Quantifying Silver Dissolution in Primary and Secondary AgO-Zn Batteries

Abstract

Printable AgO-Zn batteries are highly attractive for wearable devices for their safe chemistry, high energy density, and rechargeability. However, silver dissolution from AgO cathodes limits the shelf life and cycle life of primary and secondary AgO-Zn cells. In this study, factors including electrolyte, cell configuration, and cycling rate on silver dissolution were investigated systematically via precise identification and quantification of dissolved silver species in AgO-Zn cells. The mechanism of silver dissolution is studied by characterizing both dissolved silver species and cathode surfaces with chemical analysis including Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Xray absorption spectroscopy. We found that reducing the complexation step within the two-step reaction of AgO to [Ag(OH) 2+x ] −x is key to mitigating the silver dissolution, which can be controlled by selecting the proper electrolytic species as well as cycling rate and creating rough surfaces of cathodes.

Enhancement of the electrochemical performance of zinc–silver batteries with a gold nano-scaffold

“…Our observation that loss of silver ions is majorly responsible for capacity degradation and poor cycle life in Zn-Ag/AgO batteries are consistent with previous reports. 49 From the above discussion it is thus evident that a nanostructured bimetallic system is a viable substitute for Ag nanoparticle electrodes as well as conventional Ag electrodes in alkaline Zn-Ag batteries. For this material to become an alternative to pure Ag in Zn-Ag batteries, it is further necessary to verify the retention of its structural integrity after multiple cycles of electrochemical measurements.…”

“…Our observation that loss of silver ions is majorly responsible for capacity degradation and poor cycle life in Zn–Ag/AgO batteries are consistent with previous reports. 49…”

Nanocarbon armor reinforced Ag particles to build a high-rate and long-lifespan aqueous Zn2+/Cl− dual-ion battery

“…One of them is the dissolution of Ag into alkaline electrolytes. [17][18][19] The loss of the cathode frequently results in poor cycling performance of alkaline Zn-Ag batteries. The other serious problems are associated with the uncontrolled growth of zinc dendrites on the anode, leading to short circuits.…”