Journal of The Electrochemical Society · 1991 · 487 citations · 0 references
EngineeringElectrode-electrolyte InterfaceChemical EngineeringZinc ElectrodesZinc ElectrodeSodium BatteryElectrochemical InterfaceElectrode Reaction MechanismMaterials ScienceElectrical EngineeringZinc Primary BatteriesBattery Electrode MaterialsMechanical BatteriesEnergy StorageElectrochemistryElectric BatteryLi-ion Battery MaterialsElectrochemical Energy StorageBatteriesAnode Materials
Zinc is the most common battery electrode, and its electrochemical reversibility in alkaline electrolytes has spurred efforts to create long‑lived secondary batteries, though challenges such as material redistribution and undesirable morphologies have historically limited lifetimes. This review examines the progress made in secondary alkaline zinc electrodes between 1975 and 1990. The authors survey the research and development activities during that period, highlighting key advances and remaining challenges.
Zinc is the most commonly used battery electrode, and zinc primary batteries have found numerous applications. The zinc electrode is electrochemically reversible in alkaline electrolytes, and there is a strong incentive to develop a practical secondary battery based on this metal. However, secondary batteries that use zinc electrodes typically exhibit short lifetimes, because of problems with zinc material redistribution and undesirable zinc morphologies that form during recharge. There has been a worldwide effort to develop a long‐lived secondary alkaline zinc electrode, and marked improvements in cell lifetimes have resulted. This article reviews these efforts, paying particular attention to research and development during the period 1975–1990.