²⁻) ion crossover from the zinc anode to the air cathode. In this study, a new hydroxide exchange membrane for zinc–air batteries was synthesized using poly (2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) as the base polymer. PPO was quaternized using three tertiary amines, including trimethylamine (TMA), 1-methylpyrolidine (MPY), and 1-methylimidazole (MIM), and casted into separator films. The successful synthesis process was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, while their thermal stability was examined using thermogravimetric analysis. Besides, their water/electrolyte absorption capacity and dimensional change, induced by the electrolyte uptake, were studied. Ionic conductivity of PPO–TMA, PPO–MPY, and PPO–MIM was determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to be 0.17, 0.16, and 0.003 mS/cm, respectively. Zincate crossover evaluation tests revealed very low zincate diffusion coefficient of 1.13 × 10⁻⁸, and 0.28 × 10⁻⁸ cm²/min for PPO–TMA, and PPO–MPY, respectively. Moreover, galvanostatic discharge performance of the primary batteries assembled using PPO–TMA and PPO–MPY as initial battery tests showed a high specific discharge capacity and specific power of ~800 mAh/g_Zn and 1000 mWh/g_Zn, respectively. Low zincate crossover and high discharge capacity of these separator membranes makes them potential materials to be used in zinc–air batteries.

Promoter Effects of Functional Groups of Hydroxide-Conductive Membranes on Advanced CO2 Electroreduction to Formate

The electrochemical reduction of CO₂ at ambient conditions provides a latent solution of turning waste greenhouse gases into commodity chemicals or fuels; however, a satisfactory ion-conducting membrane for maximizing the performance of a CO₂ electrolyzer has not been developed. Here, we report the synthesis of a sequence of hydroxide-conductive polymer membranes, which are based on polymer composites of poly(vinyl alcohol)/Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, for use in CO₂ electrolysis. The effect of different membrane functional groups, including thiophene, hydroxybenzyl, and dimethyloctanal, on the efficiency and selectivity of CO₂ electroreduction to formate is thoroughly evaluated. The membrane incorporating thiophene groups exhibits the highest Faradaic efficiency of 71.5% at an applied potential of -1.64 V versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE) for formate. In comparison, membranes containing hydroxybenzyl and dimethyloctanal groups produced lower efficiencies of 67.6 and 68.6%, respectively, whereas the commercial Nafion 212 membrane was only 57.6% efficient. The improved efficiency and selectivity of membranes containing thiophene groups are attributed to a significantly increased hydroxide conductivity (0.105 S cm^-1), excellent physicochemical properties, and the simultaneous attenuation of formate product crossover.

Concentrated Hydrogel Electrolyte-Enabled Aqueous Rechargeable NiCo//Zn Battery Working from -20 to 50 °C

Zn-based aqueous rechargeable batteries are promising in portable electronics because of their high voltage, low cost, etc. However, most conventional aqueous electrolytes are liable to freeze at low temperature and are incompatible with high ion concentrations, which hinders their application. Herein, we developed a sodium polyacrylate hydrogel (PANa) to superabsorb highly concentrated ions. Unprecedentedly, the hydrogel electrolyte can be stretched over ten times at -50 °C without any freezing. Therefore, the fabricated rechargeable NiCo//Zn battery worked well in a wide-temperature-range (-20 to 50 °C). This work creates many opportunities for the development and practical application of aqueous batteries.

Recent Advances in Materials and Design of Electrochemically Rechargeable Zinc-Air Batteries

The century-old zinc-air (Zn-air) battery concept has been revived in the last decade due to its high theoretical energy density, environmental-friendliness, affordability, and safety. Particularly, electrically rechargeable Zn-air battery technologies are of great importance for bulk applications like electric vehicles, grid management, and portable electronic devices. Nevertheless, Zn-air batteries are still not competitive enough to realize widespread practical adoption because of issues in efficiency, durability, and cycle life. Here, following an introduction to the fundamentals and performance testing techniques, the latest research progress related to electrically rechargeable Zn-air batteries is compiled, particularly new key findings in the last five years (2013-2018). The strategies concerning the development of Zn and air electrodes are in focus. The design of other battery components, namely electrolytes and separators are also discussed. Poor performance of O₂ electrocatalysts and the lack of the long-term stability of Zn electrodes and electrolytes remain major challenges. Finally, recommendations regarding the testing routines and materials design are provided. It is hoped that this up-to-date account will help to shape the future research activities toward the development of practical electrically rechargeable Zn-air batteries with extended lifetime and superior performance.

