Zinc-Based Batteries for Energy Storage

Having existed and been in commercial use for many decades, zinc batteries are back in the limelight. Zn-air batteries have been used for medical devices such as hearing aids while primary zinc batteries, comprising a zinc anode and a MnO2 cathode, are ubiquitous for consumer devices, such as TV remotes. Enabling rechargeability could help zinc batteries succeed in the stationary storage sector given inherent advantages regarding the use of cheap, widely available, and safe materials. This premium article provides an introduction into rechargeable zinc battery technology and the companies looking to commercialise zinc batteries for stationary energy storage applications.