Rechargeable alkaline Zn–MnO₂ (RAM) batteries are a promising candidate for grid-scale energy storage owing to their high theoretical energy density rivaling lithium-ion systems (∼400 Wh/L), relatively safe aqueous electrolyte, established supply chain, and projected costs below $100/kWh at scale. In practice, however, many fundamental chemical and physical processes at both electrodes make it difficult to achieve commercially competitive energy density and cycle life. This review presents a detailed and timely analysis of the constituent materials, current commercial status, electrode processes, and performance-limiting factors of RAM batteries. We also examine recently reported strategies in RAM and related systems to address these issues through additives and modifications to the electrode materials and electrolyte, special ion-selective separators and/or coatings, and unconventional cycling protocols. We conclude with a critical summary of these developments and discussion of how future studies should be focused toward the goal of energy-dense, scalable, and cost-effective RAM systems.

可充电碱性Zn–MnO ₂（RAM）电池因其高理论能量密度可与锂离子系统媲美（〜400 Wh / L），相对安全的水性电解质，已建立的供应链以及预计成本低于$ 100 / kWh而成为网格规模储能的有希望的候选者大规模地。然而，实际上，两个电极上的许多基本化学和物理过程使得难以获得商业上具有竞争力的能量密度和循环寿命。本文对RAM电池的组成材料，当前的商业状况，电极工艺以及性能限制因素进行了详细而及时的分析。我们还研究了RAM和相关系统中最近报告的策略，这些方法通过添加和修饰电极材料和电解质，特殊的离子选择性隔膜和/或涂层来解决这些问题，和非常规的骑车协议。我们以这些发展的重要总结作为结束，并讨论了未来的研究应如何聚焦于能源密集，可扩展且具有成本效益的RAM系统的目标。