Beyond metal–air battery, emerging aqueous metal–hydrogen peroxide batteries with improved performance

Abstract

The aqueous metal–H₂O₂ batteries have been paid rapidly increasing attention due to their large theoretical energy densities, attractive power density, and multiple applications (air, land, and sea), especially in low-content oxygen or nonoxygen conditions in which metal–air cells are out of work. However, the requirements of metal–H₂O₂ batteries are different due to the order of metal activities (Mg > Al > Zn) as well as metal–air cells. Aqueous metal–H₂O₂ batteries mainly include Al–H₂O₂, Mg–H₂O₂, and Zn–H₂O₂ batteries with the respective scientific problems, including battery structures, single/dual-electrolyte systems, electrocatalysts for O₂ reduction/evolution reactions, H₂O₂ reduction/production/decomposition, and the designability of anode to inhibit self-corrosion. In this review, we summarized battery architectures, possible mechanisms, and recent progress in metal–H₂O₂ batteries, including Al–H₂O₂, Mg–H₂O₂, and Zn–H₂O₂ batteries. Several perspectives are also provided for these research fields, which may be focused on in the future.