Design Strategies for High‐Energy‐Density Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Abstract

In recent years, the increasing demand for high‐capacity and safe energy storage has focused attention on zinc batteries featuring high voltage, high capacity, or both. Despite extensive research progress, achieving high‐energy‐density zinc batteries remains challenging and requires the synergistic regulation of multiple factors including reaction mechanisms, electrodes, and electrolytes. In this Review, we comprehensively summarize the rational design strategies of high‐energy‐density zinc batteries and critically analyze the positive effects and potential issues of these strategies in optimizing the electrochemistry, cathode materials, electrolytes, and device architecture. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for the further development of high‐energy‐density zinc batteries are outlined to guide research towards new‐generation batteries for household appliances, low‐speed electric vehicles, and large‐scale energy storage systems.

Activating ZnV2O4by an Electrochemical Oxidation Strategy for Enhanced Energy Storage in Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…Moreover, metallic Zn has high chemical stability in water possessing suitable redox potential (−0.76 V vs standard hydrogen electrode) and high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g –1 , 5854 mAh cm –3 ). , Recently, the rechargeability of the Zn anode has been greatly improved by various approaches such as surface coating, electrohealing, and alloy anodes . Strategic electrolyte designs inhibiting dendrite growth and mitigating unwanted side reactions have been revealed to provide reliable energy storage. , In addition, design strategies for achieving high-energy-density RAZIBs have also been discussed, , making RAZIBs receive increasing attention. In regard to cathode materials, vanadium-based oxides have been widely investigated due to their suitable open framework, controllable morphology, rich valence states, and stable cycle stability. , As such, the electrochemical performances of a variety of vanadium-based oxides such as layered vanadates, − V 3 O 7 , , V 6 O 13 , and VO 2 have been studied in RAZIBs.…”

“…9 Strategic electrolyte designs inhibiting dendrite growth and mitigating unwanted side reactions have been revealed to provide reliable energy storage. 10,11 In addition, design strategies for achieving high-energy-density RAZIBs have also been discussed, 12,13 making RAZIBs receive increasing attention. In regard to cathode materials, vanadium-based oxides have been widely investigated due to their suitable open framework, controllable morphology, rich valence states, and stable cycle stability.…”

The phosphate cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

“…Therefore, electrochemical energy storage devices, such as metal (Li, Na, Zn, K, Al, Mg, Mn)-ion batteries, play a crucial role in overcoming the worldwide energy challenge and realizing sustainable development. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Metallic zinc has a low resistance (5.91 μΩ cm −1 ), an ideal theoretical capacity (820 mA h g −1 ), and a suitable working potential (−0.763 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode, SHE), and thus exhibits competitive advantages in matching with aqueous electrolytes. 10,11 Thus, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have sparked tremendous interest as emerging energy storage devices.…”

A hydrophobic layer of amino acid enabling dendrite-free Zn anodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

“…Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ARZIBs) are regarded as a great alternative to LIBs due to large natural zinc abundance, high volumetric capacity of metallic zinc (5851 mA h cm À3 ), high safety and high ionic conductivity of aqueous electrolytes, and environmental friendliness. [5][6][7][8] As such, ARZIBs have been intensively studied. [9][10][11][12] The study of ZIBs dates back to alkaline Zn-MnO 2 batteries that have achieved commercial success.…”