Schmitt, T.; Arlt, T.; Manke, I.; Latz, A.; Horstmann, B.: Zinc Electrode Shape-Change in Secondary Air Batteries: A 2D Modeling Approach. Journal of Power Sources 432 (2019), p. 119-132
10.1016/j.jpowsour.2019.126649
Open Access Version (externer Anbieter)
Abstract:
Zinc-air batteries o er large specific energy densities, while relying on abundant and non-toxic materials. In this paper, we present the first multi-dimensional simulations of zinc-air batteries. We refine our existing theory-based model of secondary zinc-air systems. The model comprises thermodynamically consistent multi-species transport in alkaline electrolytes, formation and dissolution of metallic zinc and passivating zinc oxide, as well as multi-phase coexistence in gas di usion electrodes. For the first time, we simulate zinc shape-change during battery cycling by modeling convection of zinc solids. We validate our model with in-situ tomography of commercial button cells. Two-dimensional volume-averaged simulations of cell voltage and zinc electrode morphology during discharge agree with these measurements. Thus, we can study how electrolyte carbonation limits shelf-life and how zinc shape-change limits cycle-life. The charging current is found to be the major contributor to cycle-life limitations. Finally, we optimize initial anode structure and charge-discharge protocols for improved performance and cycle-ability.