N, S‐Doped Carbon Dots as Additive for Suppression of Zinc Dendrites in Alkaline Electrolyte^†

Abstract

Comprehensive Summary The severe dendrite growth on zinc anode in alkaline electrolyte brings great challenge to the development of zinc‐based batteries. It is a simple and effective strategy to inhibit zinc dendrite formation by introducing additives into the electrolyte. In this study, N, S‐doped carbon dots (TU‐CQDs) were synthesized and used as additives to regulate zinc deposition in a typical KOH electrolyte. The experimental and three‐dimensional transient nucleation model disclosed that the special functional groups of carbon dots can change the electrode surface state and the coordination behaviors of zinc species in the electrolyte. Therefore, TU‐CQDs can not only inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction, but also achieve uniform zinc deposition. The in‐situ synchrotron radiation X‐ray imaging elucidated that TU‐CQDs can effectively inhibit the dendrite growth and improve the reversibility of zinc plating/stripping process. This work provides a feasible route for regulating the reversibility of zinc metal anode in alkaline electrolyte.

Recent Developments of Carbon Dots for Advanced Zinc‐Based Batteries: A Review

“…Whereas, these critical scientific problems are still very open to be investigated, and more endeavors should be paid to build an explicit relationship between the battery performance and physicochemical properties and nanostructure of CDs; 3) in line with literature Reproduced with permission. [109] Copyright 2023, Wiley-VCH.…”

“…Experimental studies showcased TU‐CQDs were more advantageous than that of A‐CQDs as the additive in achieving dendrite‐free Zn interface during long‐term electroplating processes ( Figure ). [ 109 ]…”

Porous framework materials for stable Zn anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

“…The stability of the Zn anode is hindered by dendrite formation, which punctures the separator and induces short circuits. [15][16][17][18] In the initial plating process, Zn 2+ near the electrode surface is preferentially reduced and inclined to form small protuberances on the Zn foil. During further plating, the protuberances attract the deposition of more Zn 2+ as a result of the "tip effect".…”

Deep‐Red to Near‐Infrared Carbon Dots in Biosensing and Bio‐medical Applications

“…Several studies have shown that N, F, P, S, Se, B and their conjugate doping significantly affect the emission properties of CDs. [ 44‐45 ] In particular, for N atoms, with their electron donor status, doping N in CDs usually leads to a red‐shift of PL emission. For example, N‐CDs synthesized with carbonation and polymerization procedures showed significantly higher PL intensity and up to 56.1% QY compared to undoped CDs.…”