Rechargeable zinc batteries

This article reviews the current status of the research and development programs, in the USA, on rechargeable zinc batteries. The review is confined to systems that are now under development. These are the zinc-bromine, zinc-chlorine, zinc-ferricyanide and zinc-nickel oxide systems. Most of the electrochemical problems with these batteries are due to the zinc electrode. Recent advances in zinc batteries include the use of additives and modified charging methods. Recent work by the author and others on the mechanism of the zinc electrodes in acid electrolytes is discussed and the mechanistic aspects of the effect of additives and charging methods is also reviewed.