Electrochemical and Morphological Characterization of Zn−Al−Cu Layered Double Hydroxides as a Negative Electrode in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) have shown to improve the zinc electrodeposition efficiency at the negative electrode of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. In this work, a copper‐doped Zn−Al−CO3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been synthesized by co‐precipitation method under constant pH, and investigated as suitable solid‐state additive in zinc‐based negative electrodes. X‐ray diffraction patterns in combination with scanning electron microscope images show that the as‐synthesized LDHs are well crystalline and hexagonal platelet‐like. LDH was mixed with zinc powder in different ratios and the electrochemical performances of the mixtures were characterized by galvanostatic cycling with potential limitation (GCPL) at different current rates. The results show that an appropriate combination of zinc and LDH can be used to reach electrodeposition efficiency equal to 98 %. Thereafter, the performance of this electrode in a full cell is studied. In such configuration, the electrode shows that the electrodeposition efficiency remains high even at high current rates, which is an important characteristic for grid‐scale energy storage.

Strategies for the Stabilization of Zn Metal Anodes for Zn‐Ion Batteries

“…In another work, Cu‐doped Zn–Al–CO 3 layered double hydroxide (LDH) has also been fabricated by a co‐deposition method and mixed with Zn powders to suppress Zn dendrite formation. [ 58 ] The attraction to Zn 2+ from carbonate and the enlarged interface area provided by the LDH could facilitate the Zn nucleation and deposition. As a result, the overpotential of Zn deposition for the LDH‐modified anode was decreased compared to the pristine one, and a high CE of 98% was achieved.…”

Research Progress and Challenge of Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery

“…此 外 , 潘 峰 团 队 [101] Hashemi等 [106] 通过共沉淀法制备了Zn-Al-CO 3 层状 双氢氧化物(LDH), 并将其作为添加剂与锌粉制备为锌 负极. 研究发现, LDH层状结构不仅可以为Zn 2＋ 沉积提 供更多的位点, 而且降低反应过电位, 使负极的库伦效 率提高到了98%.…”

Fast electrodeposition of zinc onto single zinc nanoparticles

“…This is due to the low cost of metallic zinc, being an earth-abundant element, to its high volumetric and gravimetric capacity (of 5855 mAh cm −3 and of 820 mAh g −1 , respectively), and to its low standard reduction potential (− 0.76 V vs. SHE), which still allows the operation of the battery in aqueous electrolytes [5,8]. Despite the fact that the application of aqueous Zn-ion batteries is mostly limited by the lack of efficient Zn insertion materials with long cycle life, to be used in the positive electrode side [5], many limitations still need to be overcome on the negative electrode side as well [9][10][11]. The major problems yet to be solved involving the metallic zinc electrode are related to the hydrogen evolution reaction occurring in parallel to the Zn deposition reaction [9][10][11], and the non-uniform deposition of metallic Zn leading to the formation of dendrites, and consequently to short-circuit of the electrodes [11].…”

“…Despite the fact that the application of aqueous Zn-ion batteries is mostly limited by the lack of efficient Zn insertion materials with long cycle life, to be used in the positive electrode side [5], many limitations still need to be overcome on the negative electrode side as well [9][10][11]. The major problems yet to be solved involving the metallic zinc electrode are related to the hydrogen evolution reaction occurring in parallel to the Zn deposition reaction [9][10][11], and the non-uniform deposition of metallic Zn leading to the formation of dendrites, and consequently to short-circuit of the electrodes [11]. Despite the fact that the zinc deposition and dissolution reaction has been studied for decades, mainly for corrosion and electrodeposition applications [12][13][14][15][16][17], further investigations are yet needed regarding the Zn reaction mechanisms in the solutions employed within the Zn-ion batteries.…”