Catalyst anti-chloride shield: multidimensional design of seawater-based zinc-air battery electrocatalysts

Seawater-based zinc-air batteries have emerged as a prominent candidate technology for marine energy applications, exhibiting high theoretical energy density, cost-effectiveness, and minimal reliance on freshwater resources. However, the development of this battery is constrained by the sluggish kinetics of the cathode oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), as well as the corrosion of the catalyst by chloride ions (Cl−) in seawater. In recent years, extensive research has been dedicated to addressing these challenges, resulting in significant advancements in the field of seawater-based zinc-air battery catalysts. This work systematically summarizes the latest research findings on catalysts for seawater-based zinc-air batteries, with a focus on strategies to inhibit Cl− corrosion. It delineates the fundamental tenets of these strategies. These strategies are directed toward suppressing Cl− adsorption, enhancing ORR/OER activity, and ensuring superior long-term cycling stability, through the implementation of physical barriers, electronic state optimization, and interfacial repulsion engineering. Furthermore, the discourse encompasses prospective future advancements in this domain, offering a foundation for further research and commercial implementation of zinc-air batteries derived from seawater.