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'''Zinc electrodes''' are electrochemical components used in various battery technologies, electroplating, and corrosion protection systems. Due to its high electrochemical activity, low cost, and environmental compatibility, zinc is widely utilized in [[primary battery|primary]] and [[secondary battery|secondary batteries]], as well as in sacrificial anodes for corrosion prevention. | |||
==Electrochemical Properties== | |||
Zinc is a relatively reactive metal with a standard electrode potential of '''−0.76 V vs. SHE (Standard Hydrogen Electrode)'''. It readily oxidizes to form zinc ions ('''Zn²⁺'''), making it an effective anode material in galvanic cells. The redox reaction of zinc in aqueous electrolytes is: | |||
<math>\text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Zn}^{2+} + 2e^-</math> | |||
This high electrochemical activity allows zinc to function efficiently in electrochemical applications, particularly in '''alkaline''', '''acidic''', and '''neutral aqueous electrolytes'''. | |||
==Applications== | |||
===Batteries=== | |||
Zinc electrodes are extensively used in both [[primary battery|primary (non-rechargeable)]] and [[secondary battery|secondary (rechargeable)]] batteries: | |||
*'''[[Zinc–carbon battery|Zinc-carbon batteries]] :''' The earliest commercial dry cells use a '''zinc anode''' with a {{Template:Viewer/Link|page=Category:OSWdcdbdbed2e2040d1a7a55761de7f0618|url=|label=}} ('''MnO₂''') cathode and an acidic electrolyte (ammonium chloride or zinc chloride). | |||
*'''[[Alkaline battery|Alkaline batteries]] :''' Employ a zinc powder anode with a '''potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte''', offering improved energy density and shelf life over zinc-carbon cells. | |||
*{{Template:Viewer/Link|page=Category:OSWe8eada7338114bbe8f65f6ee089d439f|url=|label=}}''':''' Utilize atmospheric oxygen as the cathode reactant, making them lightweight and energy-dense. These are used in [[hearing aid|hearing aids]] and other low-power applications. | |||
*'''[[Zinc-ion battery|Zinc-ion batteries]]:''' A developing rechargeable battery technology that uses a '''zinc metal anode''' and '''intercalating cathodes''', offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to [[Lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]]. | |||
===Electroplating=== | |||
Zinc electrodes are used in {{Template:Viewer/Link|page=Category:OSWa2b92d2e4431411e8da5a4c08bac2c0e|url=|label=}} processes to provide a '''protective coating''' on steel and other metals. This '''zinc coating''' ({{Template:Viewer/Link|page=Category:OSW16d1606ce56243cda92c0894abc2027b|url=|label=}}) prevents corrosion by acting as a '''sacrificial anode''', corroding preferentially to the underlying metal. | |||
===Sacrificial Anodes=== | |||
Zinc electrodes serve as '''sacrificial anodes''' in corrosion protection systems for: | |||
*[[Ships]] and [[marine engineering|marine structures]] (e.g., hulls, propellers, offshore platforms) | |||
*[[Pipeline transport|Pipelines]] and underground tanks | |||
*[[Water heater|Water heaters]] and cooling systems | |||
In these applications, zinc prevents corrosion by preferentially oxidizing instead of the protected metal. | |||
===Electrowinning and Electrorefining=== | |||
Zinc electrodes are used in the '''electrochemical extraction (electrowinning)''' and '''purification (electrorefining)''' of zinc from ores and recycled materials. | |||
==Advantages and Challenges== | |||
===Advantages=== | |||
*'''Abundant and inexpensive:''' Zinc is widely available and low-cost. | |||
*'''High energy density:''' Compared to other metal electrodes, zinc provides a high theoretical capacity. | |||
*'''Environmental safety:''' Unlike lead or cadmium, zinc is less toxic and more environmentally friendly. | |||
*'''Rechargeability potential:''' Emerging zinc-based rechargeable batteries offer promising alternatives to lithium-ion. | |||
===Challenges=== | |||
*'''Dendrite formation:''' During repeated charging, zinc metal can form {{Template:Viewer/Link|page=Category:OSW34bc54e3de4c41f88d3ad77c951ee23a|url=|label=}}s, leading to short circuits in rechargeable zinc batteries. | |||
*'''Corrosion in aqueous systems:''' Zinc readily reacts with water, leading to self-discharge and inefficiency in certain battery chemistries. | |||
*'''Limited cycle life in rechargeable systems:''' Rechargeable zinc batteries suffer from capacity degradation over time due to '''zinc shape change''' and '''side reactions'''. | |||
==Recent Developments== | |||
Research in '''zinc-based batteries''' focuses on: | |||
*'''Dendrite suppression techniques''', such as electrolyte additives and solid-state electrolytes. | |||
*'''Alternative zinc cathodes''' for high-performance rechargeable batteries. | |||
*'''Hybrid zinc-ion chemistries''' that improve lifespan and efficiency. | |||
==See Also== | |||
*[[Zinc–air battery]] | |||
*[[Zinc–carbon battery]] | |||
*[[Zinc-ion battery]] | |||
*[[Galvanization]] | |||
*[[Electrochemical series]] | |||
*[[Sacrificial anode]] | |||
==References== | |||
*''Electrochemical Energy Storage for Renewable Systems'' – Smith, J. et al. | |||
*''Advances in Zinc-Based Battery Technologies'' – Liu, Y. et al. | |||
*''Handbook of Corrosion Science and Engineering'' – Jones, D. A. | |||
[[Category:Electrodes]] | |||
[[Category:Zinc]] | |||
[[Category:Batteries]] | |||
[[Category:Electrochemistry]] | |||
[[Category:Corrosion prevention]] |