Redox Chemistry and Degradation Pathways in Near-Neutral Zn–Air Batteries: Insights and Open Questions

Zinc–air batteries (ZABs) with near-neutral electrolytes have recently gained attention as an alternative to alkaline ZABs, offering improved tolerance to ambient CO₂, reduced corrosion, and possible reversibility improvements. However, their fundamental electrochemistry is poorly understood. Discharge pathways vary widely with the electrolyte composition, cathode properties, and cycling conditions, leading to conflicting reports on redox reaction mechanisms. Likewise, the dominant degradation modes remain unsettled. This Perspective highlights emerging insights into the redox chemistry and failure mechanisms of near-neutral ZABs, emphasizing conceptual uncertainties, literature inconsistencies, and overlooked variables. We identify knowledge gaps that prevent mechanism-informed design and systematic optimization. The goal of this work is to stimulate deeper mechanistic studies that move beyond empirical trends and establish a foundation for advancing near-neutral ZABs.