Improved Strategies for Separators in Zinc‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

The demand for energy storage is growing, and the disadvantages of lithium‐ion batteries are being explored to overcome them. Accordingly, aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) are developing very rapidly, owing to their high safety, environmental friendliness, high abundance of resources, and high cost performance. Over the last decade, ZIBs have made remarkable progress through extensive efforts in the field of electrode materials and through fundamental understanding of non‐electrode components, such as solid‐electrolyte interphase, electrolytes, separators, binders, and current collectors. In particular, the breakthrough in using separators on non‐electrode elements should not be overlooked as such separators have proven key to conferring ZIBs with high energy and power density. In this Review, recent progress in the development of separators in ZIBs is comprehensively summarized based on their functions and roles in ZIBs, including the modification of conventional separators and the development of novel separators. Finally, the prospects and future challenges of separators are also discussed to facilitate ZIBs development.

Improved strategies for ammonium vanadate-based zinc ion batteries

“…ZIBs are similar to LIBs in that they consist of a cathode, anode, separator, and electrolyte; they work similarly to the "rocking chair" mechanism of LIBs. [14][15][16] As shown in the Fig. 2a, the charge storage system relies heavily on the migration of zinc ions between the anode and cathode regions: the cathode material provides insertion/extraction sites for zinc ions, and the anode side has a reversible zinc stripping/plating reaction.…”

Research progress on modified Zn substrates in stabilizing zinc anodes

“…1). [16][17][18] Additionally, compared with other metals, the electrochemical redox potential of zinc anodes exceeds the stable electrochemical window of water, and it has the characteristics of low electrochemical potential, good reversibility, fast ion diffusion kinetics, and good intrinsic safety in aqueous solution. 19 Despite progress being made, there are still unresolved issues in mild aqueous electrolyte ZIBs, such as side reactions and the formation of zinc dendrites.…”

Inhibition of Zinc Dendrite Growth by WC-Cellulose Separators for High-Performance Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…In fact, the separator modification is also an effective approach to improve Zn anode stability and extend AZIBs service life, but it does not receive considerable attention to investigate separator–electrolyte or separator–anode interfaces. − Filter paper, glass fiber, and polypropylene membrane separators now are the most widely used for research on AZIBs. Unfortunately, owing to the poor mechanical properties, low wettability, and tangled pore distribution, Zn dendrite formation and growth are easily arisen in these separators and cause short-circuit, which are unable to satisfy the AZIBs commercialization. − Therefore, rationally designing a separator with low cost, good mechanical strength, and simple preparation to restrain the formation of Zn dendrite and water-induced side reactions is urgently needed for the development of high-performance AZIBs.…”