Assessment of the Feasibility of Zn−Air Batteries with Alkaline Electrolytes Working at Sub-Zero Temperatures

This work evaluates the feasibility of alkaline Zn-air batteries at sub-zero temperatures. Herein, the mechanisms of performance degradation at low temperatures are analyzed using a Co₃O₄/Ni foam electrode which can couple Zn−Co and Zn−air reactions in the battery, allowing better exclusion of the same factors. The results indicate that the decreased activity of oxygen electrocatalysis reactions is the root cause of the failure of Zn-air battery. A new electrolyte system and effective catalysts that can maintain electrochemical performance at low temperatures need to be further explored.

September 2022