Perspective of alkaline zinc-based flow batteries

Energy storage technologies have been identified as the key in constructing new electric power systems and achieving carbon neutrality, as they can absorb and smooth the renewables-generated electricity. Alkaline zinc-based flow batteries are well suitable for stationary energy storage applications, since they feature the advantages of high safety, high cell voltage and low cost. Currently, many alkaline zinc-based flow batteries have been proposed and developed, e.g., the alkaline zinc-iron flow battery and alkaline zinc—nickel flow battery. Their development and application are closely related to advanced materials and battery configurations. In this perspective, we will first provide a brief introduction and discussion of alkaline zinc-based flow batteries. Then we focus on these batteries from the perspective of their current status, challenges and prospects. The bottlenecks for these batteries are briefly analyzed. Combined with the practical requirements and development trends of alkaline zinc-based flow battery technologies, their future development and research direction will be summarized.