Methods for Rational Design of Advanced Zn‐Based Batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-based batteries (AZBs) have received massive attention as promising contenders for the future large-scale energy storage due to their low cost, inherent safety, and abundant resources. However, the insufficient energy density and poor stability have become the key to hinder their further application. As is well known, the energy densities (E, Wh kg −1 ) of AZBs are determined by the specific capacity (mAh g −1 ) and output voltage (V). Given the fixed redox potential and capacity of the Zn metal anode, the energy density of AZBs is mainly determined by the cathode material, and the rich material systems of the cathode provide more possibilities to this field. Meanwhile, the methods to improve the stability and performance of the Zn anodes have gained more and more attention due to the severe Zn dendrite growth that can pierce the separator and lead to short-circuiting of the cell. Therefore, in this review, we comprehensively summarize the rational design methods in optimizing the cathode, anode, and device architecture, and classic examples of each catalogue are discussed in details as well. Last, the issues and outlook for further development of high performance AZBs are also presented.

A stepwise oxidation strategy for the synthesis of amorphous V2O5@V2CTxnanohybrid cathodes toward high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries

“…These results again verify that the formation of ZVO is the main cause of capacity decay. The satisfactory Zn-storage performance of the prepared amorphous V 2 O 5 @V 2 CT x exceeds that of most recently reported Zn-ion battery cathodes, 21,24–26,41,48–53 and a comparison of the Zn-storage performance of the present work with the recently reported Zn-ion battery cathodes is shown in Table S1 †…”

Selection criteria for electrical double layer structure regulators enabling stable Zn metal anodes

“…S1, ESI†). 12,13 In detail, during the electrodeposition process, Zn(H 2 O) 6 2+ will initially be de-solvated at the inner EDL, leaving more active H 2 O on the EDL, which causes serious corrosion reactions. 14 Then, the de-solvated Zn 2+ cations will adsorb on the Zn surface and self-diffuse into the potential sites for nucleation and growth.…”

Progress and Prospect of Zn Anode Modification in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: Experimental and Theoretical Aspects

“…The growth of dendrites close to the anode surface is the most severe problem associated with the zinc anode. In the process of charging and discharging, the inhomogeneous deposition of ions worsens the growth of dendrites [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Zinc dendrites also have a high Young’s modulus, which makes the membrane inside the battery easy to pierce, thus shortening the cycle life and decreasing the capacity of the battery.…”