A Rechargeable Zinc-Copper Battery Based on the Combination of a Monovalent Cationic Exchange Membrane and an Inert Charge Shuttle

摘要

To reach their full potential, renewable and intermittent energy sources such as wind and sun need to be coupled with a cost effective energy management system that is able to convert, store, and delivery energy as required. The Daniell element is one of the earliest non-rechargeable batteries. It is based on abundant, cost-effective and environmentally-benign materials and the chemistry relies on reduction of copper at the positive electrode and oxidation of zinc at the negative electrode. Since both electrodes are immersed in different electrolytes, they have to be separated by a porous barrier or a salt-bridge in order to prevent the self-discharge of the battery. However, these separators are not selective and copper ions migrate over time to the negative electrode and deposit on the surface of the zinc electrode which reduces shelf time and makes recharging of the element impossible.