. Insights into the design of mildly acidic aqueous electrolytes for improved stability of Zn anode performance in zinc-ion batteries

Abstract

Mildly acidic aqueous zinc (Zn) batteries are promising for large-energy storage but suffer from the irreversibility of Zn metal anodes due to parasitic H 2 evolution, Zn corrosion, and dendrite growth. In recent years, increasing efforts have been devoted to overcoming these obstacles by regulating electrolyte structures. In this review, we investigate progress towards mildly acidic aqueous electrolytes for Zn batteries, with special emphasis on how the microstructures (in the bulk phase and on the surface of Zn anodes) affect the performance of Zn anodes. Moreover, effective computational simulations and characterization measurements for the structures of bulk electrolytes and Zn/electrolyte interfaces are discussed, along with perspectives for the direction of further investigations.

Artificial Hydrophilic Organic and Dendrite-Suppressed Inorganic Hybrid Solid Electrolyte Interface Layer for Highly Stable Zinc Anodes

“…Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are prevalent in green energy storage devices, such as portable devices and electric vehicles, due to their high energy density and good rechargeability. , However, lithium ore resources are scarce, and the inherent price is high. − Lithium-ion batteries use toxic and flammable organic electrolytes, which have potential safety hazards and are easy to cause environmental pollution, which seriously hinders their further application in the field of energy storage. − It is urgent to develop new batteries to replace lithium-ion batteries. − Aqueous zinc -ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered to be a reliable alternative to LIBs. It shows a high safety characteristic due to their use of aqueous electrolytes. − However, aqueous zinc-ion batteries have poor energy density and cycle life due to side reactions, such as dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and corrosion, as well as low zinc utilization (often referred to as depth of discharge, DOD) and undesired Coulombic efficiency (Scheme a). − Addressing these issues, particularly improving the reversibility of zinc metal, is crucial for enhancing the performance of aqueous zinc metal batteries. − …”

In Situ Construction of a Hydrophobic Honeycomb-like Structured ZnMoO4 Coating Applied for Enhancing Zinc Anode Performance

“…5−8 These problems not only downgrade the utilization efficiency of zinc but also seriously affect the cyclic performance of the battery, finally limiting its practical commercial applications. 9 To address the above issues, some strategies such as modification of zinc anodes, 10,11 membrane modification design, 12,13 and electrolyte composition regulation 14,15 have been proposed to improve the electrochemical performance of zinc electrodes. Above all, the surface modification of zinc anodes has been widely of concern at present.…”

“…To address the above issues, some strategies such as modification of zinc anodes, , membrane modification design, , and electrolyte composition regulation , have been proposed to improve the electrochemical performance of zinc electrodes. Above all, the surface modification of zinc anodes has been widely of concern at present.…”

Electrolyte Modulation of Biological Chelation Additives toward a Dendrite-Free Zn Metal Anode

“…CIP indicates that SO 4 2− participates in strong coordination with Zn 2+ , forming an inner-sphere complex. 14,24 Upon the addition of Glu and Asp additives, the SSIP band significantly broadened and the contribution of CIP gradually decreased to a certain extent. This observation suggests that the additives inhibit the formation of the CIP, making it difficult for SO 4 2− to enter the solvation structure of Zn 2+ .…”

“…The SSIP suggests that Zn 2+ coordinates with six H 2 O molecules, forming an inner-sphere complex with weak interaction with SO 4 2– . CIP indicates that SO 4 2– participates in strong coordination with Zn 2+ , forming an inner-sphere complex. , Upon the addition of Glu and Asp additives, the SSIP band significantly broadened and the contribution of CIP gradually decreased to a certain extent. This observation suggests that the additives inhibit the formation of the CIP, making it difficult for SO 4 2– to enter the solvation structure of Zn 2+ . , Consequently, the interaction between Zn 2+ and SO 4 2– is significantly weakened due to the strong interaction force between the Glu and Asp additives and Zn 2+ . , Figure c displays nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) spectra.…”