Inhibition of Zinc Dendrites in Zinc-Based Flow Batteries

Abstract

Zinc-based flow batteries have gained widespread attention and are considered to be one of the most promising large-scale energy storage devices for increasing the utilization of intermittently sustainable energy. However, the formation of zinc dendrites at anodes has seriously depressed their cycling life, security, coulombic efficiency, and charging capacity. Inhibition of zinc dendrites is thus the bottleneck to further improving the performance of zinc-based flow batteries, but it remains a major challenge. Considering recent developments, this mini review analyzes the formation mechanism and growth process of zinc dendrites and presents and summarizes the strategies for preventing zinc dendrites by regulating the interfaces between anodes and electrolytes. Four typical strategies, namely electrolyte modification, anode engineering, electric field regulation, and ion transfer control, are comprehensively highlighted. Finally, remaining challenges and promising directions are outlined and anticipated for zinc dendrites in zinc-based flow batteries.

Redox Flow Batteries: Materials, Design and Prospects

“…These batteries also suffer from other problems, e.g., zinc dendrite formation in the negative electrode, corrosion of the electrode, and the addition of expensive complexing agents to prevent the diffusion of bromine. The core materials used in ZBFB are cheaper than the ones used on other RFBs, however, the solutions to solve the problems previously explained make the commercial price of these batteries similar to other RFBs [3,10,246,247]. Zinc-bromine flow batteries (ZBFB) are inserted in the electroplated flow battery category.…”

Zn Metal Anodes for Zn-Ion Batteries in Mild Aqueous Electrolytes: Challenges and Strategies

“… ( a ) Brief summary of recent reviews on Zn metal anodes for AZIBs [ 45 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ], ( b ) a typical full cell battery configuration of AZIBs in a mildly acidic aqueous electrolyte. ( c ) The number of publications on AZIBs from 2010 to 2021 (search from Google Scholar; search time: 7 September 2021).…”

“…As a result, in recent years, various efforts have been made to develop appropriate strategies to overcome the limitations associated with Zn metal anodes. Figure 2 a highlights some representative reviews on Zn metal anodes published over the last three years [ 45 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ]. Currently, AZIBs can be largely categorized into two types: those with alkaline electrolytes, normally Zn-Ag, Zn-air, and Zn-Ni batteries [ 65 , 66 , 67 ].…”

A dendrite free Zn‐Fe hybrid redox flow battery for renewable energy storage

“…29 During the charging process of Zn based flow batteries, zinc dendrites form and ultimately pierce the separator, causing a short circuit and battery failure. [37][38][39][40] Additionally, zinc dendrites can easily fall from anodes, reducing efficiency, capacity and life time of the cell. 41 As a result, inhibiting the formation of zinc dendrites is essential for the successful commercialization of zinc based RFBs.…”

“…Researchers have recently focused their efforts on modifying the electrolyte, anodes, electric field, and rate of zinc ion transfer to solve zinc dendrite formation. 37,39 To prevent negative effects of zinc dendrites on the performance and lifetime of zincbased batteries, the separator should also have good mechanical stability to prevent the direct contact of the anode and cathode. 42 Thus, developing a high efficiency, dendrite free zinc based RFB electrical energy storage system having negligible crossover of the electroactive materials between the anode and cathode compartments, is an important goal towards widespread use of renewable energy sources.…”