Abstract
The electrochemical performance of zinc particles with 250 μm and 30 μm diameters, coated with Bi2O3-Li2O-ZnO glass is investigated and compared with noncoated zinc particles. Galvanostatic investigations were conducted in the form of complete discharge and charging cycles in electrolyte excess. Coated 30 μm zinc particles provide the best rechargeability after complete discharge. The coatings reached an average charge capacity over 20 cycles of 113 mAh/g compared to the known zero rechargeability of uncoated zinc particles. Proposed reasons for the prolonged cycle life are effective immobilization of discharge products in the glass layer and the formation of percolating metallic bismuth and zinc phases, forming a conductive network through the glass matrix. The coating itself is carried out by mechanical ball milling. Different coating parameters and the resulting coating quality as well as their influence on the passivation and on the rechargeability of zinc–glass composites is investigated. Optimized coating qualities with respect to adhesion, homogeneity and compactness of the glass layer are achieved at defined preparation conditions, providing a glass coating content of almost 5 wt % for 250 μm zinc particles and almost 11 wt % for 30 μm zinc particles.
Highlights
IntroductionA major disadvantage of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, is their nonuniform current feed into the energy grid due to unsteady natural conditions
In the course of global energy transition, the efficient use of renewable energy is indispensable.A major disadvantage of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, is their nonuniform current feed into the energy grid due to unsteady natural conditions
Optimized coating parameters with respect to adhesion and homogeneity of the glass layer resulted in a glass coating content of 4.83 wt % with a glass layer thickness of 4.4 μm at 250 μm zinc particles
Summary
A major disadvantage of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, is their nonuniform current feed into the energy grid due to unsteady natural conditions. In order to avoid load peaks as well as bottlenecks in the power supply, energy storage devices are crucial to increase energy efficiency and availability inside the electrical grid [1,2]. In addition to commercially available electrically rechargeable batteries, such as lead–acid, nickel–cadmium, nickel–metal hydride, or lithium–ion batteries, the zinc–air battery is considered as a promising candidate due to its high specific energy (1350 Wh kg−1 ), good environmental compatibility, low cost, and safety [3,4,5,6,7,8]. Beside the development of highly efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts on the cathode side [11], the degradation of the zinc anode is a major concern regarding rechargeability.
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