Metal–CO2 Batteries on the Road: CO2 from Contamination Gas to Energy Source

Author:Date:2017-01-17Views:103

Metal–CO2 Batteries on the Road: CO2 from Contamination Gas to Energy Source
Zhaojun Xie, Xin Zhang, Zhang Zhang, Zhen Zhou
Adv Mater, 2017, 29, 1605891   [ pdf ]


Abstract

Rechargeable nonaqueous metal–air batteries attract much attention for their high theoretical energy density, especially in the last decade. However, most reported metal–air batteries are actually operated in a pure O2 atmosphere, while CO2 and moisture in ambient air can significantly impact the electrochemical performance of metal–O2 batteries. In the study of CO2 contamination on metal–O2 batteries, it has been gradually found that CO2 can be utilized as the reactant gas alone; namely, metal–CO2 batteries can work. On the other hand, investigations on CO2 fixation are in focus due to the potential threat of CO2 on global climate change, especially for its steadily increasing concentration in the atmosphere. The exploitation of CO2 in energy storage systems represents an alternative approach towards clean recycling and utilization of CO2. Here, the aim is to provide a timely summary of recent achievements in metal–CO2 batteries, and inspire new ideas for new energy storage systems. Moreover, critical issues associated with reaction mechanisms and potential directions for future studies are discussed.


全球变暖是人类社会目前所面临的一个严重问题,CO2作为主要的温室气体备受关注,特别是近年来大气中CO2的含量一直呈现出逐年增长的趋势。2016年其含量已经超过400 ppm,严重制约了人类社会的可持续发展,如何减少CO2的排放,降低人为气候的影响,成为当今社会普遍关注的问题。CO2的资源化转化利用是一条理想的出路,同时也成为国际上研究的热点和难点。

金属-CO2电池成功将CO2应用于能源存储领域,在保证能源输出的同时有效降低CO2的排放。近日,南开大学周震教授(点击查看介绍)对金属-CO2电池的发展历程、研究现状以及目前该领域尚存在的关键问题和未来的发展方向进行了总结与评述。

文章详细介绍了金属-O2/CO2一次和二次电池、高温金属-CO2一次电池以及室温金属-CO2一次和二次电池,其中金属-O2/CO2一次电池对回收利用工业烟气、汽车尾气中CO2的排放具有重要的研究价值;金属-O2/CO2二次电池能够为锂空气电池研究领域提供助力,加快其实用化进程;室温金属-CO2二次电池是CO2应用于能源存储领域的最终目标,该体系不仅能够有效降低CO2的排放,更可以为火星等富含CO2的星球探测提供动力来源。此外,文章对金属-CO2电池的储能机制和金属碳酸盐在储能体系中的转化应用进行了分析,对目前金属-CO2电池发展中各方面存在的问题和挑战进行了系统总结,对未来的研究方向提出了见解,其中包括深入研究充放电反应机理、开发稳定电解液、研发高效正极催化材料和开发新型电池体系等,有助于推动金属-CO2电池的全面发展。