The photoelectrode of photo-rechargeable zinc-ion batteries: Design, progress

Abstract

With the continuous transformation of the energy structure, the position of solar energy in energy consumption is becoming more and more important due to its easy accessibility, abundant supply and renewable features. Solar cells are an effective means of realizing solar energy into electrical energy. However, solar cells can only output electrical energy, but cannot achieve energy storage. Photo-rechargeable batteries are a strategy to utilize solar energy efficiently, which can charge the battery by solar energy indirectly and release the electrical energy when needed. Zinc-ion batteries have vast prospects for the development of electrochemical energy storage batteries due to their high theoretical capacity, low cost and high safety. As a device integrating solar energy collection, conversion and storage, photo-rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (PRZIBs) have attracted extensive research interest in recent years. However, PRZIBs still face problems such as lack of development of photoelectrode materials, low energy conversion efficiency, and short survive life. In this paper, the working principle of PRZIBs and the development of photoelectrodes in material selection and structural design are introduced, and the research results of PRZIBs in recent years are systematically summarized. Finally, the problems that need to be solved in the development of PRZIBs are discussed, and suggestions are put forward to achieve high-performance and availability PRZIBs.