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Xiao et al. Energy Mater 2023;3:300007 Energy Materials
DOI: 10.20517/energymater.2022.84

Review Open Access

Zn-based batteries for energy storage

1
1
*
1
2,
Dengji Xiao , Ximei Lv , Jiahong Fan , Qian Li , Zhongwei Chen 3, *
1
State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering, and School of Energy Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech
University, Nanjing 211816, Jiangsu, China.
2
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, Jiangsu, China.
3
Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo,
Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
* Correspondence to: Prof. Qian Li, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, No. 30 Puzhu
South Road, Nanjing 211816, Jiangsu, China. E-mail: liqian1004@njtech.edu.cn; Prof. Zhongwei Chen, Department of
Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
E-mail: zhwchen@uwaterloo.ca
How to cite this article: Xiao D, Lv X, Fan J, Li Q, Chen Z. Zn-based batteries for energy storage. Energy Mater 2023;3:300007.
https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/energymater.2022.84
Received: 25 Nov 2022 First Decision: 30 Dec 2022 Revised: 12 Jan 2023 Accepted: 19 Jan 2023 Published: 13 Feb 2023

Academic Editors: Bin Wang, Jiazhao Wang, Yuping Wu Copy Editor: Fangling Lan Production Editor: Fangling Lan

Abstract
Zn-based electrochemistry is considered to be the most promising alternative to Li-ion batteries due to its
abundant reserves and cost-effectiveness. In addition, aqueous electrolytes are more convenient to be used in
Zn-based batteries due to their good compatibility with Zn-chemistry, thereby reducing cost and improving safety.
2+
Furthermore, Zn /Zn couples involve two-electron redox chemistry, which can provide higher theoretical energy
capacity and energy density. Based on this, a series of Zn-based battery systems, including Zn-ion batteries, Zn-air
batteries, and Zn-based redox flow batteries, have received more and more research attention. Here, the
fundamentals and recent advances in Zn-based rechargeable batteries are presented, along with perspectives on
further research directions.

Keywords: Batteries, Zn-based batteries, energy storage

INTRODUCTION
Since the first commercial lithium-ion battery (LIBs) developed by Yoshio Nishi in 1991, LIBs have
[1-3]
dominated the market for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles . However, for LIBs, limited
lithium resources, soaring costs and safety hazards still inevitably hinder their development. Therefore,

© The Author(s) 2023. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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