Photo-Charging a Zinc-Air Battery Using a Nb2O5-CdS Photoelectrode

Author(s)

Andrade, Tatiana S. ; Neto, Antero R. S. ; Nogueira, Francisco G. E. ; Oliveira, Luiz C. A. ; Pereira, Marcio C. ; Lianos, Panagiotis

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CATALYSTS; v. 12, n. 10, p. 12-pg., 2022-10-01.

Abstract

Integrating a photoelectrode into a zinc-air battery is a promising approach to reducing the overpotential required for charging a metal-air battery by using solar energy. In this work, a photo-fuel cell employing a Nb2O5/CdS photoanode and a Zn foil as a counter-electrode worked as a photoelectrochemical battery that saves up to 1.4 V for battery charging. This is the first time a Nb2O5-based photoelectrode is reported as a photoanode in a metal-air battery, and the achieved gain is one of the top results reported so far. Furthermore, the cell consumed an organic fuel, supporting the idea of using biomass wastes as a power source for sunlight-assisted charging of metal-air batteries. Thus, this device provides additional environmental benefits and contributes to technologies integrating solar energy conversion and storage. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/09723-9 - CO2 PHOTOCONVERSION IN PRODUCTS WITH VALUE-ADDED: EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORIC STUDIES
• Grantee: Francisco Guilherme Esteves Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants