Elucidating a dissolution–deposition reaction mechanism by multimodal synchrotron X-ray characterization in aqueous Zn/MnO₂ batteries

Abstract

Aqueous Zn/MnO2 batteries with their environmental sustainability and competitive cost, are becoming a promising, safe alternative for grid-scale electrochemical energy storage. Presented as a promising design principle to deliver a...

X‐ray imaging for structural evolution and phase transformation dynamics of battery electrodes

“…Several factors have been considered when preparing beamline experiments. 18 First, an XRD beamline can be operated in reflection or transmission mode. In reflection experiments, data is acquired from the material nearest the cell window; this is the most commonly used configuration, especially for conventional diffractometers in which the penetration depth of X-rays is limited.…”

“…The absence of crystalline phase formation during the charge stage suggests the presence of an amorphous redeposition phase. 18 Operando XRD was able to capture the evolution of the crystalline phases including the time-dependent β-MnO 2 and the zinc hydroxy sulphate phase. To provide more information on the amorphous redeposition phase and to better understand the transition from the pristine crystalline β-MnO 2 to the amorphous phase, synchrotron operando and ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) were performed across the Mn and Zn K-edge to determine the chemical states and the local structural changes of the Mn and Zn containing phases during the reaction.…”

Overcoming Challenges: Extending Cycle Life of Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries at High Zinc Utilization through a Synergistic Strategy

“…According to previous researches, extra energy storage reactions that could potentially occur in MnO 2 as a cathode material include H + cointercalation and dissolutiondeposition reaction of Zn-Mn phase. [30] These reactions are closely associated with to the pH of the electrolyte, leading us to hypothesize that it is possible that glutamine affects the concentration of H + , thereby influencing the progression of these reactions. [31] The long-term cycling of the MnO 2 //bare Zn full cell at a current density of 1 A g −1 not only demonstrates low specific capacity but also exhibits poor capacity retention, particularly after 400 cycles (Figure 5c).…”

Comprehensive Operando Visualization of the Electrochemical Events in the Cathode/Anode Layers in Thin-Film-Type All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…In addition, by varying the incident X-ray energy around the absorption edge of the target element, TXM can be extended to X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) imaging, enabling the spatially resolved analysis of the chemical state and local coordination structure of elements. TXM–XAFS measurements have successfully visualized the reaction distribution and degradation progression during charging and discharging inside a cathode layer and active material particles. − However, the cathode, electrolyte, and anode in an LiB system join to cause an electrochemical reaction. Therefore, it is important not only to individually analyze each element but also to analyze the reaction and degradation behavior of each element while simultaneously observing the entire battery.…”