Advanced Architectures and Relatives of Air Electrodes in Zn-Air Batteries

Zn-air batteries are becoming the promising power sources for portable and wearable electronic devices and hybrid/electric vehicles because of their high specific energy density and the low cost for next-generation green and sustainable energy technologies. An air electrode integrated with an oxygen electrocatalyst is the most important component and inevitably determines the performance and cost of a Zn-air battery. This article presents exciting advances and challenges related to air electrodes and their relatives. After a brief introduction of the Zn-air battery, the architectures and oxygen electrocatalysts of air electrodes and relevant electrolytes are highlighted in primary and rechargeable types with different configurations, respectively. Moreover, the individual components and major issues of flexible Zn-air batteries are also highlighted, along with the strategies to enhance the battery performance. Finally, a perspective for design, preparation, and assembly of air electrodes is proposed for the future innovations of Zn-air batteries with high performance.

Towards flexible solid-state supercapacitors for smart and wearable electronics

Flexible solid-state supercapacitors (FSSCs) are frontrunners in energy storage device technology and have attracted extensive attention owing to recent significant breakthroughs in modern wearable electronics. In this study, we review the state-of-the-art advancements in FSSCs to provide new insights on mechanisms, emerging electrode materials, flexible gel electrolytes and novel cell designs. The review begins with a brief introduction on the fundamental understanding of charge storage mechanisms based on the structural properties of electrode materials. The next sections briefly summarise the latest progress in flexible electrodes (i.e., freestanding and substrate-supported, including textile, paper, metal foil/wire and polymer-based substrates) and flexible gel electrolytes (i.e., aqueous, organic, ionic liquids and redox-active gels). Subsequently, a comprehensive summary of FSSC cell designs introduces some emerging electrode materials, including MXenes, metal nitrides, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), polyoxometalates (POMs) and black phosphorus. Some potential practical applications, such as the development of piezoelectric, photo-, shape-memory, self-healing, electrochromic and integrated sensor-supercapacitors are also discussed. The final section highlights current challenges and future perspectives on research in this thriving field.

Molecular Functionalization of Graphene Oxide for Next-Generation Wearable Electronics

Acquiring reliable and efficient wearable electronics requires the development of flexible electrolyte membranes (EMs) for energy storage systems with high performance and minimum dependency on the operating conditions. Herein, a freestanding graphene oxide (GO) EM is functionalized with 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (HMIM) molecules via both covalent and noncovalent bonds induced by esterification reactions and electrostatic πcation-π stacking, respectively. Compared to the commercial polymeric membrane, the thin HMIM/GO membrane demonstrates not only slightest performance sensitivity to the operating conditions but also a superior hydroxide conductivity of 0.064 ± 0.0021 S cm(-1) at 30% RH and room temperature, which was 3.8 times higher than that of the commercial membrane at the same conditions. To study the practical application of the HMIM/GO membranes in wearable electronics, a fully solid-state, thin, flexible zinc-air battery and supercapacitor are made exhibiting high battery performance and capacitance at low humidified and room temperature environment, respectively, favored by the bonded HMIM molecules on the surface of GO nanosheets. The results of this study disclose the strong potential of manipulating the chemical structure of GO to work as a lightweight membrane in wearable energy storage devices, possessing highly stable performance at different operating conditions, especially at low relative humidity and room temperature.

All-solid-state cable-type flexible zinc-air battery

A cable-type flexible Zn-air battery with a spiral zinc anode, gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), and air cathode coated on a nonprecious metal catalyst is designed in order to extend its application area toward wearable electronic devices.

Sago Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Zinc-Air Battery

A sago-based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) was prepared by mixing native sago with potassium hydroxide (KOH) aqueous in order to investigate the applicability of GPE to zinc-air (Zn-air) battery. The viscosity and conductivity of the sago GPE were evaluated using varying sago amounts and KOH concentrations. The viscosity of the sago GPE was kept as a reserve in the region of ~ 0.2 Pa s as the KOH concentration was increased from 2 to 8 M. Sago GPE was found to have an excellent ionic conductivity of (4.45  0.1) x 10-1 S cm-1 with 6 M KOH. GPE was also employed in an experimental Znair battery using porous Zn electrode as the anode. The battery shows outstanding discharge capacity and practical capacity obtained of 505 mA h g-1.