Zinc-Based Batteries: From Fundamental to Applications

Although the electrochemical principle and cell configuration of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) can achieve superior capacities and energy densities, they are unlikely to address the performance, cost, and scalability issues in electric transportation and stretchable electronic applications required for energy storage. There are increasing requirements for safety, cost reduction, energy density, and a high demand for natural resources for Li. Accordingly, research on various cell technologies, such as "Zn-, Na-, and K-batteries beyond Li-batteries," has attracted more attention. Among these, the most advanced cell technology is the Zn battery, which has the advantages of low cost, safety, environmental efficiency, and energy density. The previously developed Zn batteries (Zn-C, Zn-Ag(O2), and Zn-air batteries) that have contributed to the development of Zn batteries are summarized, and the research directions and prospects of these batteries are presented.