Electro Fenton's reaction coupled Zn-air battery for in situ pollutant degradation

Abstract

Introducing novel functionalities to state-of-the-art batteries has the potential to immensely enrich energy conversion chemistry. Here, we show a Zn-air battery concept wherein pollutant degradation is paired with electric power production facilitated by the in situ transformation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced on battery discharge to extremely reactive hydroxyl (˙OH) radical via Fenton's reaction. The battery delivered an open circuit voltage of nearly 1.3 V, a peak power density of nearly 55 mW cm−2 at a peak current density of ∼125 mA cm−2, while simultaneously degrading pollutants such as Acetaminophen and phenol during the delivery of electric power. The ability of batteries to couple pollutant degradation with electric power delivery adds a novel dimension to their chemistry to perform challenging tasks in the sustainable energy landscape.