Ventilative zinc-air battery experimental mold and application thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a breathable and light-sensitive zinc-air battery experimental mold and its application, belonging to the field of light-assisted zinc-air battery experimental devices. The mold comprises: a top cover module, a middle cavity module, and a base module stacked and locked from top to bottom; a venting channel is provided through the top cover module and connected to the air electrode mounting slot; the upper surface of the middle cavity module has a recessed stop and an air electrode mounting slot, and the interior has an electrolyte reservoir; the lower surface has a recessed stop and a zinc electrode mounting slot; the side wall has a liquid passage connecting to the electrolyte reservoir; the recessed stop corresponds to the convex stop on the lower surface of the top cover module and the convex stop on the upper surface of the base module, respectively, fitting together to form a sealed structure, etc. This invention solves the problems of existing technologies such as lack of light transmission, difficulty in light-assisted testing, poor adaptability, cumbersome assembly and disassembly, and lack of photoelectric synergy design. The mold is transparent and uniformly breathable, light-compatible, and quick-release sealed, suitable for both conventional and light-assisted zinc-air battery testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of light-assisted zinc-air battery experimental devices, specifically relating to a breathable and light-illuminating zinc-air battery experimental mold and its application. Background Technology

[0002] The basic mechanism of discharge and charging in a photo-assisted zinc-air battery: a photocatalyst absorbs light of an appropriate wavelength to generate photogenerated electron-hole pairs to assist the cycling process. During discharge, O2 and H2O are reduced to OH- by photogenerated electrons. - The Zn anode is oxidized to Zn. 2+ and OH - Generate Zn(OH)4 2- ZnO is generated at the negative electrode. During charging, photogenerated holes are transferred to the positive electrode surface, converting OH groups into ZnO. - It is oxidized to O2, and photoelectrons move rapidly to the external circuit, while Zn(OH)4 2- Reduced to Zn and OH - During the discharge process, at the air positive electrode: photocatalyst + hv → e - + h + O2 + 2H2O + 4e - → 4OH - (E vsRHE = 0.4V), Zinc anode: Zn + 4OH- - → Zn(OH)4 2- + 2e - (E vsRHE = -1.25V), Zn(OH)4 2- → ZnO + H2O + 2OH - The overall reaction is: 2Zn + O2 → 2ZnO (E vsRHE = 1.65V). During the charging process, at the air positive electrode: photocatalyst + hv → e - + h + ,4OH - + 4h + →O2+ 2H2O (E vsRHE = -0.4V), Zinc anode: ZnO + H2O + 2OH- - →Zn(OH)4 2- Zn(OH)4 2- + 2e - → Zn + 4OH - (E vsRHE = 1.25V), the overall reaction is: 2ZnO → 2Zn + O2 (E = 1.25V), vsRHE = -1.65V).

[0003] Existing zinc-air battery molds lack light transmission capabilities, are prone to leakage, and are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, making light-assisted testing impossible. In laboratory research and development, experimental molds are core components for electrode assembly, electrolyte sealing, oxygen diffusion, tab extraction, and electrochemical performance testing. Existing document 1 (Chinese invention patent application publication number CN105098292A) discloses a horizontal three-electrode electrochemically rechargeable zinc-air battery, belonging to the field of electrochemical power source technology. This battery includes an oxygen evolution electrode, a zinc electrode, and a battery assembly, as well as an oxygen reduction electrode. The oxygen evolution electrode, zinc electrode, and oxygen reduction electrode are all horizontally mounted and assembled together with the battery assembly. During charging, the zinc electrode and oxygen evolution electrode form a working circuit; during discharging, the zinc electrode and oxygen reduction electrode form a working circuit. However, Reference 1 uses a horizontal immersion electrode structure, which cannot integrate light transmission function and does not support photocatalysis / photoassisted reaction; the electrode and flow field are fixed, making it difficult to adapt to zinc anodes of different thicknesses and various air electrodes; disassembly and assembly require overall reassembly, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, and there is no dedicated gas diffusion and light illumination synergy design, which is not conducive to the accurate testing and efficient operation of the optocoupler system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a breathable and light-emitting zinc-air battery experimental mold and its application, which solves the problems of existing technologies such as lack of light transmission, difficulty in light-assisted testing, poor adaptability, complicated disassembly and assembly, and lack of photoelectric synergy design. This mold is transparent and breathable, light-compatible, sealed and quick-disassembly, and is suitable for conventional and light-assisted zinc-air battery testing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a breathable and light-illuminating zinc-air battery experimental mold, comprising: a top cover module, a middle cavity module, and a base module stacked from top to bottom and locked together by fastening components; the top cover module includes a venting channel and a convex stop; the venting channel is disposed through the top cover module and communicates with the air electrode mounting groove, allowing atmospheric air or a top light source to be introduced into the air electrode mounting groove area on the upper surface of the middle cavity module through the venting channel; the middle cavity module has a concave stop and an air electrode mounting groove on its upper surface, a concave stop and a zinc electrode mounting groove on its lower surface, and a liquid passage on its side wall communicating with an electrolyte reservoir for connecting to an external liquid replenishment system to achieve dynamic replenishment and circulation of the electrolyte; its interior has a passage communicating with the air electrode mounting groove and the... The zinc electrode mounting groove is connected to the electrolyte container. The air electrode mounting groove is arranged around the inner wall of the recessed stop on the upper surface of the intermediate cavity module. The zinc electrode mounting groove is located in the recessed stop on the lower surface of the intermediate cavity module. The recessed stops on the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate cavity module correspond to the convex stops on the lower surface of the upper cover module and the upper surface of the base module, respectively, and fit together to form a sealing structure. This seals and presses the zinc electrode in the zinc electrode mounting groove and the contact surfaces between the air electrode in the air electrode mounting groove and the electrolyte container, thereby achieving airtightness and liquid tightness and preventing electrolyte overflow or leakage from the electrolyte container. The positive electrode tab of the air electrode mounting groove and the negative electrode tab of the zinc electrode mounting groove extend to the outside of the intermediate cavity module and remain sealed. The bottom of the base module is provided with a non-through light-reflecting window facing the zinc electrode mounting groove.

[0006] Preferably, the lower port of the vent is located inside the convex stop, the air electrode mounting groove surrounds the periphery of the concave stop and is concentrically arranged with the lower port of the vent; the electrolyte receiving tank is surrounded by the upper and lower concave stops.

[0007] More preferably, the ventilation channel is one or more vertical through holes with a diameter of 10 mm. When there are multiple holes, the number is four and they are evenly distributed in the center of the upper cover module.

[0008] Preferably, the fastening assembly consists of symmetrically arranged positioning bolt holes at the four corners of the upper cover module, the intermediate cavity module, and the base module, and corresponding nut holes at the bottom of the base module. It is secured by hexagonal bolts passing through and by wing nuts in the nut holes at the bottom of the base module.

[0009] Preferably, the top cover module is made of transparent acrylic sheet or transparent polycarbonate sheet; the middle cavity module is an acrylic frame or polycarbonate frame with a thickness of 10 mm, and its size is the same as that of the top cover module; the zinc electrode mounting groove is a flag-shaped recessed groove with a depth of 3 mm, which is suitable for thick zinc paste electrodes.

[0010] Preferably, the concave stop is an annular groove provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate cavity module, and the convex stop is an annular boss protruding downward from the center of the upper cover module and upward from the center of the base module, respectively. The dimensions of the annular groove and the annular boss correspond, and the depth of the concave stop and the convex stop is 1.5~2.5 mm, forming a surface seal with the silicone pad.

[0011] Preferably, the intermediate cavity module further includes a positive electrode tab lead-out groove and a negative electrode tab lead-out groove. The positive electrode tab lead-out groove extends from the side of the intermediate cavity module to the internal air electrode mounting groove, and is used to allow the positive electrode tab to pass through to the outside of the intermediate cavity module while maintaining a seal. The negative electrode tab lead-out groove is located at the edge of the zinc electrode mounting groove and leads to the outside of the intermediate cavity module, and is used to allow the negative electrode tab to pass through to the outside of the intermediate cavity module while maintaining a seal.

[0012] Preferably, the liquid passages are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the intermediate cavity module, with a quantity of 2 to 4, and have built-in threaded adapters for connecting to an external liquid replenishment system to achieve dynamic replenishment and circulation of electrolyte.

[0013] Preferably, the light-emitting window and the ventilation channel are designed coaxially to realize the upper and lower bidirectional light-emitting function of the mold; the base module is provided with a slide rail positioning hole at the outward extension of the upper cover module and the middle cavity module, which is used to install the mold and conduct light-emitting performance test experiments.

[0014] This invention provides an application of a breathable and light-receiving zinc-air battery experimental mold in the performance testing of light-assisted or photocatalytic zinc-air batteries.

[0015] Preferably, using the mold, the zinc electrode is installed in the zinc electrode mounting slot and the tab is led out from the negative electrode tab lead-out slot. The air electrode is installed in the air electrode mounting slot and the tab is led out from the positive electrode tab lead-out slot. After stacking and locking the three-layer modules, the mold is installed. A light source is introduced through the top vent or the bottom light window. Combined with the external liquid replenishment system connected by the liquid passage, a long-term cyclic charge-discharge test is performed.

[0016] The present invention provides a breathable and light-transmitting zinc-air battery experimental mold and its application, which solves the problems of existing technologies such as lack of light transmission, difficulty in light-assisted illumination, poor adaptability, complicated assembly and disassembly, and lack of photoelectric synergy design, and has the following advantages: 1. The mold of this invention consists of a base, a middle cavity, and a top cover, all made of transparent insulating material, balancing light path transparency and electrical insulation, suitable for light-assisted experiments. The middle cavity has a zinc electrode mounting groove and a negative electrode tab lead-out groove, while the top cover has an air electrode mounting groove and an integrated ventilation and light-illuminating channel. The layers are sealed with concave-convex stop joints. The middle cavity has an electrolyte containing chamber and symmetrical liquid passages on both sides. The three modules are fixed by through-type positioning posts and locking parts, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, reliable sealing, and preventing leakage and human-induced sealing variations. The integrated ventilation and light-illuminating channel simultaneously achieves uniform oxygen diffusion and direct light illumination, reducing concentration polarization and improving light utilization. The transparent structure supports real-time observation of zinc dendrite growth and by-product precipitation during electrochemical testing using CCD, Raman spectroscopy, or microscopy (visibility is improved by thinning the outer plate of the zinc sheet), simulating real-world conditions such as solar-assisted charging.

[0017] 2. The mold of this invention is adaptable to zinc sheets / zinc paste of different thicknesses and air electrodes, with strong versatility; uniform oxygen distribution, unobstructed light, stable contact, high testing accuracy and good repeatability; modular design allows electrode and electrolyte replacement to be completed within 30 seconds, greatly improving efficiency; open structure avoids electrolyte carbonation and apparent death caused by CO2 accumulation, and cycle life data is closer to the actual level of the material, enabling "light-enhanced" performance testing rarely seen in the industry. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembled structure of the zinc-air battery experimental mold of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the zinc-air battery experimental mold of the present invention after disassembly.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a test diagram of the cycle stability of a zinc-air battery using a sealed metal mold, as shown in Comparative Example 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 The image shows the results of the cycle stability test of the mold of Comparative Example 3 (CN105098292A) of this invention applied to a zinc-air battery.

[0022] Figure 5 The image shows the results of the cycle stability test of the mold used in Comparative Example 2 of this invention in a zinc-air battery.

[0023] Figure 6 The image shows the results of the cycle stability test of the mold used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a photo-assisted zinc-air battery.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Positioning bolt hole; 2. Ventilation channel; 3. Air electrode mounting slot; 4. Positive electrode tab lead-out slot; 5. Electrolyte container; 6. Zinc electrode mounting slot; 7. Negative electrode tab lead-out slot; 8. Light-emitting window; 9. Liquid passage; 10. Top cover module; 11. Intermediate cavity module; 12. Base module; 13. Recessed stop; 14. Convex stop. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] Example 1: A breathable and light-reflecting experimental mold for zinc-air batteries, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mold includes positioning bolt holes 1, ventilation channels 2, air electrode mounting slots 3, positive electrode tab lead-out slots 4, electrolyte containment slots 5, zinc electrode mounting slots 6, negative electrode tab lead-out slots 7, light-emitting windows 8, liquid passages 9, upper cover module 10, intermediate cavity module 11, base module 12, concave stop 13, and convex stop 14. The upper cover module 10, intermediate cavity module 11, and base module 12 are locked and fixed with wing nuts by four hexagonal bolts.

[0027] The positioning bolt holes 1 are distributed at the four corners of the upper cover module 10, the intermediate cavity module 11, and the base module 12. These are φ5 mm vertical through holes, through which four hexagonal bolts sequentially pass. The ends are locked by wing nuts in the nut holes of the base module 12, achieving precise positioning and overall mechanical fixation of the upper cover module 10, intermediate cavity module 11, and base module 12, ensuring assembly coaxiality and structural rigidity. The nut holes are located at the four corners of the bottom surface of the base module 12, corresponding to the ends of the positioning bolt holes 1. These holes are countersunk or slotted structures, engaging with the ends of the hexagonal bolts passing through the three modules. The wing nuts apply locking force, achieving uniform compression of the three modules, ensuring overall structural rigidity and sealing.

[0028] The ventilation channel 2 is located inside the central protrusion 14 of the upper cover module 10. It is a φ10 mm vertical through hole that runs from the upper surface of the upper cover module 10 to the upper surface of the middle cavity module 11. Its top is open to the atmosphere, and its bottom is connected to the air electrode mounting slot 3 area of ​​the middle cavity module 11, providing the oxygen channel required for the air electrode reaction; at the same time, it serves as the incident channel of the top light source to support light-assisted experiments.

[0029] The air electrode mounting groove 3 is located on the upper surface of the intermediate cavity module 11, surrounding the inner wall of the recessed stop 13, and is arranged concentrically with the vent channel 2. Its edge forms a surface seal with the convex stop 14 on the bottom surface of the upper cover module 10 and the recessed stop 13 of the intermediate cavity module 11 through the cooperation of a silicone pad. It is used to fix and support the air electrode, ensuring good contact between it and the oxygen channel and electrolyte.

[0030] The positive electrode tab lead-out groove 4 is located on the side edge of the intermediate cavity module 11 and is connected to the air electrode mounting groove 3. Its groove extends from the side of the intermediate cavity module 11 to the internal air electrode mounting groove 3, allowing the air electrode tab to pass through, guiding and protecting the air electrode (positive electrode) tab to be led out to the external circuit, avoiding assembly compression, and ensuring sealing.

[0031] The electrolyte container 5 is located inside the cavity of the intermediate cavity module 11 and is surrounded by upper and lower recessed stops 13. It is adjacent to and connected to the zinc electrode mounting tank 6 and the air electrode mounting tank 3. It is connected to the external liquid replenishment system through the liquid passage 9. The bottom is connected to the zinc electrode mounting tank 6 and the top is connected to the air electrode mounting tank 3. It stores and distributes electrolyte, provides ion transport medium for electrode reaction, and maintains the electrochemical reaction environment.

[0032] The zinc electrode mounting groove 6 is located in the recessed stop (13) on the lower surface of the intermediate cavity module 11, and is connected to the bottom of the electrolyte container 5. It faces the light window 8 of the base module 12, supports and positions the zinc electrode (negative electrode), and ensures that one side of the zinc electrode is immersed in the electrolyte and participates in the reaction stably. The zinc electrode is embedded in the zinc electrode mounting groove 6, and the electrode tab extends out to the outside of the base module 12 through the negative electrode tab lead-out groove 7.

[0033] The negative electrode tab lead-out groove 7 is located on the lower surface edge of the intermediate cavity module 11 and is connected to the zinc electrode mounting groove 6, leading to the outside of the intermediate cavity module 11. The zinc electrode (negative electrode) tab extends downward from the intermediate cavity module 11 to the outside, realizing external circuit connection without damaging the sealing structure.

[0034] The light window 8 is located at the center of the bottom of the base module 12. It is a non-through transparent area of ​​φ20 mm and is perpendicular to the zinc electrode mounting groove 6 and the convex stop 14 respectively. External light sources can be incident on the zinc electrode area through this window, providing a bottom light source incident channel to support light-assisted or photocatalytic experiments. It is especially suitable for the study of light response on the zinc electrode side.

[0035] The liquid passage 9 is located symmetrically on both sides of the intermediate cavity module 11, with a quantity of 2 to 4. It is a φ5 mm through hole with a built-in threaded adapter. One end of the adapter leads to the electrolyte container 5, and the other end is connected to the external liquid replenishment pipeline or syringe to connect with the external liquid replenishment system, so as to realize the dynamic replenishment and replacement of electrolyte, support long-term or cyclic charge and discharge experiments, and maintain the stability of electrolyte concentration.

[0036] The top cover module 10 is located on the top layer of the mold, with dimensions of 60 mm × 55 mm × 12 mm. It is made of transparent acrylic sheet and covers the middle cavity module 11. It is stacked with the middle cavity module 11 and the base module 12 through the positioning bolt holes 1 at the four corners. Its bottom convex stop 14 and the concave stop 13 of the middle cavity module 11 form a surface seal, which fixes the air electrode, provides the top ventilation and light-emitting channel (ventilation channel 2, providing oxygen), and guides the positive electrode tab (positive electrode tab lead-out groove 4), serving as the top cover of the overall structure.

[0037] The intermediate cavity module 11 is located between the upper cover module 10 and the base module 12. It has the same size as the upper cover module 10 and is an acrylic frame with a thickness of 10 mm. Its upper and lower surfaces are provided with concave stops 13, which are respectively fitted with the convex stops 14 of the upper cover module 10 and the convex stops 14 of the base module 12. The side walls are symmetrically provided with φ5 mm liquid passages 9. The interior contains an electrolyte receiving tank 5, which is used to hold electrolyte, connect to the liquid replenishment system (liquid passage 9), support the dual electrodes (air electrode mounting tank 3 and zinc electrode mounting tank 6), achieve interlayer sealing, and guide the bipolar tabs (4, 7) to be led out, which is the core reaction cavity.

[0038] The base module 12, the bottom layer of the mold, measures 60 mm × 75 mm × 12 mm and supports the intermediate cavity module 11. Its top has a convex stop 14 that mates with the concave stop 13 of the intermediate cavity module 11 to support the electrodes. It also features a through-hole for the slide rail positioning and a light-emitting window 8, as well as through-holes for the positioning bolts 1 corresponding to the upper cover module 10 and the intermediate cavity module 11, used for mold assembly. Three slide rail positioning holes are located at the left end of the base module 12, extending outwards beyond the left edges of the upper cover module 10 and the intermediate cavity module 11, forming a mounting platform. When installing the mold, the assembled mold is rotated 90° to the right until the mounting platform contacts the side wall of the horizontal workbench. The mold is then fixed in place by the corresponding horizontal nuts fixed to the workbench through the slide rail positioning holes. After fixing, the mold can be used for light performance testing experiments.

[0039] The concave stop 13 is located on the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate cavity module 11. It is an annular groove that matches the convex stop 14. It fits into the convex stop 14 of the upper cover module 10 and the base module 12. Together with the silicone pad, it achieves surface sealing, realizes interlayer mechanical positioning and fluid sealing, prevents electrolyte leakage and gas escape, and ensures experimental stability.

[0040] The convex stop 14 is respectively located at the center of the upper cover module 10 (convex downward) and the center of the base module 12 (convex upward), corresponding to the concave stop 13 of the middle cavity module 11. Its convex frame is a square structure with a side length of 20 mm. It is embedded in the concave stop 13 of the middle cavity module 11 to form a stepped sealing fit structure. With the help of the silicone pad, it achieves airtightness and liquid tightness (sealing the zinc electrode, and pressing and sealing the contact surface between the zinc electrode and the electrolyte container 5 and the contact surface between the air electrode and the electrolyte container 5, ensuring that the electrolyte in the electrolyte container 5 will not overflow or leak), while guiding the distribution of electrolyte and gas.

[0041] The mold's three-layer module (upper cover module 10, middle cavity module 11, and base module 12) achieves precise alignment and sealing lock through positioning bolt holes 1, concave stop 13, and convex stop 14. Electrodes (air electrode mounting groove 3 and zinc electrode mounting groove 6) are respectively installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the middle cavity module 11, with electrode tabs led out through positive electrode tab lead-out groove 4 and negative electrode tab lead-out groove 7. Electrolyte is injected through liquid passage 9 and stored in electrolyte receiving tank 5, sealed through the interface of concave stop 13 and convex stop 14. Light can be introduced through the top venting channel 2 (ventilation + illumination) and illumination window 8, supporting light-assisted research. The entire mold balances permeability, light transmittance, sealing, disassembly, and electrochemical functionality.

[0042] The specific assembly and usage methods of the above molds are as follows: The zinc electrode is placed in the zinc electrode mounting slot 6, with the tab leading out from the negative electrode tab lead-out slot 7. The air electrode (the air electrode is made by processing nickel foam as the current collector, and a water-proof and breathable layer is formed by processing catalyst, conductive carbon black, and binder and attaching it to the current collector; this positive electrode also has the functions of conducting electricity, contacting external oxygen and internal electrolyte, and catalyzing electrochemical reactions) is placed in the air electrode mounting slot 3, with the tab leading out from the positive electrode tab lead-out slot 4. Through the concave-convex interface of the concave stop 13 and the convex stop 14, the contact surfaces of the zinc electrode and the electrolyte container 5, and the contact surfaces of the air electrode and the electrolyte container 5 are both compacted and sealed to ensure... The electrolyte in the electrolyte container 5 will not overflow or leak. The base module 12, intermediate cavity module 11, and top cover module 10 are sequentially stacked through the positioning bolt holes 1, and the locking nuts are tightened. After assembly, the mold is rotated 90° to the right, and the mounting surface contacts the side wall of the horizontal workbench (at this time, the central axes of the air electrode mounting slot 3, electrolyte container 5, and zinc electrode mounting slot 6 are parallel to the horizontal workbench, forming a vertical double electrode). After installation and fixation through the slide rail positioning holes and the corresponding horizontal nuts fixed on the workbench, electrolyte is injected into the electrolyte container 5 through the liquid passage 9, allowing for performance testing experiments. During photo-assisted experiments, the light source is incident through the venting channel 2 or the illumination window 8 to conduct photocatalytic / photo-assisted charge-discharge tests.

[0043] Example 2: A breathable and light-receiving zinc-air battery experimental mold is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that: The acrylic material of the top cover module 10, the middle cavity module 11 and the base module 12 is changed to transparent polycarbonate, which has higher mechanical strength and better temperature resistance. The ventilation channels 2 are located inside the central protrusion 14 of the upper cover module 10. There are 4 channels, each 10 mm in size, which are evenly distributed to ensure more uniform oxygen diffusion. The zinc electrode mounting groove 6 is a flag-shaped recess with a depth of 3 mm, which is suitable for thick zinc paste electrodes.

[0044] The assembly and usage method of the above mold is exactly the same as that in Example 1.

[0045] Example 3: A breathable and light-receiving zinc-air battery experimental mold is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that: There are four liquid passages 9, symmetrically distributed, to support bidirectional circulation of electrolyte, with a channel diameter of 2mm; The depth of both the concave stop 13 and the convex stop 14 is increased to 2.5 mm, which increases the sealing area and ensures no leakage during long-term circulation. The light-emitting window 8 and the ventilation channel 2 are designed coaxially, which can realize bidirectional light illumination from the top and bottom, meeting the testing requirements of double-sided photocatalysts.

[0046] The assembly and usage method of the above mold is exactly the same as that in Example 1.

[0047] Example 4: A breathable and light-receiving zinc-air battery experimental mold is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that: The ventilation channel 2 is located inside the central protrusion 14 of the upper cover module 10. It is a vertical through conical hole or a stepped through hole, and the inner diameter of the bottom of the ventilation channel 2 is φ10 mm, while the inner diameter of the upper part is greater than φ10 mm.

[0048] The assembly and usage method of the above mold is exactly the same as that in Example 1.

[0049] Comparative Example 1 (Traditional opaque mold, corresponding to...) Figure 3 ) Made of stainless steel, using a CR2032 button cell battery from Liyuan Battery Technology, with no light-emitting window 8.

[0050] Defects: Opaque, cannot be illuminated; one-sided ventilation leads to uneven O2 distribution; slow disassembly and assembly, poor sealing, and high leakage rate.

[0051] Comparative Example 2 (Simple Transparent Mold, Corresponding) Figure 5 ) A zinc-air battery experimental mold adopts the Changsha Spring Zi model zinc-ion battery test mold, which is made of acrylic material, has a three-piece structure, and does not have the concave stop and convex stop as in Example 1.

[0052] Defects: conflict between air permeability and light exposure; difficulty in electrode replacement; poor sealing and easy leakage; lack of electrolyte circulation structure.

[0053] Comparative Example 3 (corresponding) Figure 4 ) The mold used is from a horizontal three-electrode electrochemically rechargeable zinc-air battery, which is published in CN105098292A.

[0054] Defect: Vertical placement of horizontal molds and three-electrode assembly can lead to leakage.

[0055] Comparative Example 4: A zinc-air battery experimental mold is basically the same as that in Example 1, except that: There is no concave stop 13 and no convex stop 14.

[0056] Defects: Severe leakage; zinc electrodes are easily corroded by air, making experiments impossible.

[0057] Experiment Example 1 Performance Test The molds of Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 3 (CN105098292A) were tested. The specific operation was as follows: constant current discharge current was -0.785mA, constant current charging current was 0.785mA, charging for 5 minutes followed by discharging for 5 minutes (the cycle stability test time for Comparative Example 1 mold was changed to 20 minutes), and this cycle was repeated. The light source used for illumination was a 950W xenon lamp (Xingchuang Ziguang BXU999 300W xenon lamp), with a distance of 20cm between the lamp and the battery mold.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, Comparative Example 1 of this invention uses a sealed metal mold to test the cycle stability of a zinc-air battery. (From...) Figure 3 As can be seen, the CR2032 button battery of Comparative Example 1 of this invention has an extremely short constant current charge-discharge cycle time of less than 3 hours using a sealed metal mold. Due to CO2 accumulation, the electrolyte fails early, fluctuates greatly, and there is a risk of leakage and poor contact.

[0059] like Figure 4 The figure shown illustrates the results of cycle stability testing of the mold used in Comparative Example 3 (CN105098292A) of this invention in a zinc-air battery. Figure 4It is known that the three-electrode horizontal structure of the mold in CN105098292A cannot be exposed to light, and increasing the number of gaps may pose a risk of leakage. The cycle stability is poor, and the horizontal structure may cause rapid polarization during the cycle due to gravity. At the same time, the degree of polarization of this mold is greater, and the stable cycle test time is shorter, about 140 hours.

[0060] like Figure 5 The figure shown illustrates the results of cycle stability testing of the mold used in Comparative Example 2 of this invention in a zinc-air battery. Figure 5 It can be seen that the mold of Comparative Example 2 of the present invention has poor cycle stability and a long duration of about 200 hours when applied to zinc-air batteries.

[0061] like Figure 6 The figure shown illustrates the results of cycle stability testing of the mold used in Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a photo-assisted zinc-air battery. Figure 6 As can be seen, the mold in Embodiment 1 of this invention uses a conventional vertical dual-electrode design and is illuminated, resulting in good cycle stability and a long maintenance time of approximately 240 hours in a light-assisted zinc-air battery. This is because the mold of this invention allows the zinc-air battery to be exposed to simulated sunlight during the testing phase, thereby meeting the requirements for testing the effects of light. The positive electrode material has a positive response to light, and the battery under light exhibits lower polarization and maintains a stable voltage for a longer period during cycle testing. Theoretical analysis: Under light, the positive electrode material of the light-assisted zinc-air battery generates photogenerated electrons and photogenerated holes. Photogenerated electrons can directly replenish electrons based on the external current, thereby significantly increasing the discharge current and output voltage, allowing for faster and more complete energy release; photogenerated holes can help decompose discharge products, making the charging reaction easier. Therefore, the light used in the mold of this invention not only provides a thermal effect, but its photon energy can also be directly converted into electrical energy storage and assist in electrochemical reactions; it can reduce the charge-discharge voltage difference, reduce energy loss, and suppress side reactions, thereby improving round-trip efficiency and battery performance.

