Improvement in self-discharge of Zn anode by applying surface modification for Zn–air batteries with high energy density

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2013-04, Vol.227, p.177-184
• Main Authors: Lee, Sang-Min, Kim, Yeon-Joo, Eom, Seung-Wook, Choi, Nam-Soon, Kim, Ki-Won, Cho, Sung-Baek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Hydrogen evolution; Materials; Overpotential; Self-discharge; Surface modification
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.11.046

The self-discharge of Zn anode material is identified as a main factor that can limit the energy density of alkaline Zn–air batteries. Al2O3 has most positive effect on controlling the hydrogen evolution reaction accompanied by corroding Zn anode among various additives. The overpotential for hydrogen evolution is measured by potentio-dynamic polarization analysis. Al-oxide with high overpotential for hydrogen evolution reaction is uniformly coated on the surface of Zn powders via chemical solution process. The morphology and composition of the surface-treated and pristine Zn powders are characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD and XPS analyses. Aluminum is distributed homogeneously over the surface of modified Zn powders, indicating uniform coating of Al-oxide, and O1s and Al2p spectra further identified surface coating layer to be the Al-oxide. The Al-oxide coating layer can prevent Zn from exposing to the KOH electrolyte, resulting in minimizing the side reactions within batteries. The 0.25 wt.% aluminum oxide coated Zn anode material provides discharging time of more than 10 h, while the pristine Zn anode delivers only 7 h at 25 mA cm−2. Consequently, a surface-treated Zn electrode can reduce self-discharge which is induced by side reaction such as H2 evolution, resulting in increasing discharge capacity. ► Self-discharge of Zn-air battery was remarkably suppressed by surface modification of Zn anode. ► Al2O3 coating is very effect on controlling the hydrogen evolution reaction on Zn anode. ► Overpotential for hydrogen evolution was measured by potentio-dynamic polarization analysis. ► A surface-treated Zn electrode shows improved performances of energy density and cycle life.