Metal–Air Batteries with High Energy Density: Li–Air versus Zn–Air

TLDR

Recent advances in lithium‑ion batteries have expanded their use, yet their energy density remains insufficient for emerging markets such as electric vehicles, prompting research into high‑energy Li‑air and Zn‑air systems. The authors aim to assess metal‑air batteries as promising high‑energy alternatives for emerging markets. The review surveys the fundamentals and recent progress of Li‑air and Zn‑air batteries to deepen understanding of these conversion‑chemistry systems.

Abstract

Abstract In the past decade, there have been exciting developments in the field of lithium ion batteries as energy storage devices, resulting in the application of lithium ion batteries in areas ranging from small portable electric devices to large power systems such as hybrid electric vehicles. However, the maximum energy density of current lithium ion batteries having topatactic chemistry is not sufficient to meet the demands of new markets in such areas as electric vehicles. Therefore, new electrochemical systems with higher energy densities are being sought, and metal‐air batteries with conversion chemistry are considered a promising candidate. More recently, promising electrochemical performance has driven much research interest in Li‐air and Zn‐air batteries. This review provides an overview of the fundamentals and recent progress in the area of Li‐air and Zn‐air batteries, with the aim of providing a better understanding of the new electrochemical systems.