[0062] In summary, this invention provides the optical path foundation through a fully transparent three-module design, enabling multi-directional illumination; the integrated ventilation and illumination channel simultaneously solves the problems of oxygen supply and light incidence, overcoming functional conflict bottlenecks; and the concave-convex stop ensures rapid sealing, guaranteeing assembly accuracy and sealing reliability, and improving operational efficiency. These three components work together seamlessly, forming a synergistic effect, while simultaneously achieving a high level of technical efficiency through compatibility with both conventional and light-assisted testing, high data accuracy, and convenient operation.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in detail through the preferred embodiments above, it should be understood that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A breathable and light-reflecting experimental mold for zinc-air batteries, characterized in that, The mold comprises: an upper cover module (10), an intermediate cavity module (11), and a base module (12) that are stacked from top to bottom and locked together by fastening components. The upper cover module (10) includes a ventilation channel (2) and a convex stop (14); the ventilation channel (2) is disposed through the upper cover module (10) and is connected to the air electrode mounting groove (3), so that the atmosphere or the top light source is introduced into the air electrode mounting groove (3) area on the upper surface of the intermediate cavity module (11) through the ventilation channel (2); The intermediate cavity module (11) has a recessed stop (13) and an air electrode mounting groove (3) on its upper surface, and a recessed stop (13) and a zinc electrode mounting groove (6) on its lower surface. Its side wall has a liquid passage (9) that connects to the electrolyte container (5) for connecting to an external liquid replenishment system to realize dynamic replenishment and circulation of electrolyte. Its interior has an electrolyte container (5) that is connected to the air electrode mounting groove (3) and the zinc electrode mounting groove (6) respectively. The air electrode mounting groove (3) is arranged around the inner wall of the recessed stop (13) on the upper surface of the intermediate cavity module (11); the zinc electrode mounting groove (6) is arranged in the recessed stop (13) on the lower surface of the intermediate cavity module (11); and the recessed stop (13) on the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate cavity module (11) corresponds to the convex stop (14) on the lower surface of the upper cover module (10) and the convex stop (14) on the upper surface of the base module (12), respectively, and fits together to form a sealing structure, pressing and sealing the contact surface between the zinc electrode in the zinc electrode mounting groove (6) and the air electrode in the air electrode mounting groove (3) and the electrolyte container (5), thereby achieving airtightness and liquid tightness, and preventing the electrolyte in the electrolyte container (5) from overflowing or leaking. The positive tab of the air electrode mounting slot (3) and the negative tab of the zinc electrode mounting slot (6) are passed through to the outside of the intermediate cavity module (11) and kept sealed. The base module (12) has a non-through light-emitting window (8) at the bottom that faces the zinc electrode mounting groove (6).

2. The zinc-air battery experimental mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower port of the vent (2) is located inside the convex stop (14), and the air electrode mounting groove (3) is arranged concentrically with the lower port of the vent (2); the electrolyte container (5) is surrounded by the upper and lower concave stops (13).

3. The zinc-air battery experimental mold according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ventilation channel (2) is one or more through holes with a diameter of 10 mm. When there are multiple holes, there are 4 holes, which are evenly distributed in the center of the upper cover module (10).

4. The zinc-air battery experimental mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fastening assembly is symmetrically arranged in the positioning bolt holes (1) at the four corners of the upper cover module (10), the intermediate cavity module (11) and the base module (12) and the corresponding nut holes at the bottom of the base module (12). It is fastened by hexagonal bolts and locked by wing nuts in the nut holes at the bottom of the base module (12).

5. The zinc-air battery experimental mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover module (10) is made of transparent acrylic sheet or transparent polycarbonate sheet; the middle cavity module (11) is an acrylic frame or polycarbonate frame with a thickness of 10 mm, and its size is the same as that of the top cover module (10); the zinc electrode mounting groove (6) is a flag-shaped groove with a depth of 3 mm, which is suitable for thick zinc paste electrodes.

6. The zinc-air battery experimental mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The concave stop (13) is an annular groove provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate cavity module (11), and the convex stop (14) is an annular boss that protrudes downward from the center of the upper cover module (10) and upward from the center of the base module (12), respectively. The dimensions of the annular groove and the annular boss correspond. The depth of the concave stop (13) and the convex stop (14) is 1.5~2.5 mm, which, together with the silicone pad, form a surface seal.

7. The zinc-air battery experimental mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intermediate cavity module (11) also includes a positive electrode tab lead-out groove (4) and a negative electrode tab lead-out groove (7). The positive electrode tab lead-out groove (4) extends from the side of the intermediate cavity module (11) through to the internal air electrode mounting groove (3), allowing the positive electrode tab to pass through to the outside of the intermediate cavity module (11) and remain sealed. The negative electrode tab lead-out groove (7) is located at the edge of the zinc electrode mounting groove (6) and extends to the outside of the intermediate cavity module (11), allowing the negative electrode tab to pass through to the outside of the intermediate cavity module (11) and remain sealed.

8. The zinc-air battery experimental mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid passages (9) are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the intermediate cavity module (11), with a quantity of 2 to 4. They have built-in threaded adapters for connecting to an external liquid replenishment system to achieve dynamic replenishment and circulation of electrolyte.

9. The zinc-air battery experimental mold according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting window (8) and the ventilation channel (2) are designed coaxially to achieve bidirectional lighting of the mold from top to bottom; the base module (12) is provided with a sliding rail positioning hole at the outward extension of the upper cover module (10) and the middle cavity module (11) for installing the mold and conducting light performance test experiments.

10. Application of a breathable and light-receiving zinc-air battery experimental mold in the performance testing of light-assisted or photocatalytic zinc-air batteries.

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