Bioinspired oxygen selective membrane for Zn–air batteries

Zn–air and other metal–air batteries suffer from limited shelf life due to carbonization by CO2 evaporation of water through the cathode. Bioinspired oxygen selective membranes (OSMs) with common similarities lungs alveoli were prepared applied as an passive membrane on cathode batteries, which limit H2O transport while actively supporting O2 flux. The OSMs polycarbonate iron(II) phthalocyanine in volatile chlorogenic solvent (“breath figures self-assembly” mechanism) under controlled humidity conditions. Membranes characterized scanning electron microscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, gas chromatography. These contain a pulmonary alveolus-like structure 0.2–4.0 microns thick, inclosing carrier molecule. electrochemical measurements are performed evaluate permeability both half- full-cell configurations. effect relative humidity, phthalocyanine, content is investigated during optimization permeabilities selectivity results. By installing OSM top prototype cell, we able reduce 88% limiting current 73 mA cm−2OSM (PC 11%, FePc 9.1%). In this contribution, present (OSM) increase cell. applying cell cathode, successfully demonstrated reduction cm−2OSM.