Review—Revisiting the Electroplating Process for Zn‐Metal Anodes: New Application of Traditional Electroplating Additive in ZIBs

Abstract

Because of its safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) have aroused the wide interest of researchers. In particular, the use of Z foil as an anode of ZIBs has a higher theoretical capacity and simplifies the battery manufacturing process. However, serious problems occur at the electrode/electrolyte interface, such as dendrite growth and side reactions, making the coulombic efficiency and lifetime of Zn-metal electrodes far from satisfactory. This has aroused interest in researchers seeking various additives to solve those above problems. For the rapid development of electrolyte additives in this new field, it is necessary to provide theoretical support. The electroplating of metal zinc has been developed for nearly two centuries. A rich theoretical basis and various efficient electroplating additives have been developed to improve the structure and properties. Furthermore, the essence of conventional electroplating and Zn plating for ZIBs is parallel. This review starts from the basic theory of electroplating and relates the application of electroplating additives in reversible ZIBs. The basic and new understanding of traditional electroplating additives applied to high-performance ZIBs is summarized, providing guidance for accurate evaluation and analysis of high-efficiency ZIBs electrolyte additives in the near future

A Bio‐Inspired Trehalose Additive for Reversible Zinc Anodes with Improved Stability and Kinetics

“…The reported working principles include electrostatic shield effect, water‐poor interface, weakly solvating effect and protective layer formation. While developing the additives with high cost‐efficiency and eco‐friendliness is still full of challenges [10] . Furthermore, the changes in thermodynamics are mostly discussed in many strategies, while the regulation of interfacial kinetics has been less considered, restricting the deep understanding of the impact from various approaches [11]…”

“…While developing the additives with high cost-efficiency and eco-friendliness is still full of challenges. [10] Furthermore, the changes in thermodynamics are mostly discussed in many strategies, while the regulation of interfacial kinetics has been less considered, restricting the deep understanding of the impact from various approaches. [11] Inspired by the self-protection mechanisms of organisms, trehalose (THL) was introduced into the aqueous electrolyte for Zn anode stabilization for the first time (Scheme 1).…”

Alkaline Ni−Zn Rechargeable Batteries for Sustainable Energy Storage: Battery Components, Deterioration Mechanisms, and Impact of Additives

“…Modification of the electrolyte by the introduction of additives is a widely used method in various electrochemical systems; however, interest in assigning additives for aqueous alkaline Zn‐based batteries has just lately resurfaced, after being dormant for decades [133] . As industry develops quickly, the need to designate relevant additives, as soon as possible, grows.…”

Sulfonate compounds embraced from acid copper electroplating baths as innovative additives for alkaline Zn batteries

“…The rational understanding that the essence of the traditional electroplating field is, at the very least, to match the charging process on the anode in these types of batteries has led researchers to seek additives from this specific field and embrace, test, and implement them in battery electrolytes. 60 However, additives with high adsorption strength in battery electrolytes frequently result in compromising battery performance, due to polarization losses.…”