The impact of operating conditions on component and electrode development for zinc-air flow batteries

• DOI: 10.1007/s10800-018-1233-z
• Publication Date: 2018-07-07T06:39:37Z
• Authors: Birgit Pichler; Bernhard S. Berner; Nikolaus Rauch; Christian Zelger; Hans-Jürgen Pauling; Bernhard Gollas; Viktor Hacker
• Keywords: Flow battery; Deposition; Depth of discharge; Current collector

Rechargeable zinc-air flow batteries are investigated as possible technology for fast responding large-scale electrical energy storage due to the use of inexpensive, non-toxic and abundant materials, compact system design. The operating ranges several parameters such rate (2–8 cm s−1), concentration electrolyte (6 or 8 M KOH), charge/discharge current densities (up 100 mA cm−2 mean), active passive air supply well their influence on performance stability electrodes compared. Bi-catalyzed bifunctional tested by means half-cell measurements achieving minimum 200 cycles at 50 with longest operation time being 800 h. At this density, efficiencies in range 50% all electrodes. End-of-life characterization scanning electron microscopy reveals mechanical degradation electrode material. On negative zinc electrode, deposition morphology different collector materials (nickel, brass, steel) is using Rota-Hull cylinders showing nickel be most suitable pulse interrupt method thereby successfully applied a broad density without any additive. Subsequent scale-up rechargeable battery unit cell finally performed proof-of-concept.