Nanofluid Electrolyte with Fumed Al₂O₃ Additive Strengthening Zincophilic and Stable Surface of Zinc Anode toward Flexible Zinc–Nickel Batteries

Abstract

Flexible zinc–nickel batteries (FZNBs) have been considered as a promising power supply for wearable electronics due to the intrinsic safety, high operating voltage and superior rate performance. However, the serious self‐corrosion of zinc and the redistribution of dissolved [Zn(OH)4]2− on the electrode surface limit the electrochemical performance of FZNBs. Herein, the nanofluid electrolyte with fumed Al2O3 additive is introduced into FZNBs and a protective layer is formed due to the adsorption of Al2O3 on the electrodeposited zinc anode. The protective layer strengthens the zincophilicity of the anode and homogenizes the deposition of [Zn(OH)4]2−, avoiding the dendrite formation and the shape change of electrode. Meanwhile, by suppressing the [Zn(OH)4]2− diffusion from the anode surface to the bulk electrolyte, the interface stabilization is effectively promoted, thereby improving zinc utilization rate and inhibiting the corrosion. Hence, the FZNBs assembled with Al2O3‐nanofluid electrolyte and electrodeposited zinc anode demonstrates superior energy density of 210 Wh L−1 with a stable cycling of 575 h. Furthermore, FZNBs modified with Al2O3‐nanofluid electrolyte have a promising future in the field of wearable and portable electronics.

Suppressing Dendrite Growth and Side Reactions via Mechanically Robust Laponite-Based Electrolyte Membranes for Ultrastable Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…As schematically illustrated in Figure a, the plate-like LP nanocrystals, with a trioctahedral 2:1 layered nanostructure and exceptional swelling capabilities, can absorb large amounts of water molecules and confine them on their external/internal surfaces and within the interlayers, thus significantly suppressing water activity and water-induced side reactions. Such an interlayer confinement phenomenon is significantly different from previously reported electrolyte systems containing conventional additives such as polymers, inorganic particles, and ionic solutes. − In these conventional electrolyte systems, no two-dimensional (2D) nanoconfinement effect on water molecules exists, as shown in Figure b. Moreover, the strong LP–water interactions play a key role in regulating the water activity in the LP-based electrolyte membranes.…”

“…Schematic illustrations of (a) electrolyte membranes based on LP nanocrystals with 2D nanostructures and exceptional swelling capabilities and (b) conventional liquid electrolytes containing other additives, such as polymers (e.g., polyacrylamide), inorganic particles (e.g., Al 2 O 3 ), and ionic solutes (e.g., ammonia acetate). (c) LUMO energies of water molecules in BE and LP9 electrolyte membrane.…”

Adaptive Ionization-Induced Tunable Electric Double Layer for Practical Zn Metal Batteries over Wide pH and Temperature Ranges

“…The greater adsorption energy of [Zn(OH) 4 ] 2− and spatial hindrance of adsorbed Gly − increase the diffusion barrier of [Zn(OH) 4 ] 2− to prevent their detachment from the anode surface and block the lateral redistribution on the surface of the Zn anode, which simultaneously hinder irreversible losses and the occurrence of [Zn(OH) 4 ] 2− local saturation. 29,72 The anchoring action of Gly − for Zn deposition was authenticated by the higher binding energy of Zn 2+ -Gly − (−13.45 eV) (Figure 5g). 73 Ex situ SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were further conducted to investigate the structural and morphological evolution of the Zn electrodes cycled in the KOH electrolyte with/without Gly.…”

Oxygen Vacancies ZnO1–x as Anode Materials for Superior-Performance Zinc-Nickel Alkaline Batteries

“…9,10 Zinc-based batteries are considered ideal candidates for next-generation power sources. 11 In particular, Zn-Ni alkaline batteries are of great interest to researchers due to their low cost, safety, and environmental friendliness. 12,13 ZnO has high discharge capacity, low cost, and easy preparation, so it is usually used as an anode material for Zn-Ni alkaline batteries.…”

“…With the growing energy demand for electric vehicles and smart devices, safe and efficient energy storage system has emerged as an important research direction in recent years. − Lithium-ion batteries and sodium-ion batteries , are used in a wide range of fields because of their high energy density, long cycle life, and high output voltage. , However, high cost and their flammability are not conducive to developing large-scale energy storage devices. , Zinc-based batteries are considered ideal candidates for next-generation power sources . In particular, Zn-Ni alkaline batteries are of great interest to researchers due to their low cost, safety, and environmental friendliness. , ZnO has high discharge capacity, low cost, and easy preparation, so it is usually used as an anode material for Zn-Ni alkaline batteries .…”