Developing Cathode Materials for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries: Challenges and Practical Prospects

Abstract

Growth in intermittent renewable sources including solar and wind has sparked increasing interest in electrical energy storage. Grid‐scale energy storage integrated with renewable sources has significant advantages in energy regulation and grid security. Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as a practically attractive option for electrical storage because of environmentally benign aqueous‐based electrolytes, high theoretical capacity of Zn anode, and significant global reserves of Zn. However, application of AZIBs at the grid‐scale is restricted by drawbacks in cathode material(s). Herein, a comprehensive summary of the features and storage mechanisms of the latest cathode materials is provided. The fundamental problems and corresponding in‐depth causes for cathode materials is critically reviewed. It is also assess practical challenges, appraise their translation to commerce and industry, and systematically summarize and discuss the potential solutions reported in recent works. It is established necessary design strategies for Zn anodes and electrolytes that are matched with cathode materials for commercializing AZIBs. Finally, it is concluded with a perspective on the practical prospects for advancing the development of future AZIBs. Findings will be of interest and benefit to a range of researchers and manufacturers in the design and application of AZIBs for grid‐scale energy storage.

Engineering an electrostatic field layer for high-rate and dendrite-free Zn metal anodes

“…Aqueous rechargeable metal ion batteries, such as Mg, Al, and Zn ion batteries, possess inherent high safety due to the nonflammability of the aqueous electrolyte, amongst which aqueous Zn ion batteries (ZIBs) with a Zn metal anode attract much attention because of a high theoretical capacity of ∼820 mA h g −1 , a low potential of −0.76 V ( vs. SHE) and abundant global reserves of Zn. 6–8…”

“…Aqueous rechargeable metal ion batteries, such as Mg, Al, and Zn ion batteries, possess inherent high safety due to the nonflammability of the aqueous electrolyte, amongst which aqueous Zn ion batteries (ZIBs) with a Zn metal anode attract much attention because of a high theoretical capacity of B820 mA h g À1 , a low potential of À0.76 V (vs. SHE) and abundant global reserves of Zn. [6][7][8] Despite significant developments with high performance cathode materials including organic materials, [9][10][11] vanadium oxide 12,13 and manganese oxide, 14,15 the commercial application of ZIBs is seriously hindered by dendritic growth and side reactions including the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and corrosion on the Zn anode. [16][17][18] To address these problems, a number of strategies have been reported including structural design, separator modification, surface coating, and electrolyte optimization.…”

Dimerizing Lawsone into Bis-lawsone to Counter Solubility and Attain Facile Zn2+ Ion Diffusion for Stable Capacity in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…Energy storage technologies out of Zn, such as Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs), are ideal for India due to their (zinc and the cathode materials) high abundance (10 MMT) in India. − So far, inorganic materials such as Prussian Blue analogues, vanadium-based oxides, and MnO 2 have been demonstrated as cathodes for ZIBs. All of these suffer a short cycle life due to their degradation and cathode dissolution . Vanadium-based cathode materials for ZIBs were explored but suffered due to cathode dissolution, which was resolved by electrolyte modifications.…”

“…All of these suffer a short cycle life due to their degradation and cathode dissolution. 19 Vanadium-based cathode materials for ZIBs were explored but suffered due to cathode dissolution, which was resolved by electrolyte modifications. Ling et al introduced electrolytic modifications by using poly(ethylene glycol) 20 and additives such as NaClO 4 , Na 2 SO 4 , and LiSO 4 21 to suppress cathode dissolution and hydrogen evolution.…”

Covalent triazine frameworks for advanced energy storage: challenges and new opportunities

“…Despite achievements made so far, significant challenges remain at both the material level and system levels, such as the lack of suitable cathode materials, unexpected parasitic side reactions, high activation barriers for diffusion due to larger Zn ionic radius, Zn dendrite formation, corrosion, and others. [150][151][152][153][154][155] CTFs-based materials, with the large ionic space and soft skeleton, are capable of serving as elastic matrixes to accommodate Zn 2+ ions with facile ionic diffusion, while the chemical inertness to water allows for the redox activity in aqueous solutions of various metal cationic bases. 156 This part will discuss the current progress of CTFsbased materials in the development of cathode materials and artificial layers in Zn anode protection, followed by our understanding of how to further improve the performance and stability of AZIBs.…”