Engineering techniques to dendrite free Zinc-based rechargeable batteries

Abstract

Rechargeable Zn-based batteries (RZBs) have garnered a great interest and are thought to be among the most promising options for next-generation energy storage technologies due to their low price, high levels of safety, adequate energy density and environmental friendliness. However, dendrite formation during stripping/plating prevents rechargeable zinc-based batteries from being used in real-world applications. Dendrite formation is still a concern, despite the fact that inhibitory strategies have been put up recently to eliminate the harmful effects of zinc dendrites. Thus, in order to direct the strategies for inhibiting zinc dendrite growth, it is vital to understand the formation mechanism of zinc dendrites. Hence, for the practical application of zinc-based batteries, is essential to use techniques that effectively prevent the creation and growth of zinc dendrites. The development and growth principles of zinc dendrites are first made clear in this review. The recent advances of solutions to the zinc dendrite problem are then discussed, including strategies to prevent dendrite growth and subsequent creation as much as possible, reduce the negative impacts of dendrites, and create dendrite-free deposition processes. Finally, the challenges and perspective for the development of zinc-based batteries are discussed.

Separator-free Zn-ion Battery with Mn:V3O7·H2O Nanobelts and a Zn2+-Polyacrylamide Semisolid Electrolyte with Ultralong Cycle Life

“…They easily form the nucleating seeds, and the subsequent Zn 2+ ions that reach this surface prefer to deposit on these Zn-seeds as opposed to binding to the fresh Zn-Fs/C surface. This process is thermodynamically favorable − and hence the dendritic structures grow very easily over the Zn-Fs/C anode. These structures eventually penetrate through the separator causing short-circuit, resulting in battery failure.…”

“…This is because the gel is made up of a network of highly cross-linked polymer chains with the embedded electrolyte ions, which are confined to the gel matrix via electrostatic interactions with the functional groups on the polymer chains. The functional groups (i.e., the −C(� O)NH groups) not only assist in maintaining the ionic conductivity of the gel, but they also control the Zn 2+ ionflux 55 and enable an even and uniform deposition of elemental Zn at the Zn-Fs/C anode in the charging cycle. Since the flow of Zn 2+ ions is not "direct" as is the case when a liquid electrolyte/separator assembly is used, the thermodynamic factors that favor the growth of Zn over Zn seeds are unable to facilitate Zn-dendrite deposition.…”

Challenges and protective strategies on zinc anode toward practical aqueous zinc‐ion batteries

“…Therefore, both the dominant crystal orientation and the original Zn metal surface texture have a great influence on the electrochemical behaviors. [ 186 ] For these reasons, rational structure design of the Zn metal anode can avoid zinc dendrites formation via mechanical shielding, electric field distribution, ion flow adjustment, and crystal orientation manipulation. [ 187 ] These techniques are effective at increasing the surface area of the electrode and reducing local current density to induce Zn‐even deposition.…”

Ag doped Co3O4 nanoparticles for high-performance supercapacitor application

“…To date, researchers have developed various strategies to overcome the inherent disadvantages of transition metal oxides [ 39 ]. To cope with those problems and enhance the properties of Co 3 O 4 , researchers can undertake multi-step techniques [ 40 ]. Among those techniques is to construct nanostructures, consisting of nanospheres, hollow structures, yolk-shell structures, and porous materials, which assist to make amends for the quantity enlargement all through cycling [ 41 , 42 ].…”