Rechargeable energy storage systems featuring a metallic zinc anode, a Zn-intercalating cathode (e.g., MnO2, V2O5), and a water-based electrolyte. They offer high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness, storing energy by moving ions between electrodes.
Non-flammable, intrinsically safe secondary battery pairing a metallic zinc foil anode with an intercalation cathode (typically polymorphs like α-MnO2, β-MnO2, or tunnelled todorokite) submerged in a mild aqueous electrolyte (2 M ZnSO4 or Zn(CF3SO3)2 with MnSO4 buffer additives). Unlike alkaline Zn–MnO2 cells that rely on irreversible dissolution-precipitation, mild-acid ZIBs operate via reversible insertion/extraction of Zn2+ and H+ into the oxide host framework accompanied by conversion reactions. The system combines low active-material costs, simple ambient manufacturing, and abundant raw inputs, though long-term calendar and cycle life are challenged by zinc dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) gassing, and cathode manganese dissolution.
| Parameter | Value / Range | Notes / Context |
| Nominal Cell Voltage | 1.35 – 1.40 V | Two distinct discharge plateaux (H+ insertion followed by Zn2+) |
| Specific Energy (Cell) | 65 – 90 Wh/kg | Practical cell level (250 – 380 mAh/g cathode material level) |
| Energy Density (Cell) | 140– 200 Wh/L | Limited by electrolyte aqueous reservoir requirements |
| Operating Temperature | -10 to +50 °C | Low-temp performance governed by aqueous salt freezing limits |
| Coulombic Efficiency | 98.0 – 99.5 % | Parasitic HER and passivation reduce initial efficiency |
| Cycle Life | 1,000 – 3,000 cycles | Sensitive to depth of discharge (DoD) and zinc plating morphology |
| Electrolyte Type | Mild aqueous (pH 3.5 – 5.5) | 2 M ZnSO4 + 0.1 M MnSO4 suppression additive |
| Thermal Runaway Risk | Extremely Low / Non-combustible | Water-based electrolyte prevents thermal decomposition fires |
See also: Nickel Zinc Battery, Ammonium-Ion Battery