Zinc ion Batteries: Bridging the Gap from Academia to Industry for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) exhibit significant promise in the next generation of grid-scale energy storage systems owing to their safety, relatively high volumetric energy density, and low production cost. Despite substantial advancements in ZIBs, a comprehensive evaluation of critical parameters impacting their practical energy density (Epractical) and calendar life is lacking. Hence, we suggest using formulation-based study as a scientific tool to accurately calculate the cell-level energy density and predict the cycling life of ZIBs. By combining all key battery parameters, such as the capacity ratio of negative to positive electrode (N/P), into one formula, we assess their impact on Epractical. When all parameters are optimized, we urge to achieve the theoretical capacity for a high Epractical. Furthermore, we propose a formulation that correlates the N/P and Coulombic efficiency of ZIBs for predicting their calendar life. Finally, we offer a comprehensive overview of current advancements in ZIBs, covering cathode and anode, along with practical evaluations. This Minireview outlines specific goals, suggests future research directions, and sketches prospects for designing efficient and high-performing ZIBs. It aims at bridging the gap from academia to industry for grid-scale energy storage. Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) hold great promise for grid-scale energy storage. However, the practical capability of ZIBs is ambiguous due to technical gaps between small scale laboratory coin cells and large commercial energy storage systems. This Minireview explores limiting factors for ZIBs practicality, using formulations to estimate practical energy density and predict battery lifespan in lab research activities. image