Recent Developments of Zinc-Ion Batteries

Ever since the rejuvenation of the Zn-MnO2 system in mildly acidic electrolyte medium in 2012, the research on zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) has seen a continuous growth because of their economic, safe, and environmental advantages. The possibility of the divalent charge in Zn2+ ion and the high theoretical capacity of the Zn anode contribute to high battery energy densities in a low-toxic aqueous/non-aqueous electrolyte. The research development has taken-off in specific directions related to the design and development of various electrode materials and electrolyte solutions to identify the state-of-the-art ZIB system that can meet practical requirements for stationary grid storage applications. In this chapter, we attempt to provide a bird’s eye view on the advancements in the progress of electrode and electrolyte development, specific to the early stage research. The pros and cons of the electrode materials in terms of their structural and electrochemical stability and electrolyte compatibility have been discussed in some detail. Since the choice of cathode is critical to envision high energy aqueous ZIBs, the progress in this area has been comparatively high. Hence, this chapter will focus on the practical cathode development related to manganese in ZIBs. Compared to aqueous ZIBs, and apparently less progress in the research on non-aqueous ZIBs is also provided before the conclusion. Following a brief summary, the immediate challenges facing the research development of ZIBs to be addressed in furthering the developments in ZIB and raise their prospects for possible usage in commercial level applications is also described.