A Review on 3D Zinc Anodes for Zinc Ion Batteries

Abstract

Zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have been gradually developed in recent years due to their abundant resources, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Therefore, ZIBs have received a great deal of attention from researchers, which are considered as the next generation of portable energy storage systems. However, poor overall performance of ZIBs restricts their development, which is attributed to zinc dendrites and a series of side reactions. Constructing 3D zinc anodes has proven to be an effective way to significantly improve their electrochemical performance. In this review, the challenges of zinc anodes in ZIBs, including zinc dendrites, hydrogen evolution and corrosion, as well as passivation, are comprehensively summarized and the energy storage mechanisms of the zinc anodes and 3D zinc anodes are discussed. 3D zinc anodes with different structures including fiberous, porous, ridge‐like structures, plated zinc anodes on different substrates and other 3D zinc anodes, are subsequently discussed in detail. Finally, emerging opportunities and perspectives on the material design of 3D zinc anodes are highlighted and challenges that need to be solved in future practical applications are discussed, hopefully illuminating the way forward for the development of ZIBs.

Metal–Organic Frameworks Functionalized Separators for Robust Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have a high application potential, owing to their simple fabrication process, intrinsic safety, and economic feasibility, for a new generation of energy storage devices [1][2][3]. However, numerous challenges impede their practical application, particularly the inevitable issues in zinc anode, including dendrites, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), corrosion, and passivation [4][5][6].…”

Copper Nanoparticle-Modified Carbon Nanofiber for Seeded Zinc Deposition Enables Stable Zn Metal Anode

“…Energy storage technologies such as batteries have been widely used in various fields. Among different energy storage systems, aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) based on metallic zinc anodes were considered to be one of the most promising candidates owing to the high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g –1 ) and low reduction potential (−0.762 V vs SHE) of the Zn anode. − However, practical applications of AZIBs are hindered by the zinc dendrite, hydrogen evolution reaction, and corrosion. − Fortunately, many strategies have been used to overcome a series of problems and improve the electrochemical performances of zinc metal anodes, − such as 3D structure design, , electrolyte engineering, , artificial interface layers, , separators, and so on.…”

An appropriate Zn2+/Mn2+concentration of the electrolyte enables superior performance of AZIBs

“…These issues limit the service lifetime and cycling stability of AZIBs. [17][18][19][20] In order to deal with these problems, the optimization of electrolyte is demonstrated to be an effective way to suppress anode dendrites and improve cathode stability. The current electrolytes used in AZIBs can be generally categorized into two groups: the electrolyte containing inorganic salt and the electrolyte with organic salt.…”