Boosting Zinc-Air Battery Stability Using Potassium Ferrocyanide as a Corrosion Inhibitor under CO₂ Exposure

Abdel-Hamid, Mostafa Adel; Elrouby, Mahmoud; Elsayed, Abd El Rahman

doi:10.21608/sjsci.2025.395269.1280

Boosting Zinc-Air Battery Stability Using Potassium Ferrocyanide as a Corrosion Inhibitor under CO₂ Exposure

Document Type : Regular Articles

Authors

¹ Chemistry Department,Faculty of Science, Sohag University

² Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University

³ Sohag university,faculty of science, chemistry department Sohag

10.21608/sjsci.2025.395269.1280

Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of electrochemical performance and corrosion resistance of zinc (Zn) electrodes in zinc–air batteries using 5 M KOH electrolyte modified with potassium ferrocyanide as an inorganic corrosion inhibitor. The impact of CO₂ exposure on the inhibition efficiency and electrode stability was also evaluated. The addition of 0.02 M potassium ferrocyanide reduced the corrosion current density and achieved an inhibition efficiency of 42.32% at 25 °C. Notably, the combined presence of CO₂ and ferrocyanide further increased the inhibition efficiency to 76.72%, demonstrating a strong combined effect. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed a maximum charge transfer resistance of 137.39 Ω·cm² in the CO₂ + ferrocyanide system, indicating effective surface passivation. These results were supported by Tafel analysis and surface characterization techniques (SEM, EDS, XRD), which confirmed the formation of a protective mixed corrosion product layer. Overall, the combined use of potassium ferrocyanide and CO₂ significantly enhances the corrosion resistance, discharge capacity, and electrochemical stability of Zn electrodes, offering a promising strategy to improve the performance and lifespan of alkaline zinc–air batteries.

Keywords