Energy Technology Back Cover for publication on zinc-air batteries

The cover image displays an exploded view of a zinc-silver-air hybrid flow battery alongside schematic illustrations depicting the reaction mechanisms at the electrodes. The negative electrode comprises a porous metal foam, facilitating uniform zinc deposition. Notably, the positive electrode serves as a bifunctional gas diffusion electrode, catalyzing oxygen reactions throughout cell cycling. Employing a pulsed charging strategy maintains compact zinc deposits on a porous copper foam, thereby extending capacity compared to a flat surface. The single-cell battery demonstrates successful operation over 216 cycles (equivalent to 756 hours), indicating gas-diffusion electrode aging as the primary cycling lifetime limitation. Despite zincate ion depletion and eventual irregular deposition, postmortem analysis reveals the absence of dendrites, confirming the benefits of employing pulsed current. Advancements along this trajectory hold promise for further enhancing the technological outlook of zinc–silver/air batteries.

Cover page link: doi.org/10.1002/ente.202370093

Publication link: doi.org/10.1002/ente.202300552