Tri-electrode zinc-air battery with flowing electrolyte

A rechargeable tri-electrode single flow zinc air battery which is capable of providing theoretically unlimited cycle life is provided. The tri-electrode configuration consists of one anode and two cathodes, one for charging and another for discharging. The charge cathode may comprise a water-permeable metal mesh and/or metal foam, which avoids carbon corrosion. The discharge cathode is a catalytic oxygen reduction electrode. The anode comprises an inert, conductive electrode allowing for zinc deposition during battery charging, and zinc dissolving during battery discharging. The flowing electrolyte removes zinc ions from the anode preventing or minimizing the formation of zinc oxides during discharging, and clean the anode after each full discharge.