Structural, Dynamic, and Chemical Complexities in Zinc Anode of an Operating Aqueous Zn‐Ion Battery

• Published in: Advanced energy materials 2022-06, Vol.12 (21), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Qian, Guannan, Zan, Guibin, Li, Jizhou, Lee, Sang‐Jun, Wang, Yong, Zhu, Yingying, Gul, Sheraz, Vine, David J., Lewis, Sylvia, Yun, Wenbing, Ma, Zi‐Feng, Pianetta, Piero, Lee, Jun‐Sik, Li, Linsen, Liu, Yijin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cell cycle; Dendritic structure; Energy storage; operando; Plating; plating/stripping; Substrates; X‐ray imaging; Zinc; Zn‐ion batteries
• ISSN: 1614-6832; 1614-6840
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202200255

Aqueous Zn‐ion battery is a promising technology for electrochemical energy storage. The formation of Zn dendrites, however, can jeopardize the cell cycle life and thus, hinders the industrial adoption of this technology. A fundamental understanding of the kinetic mechanisms is crucial for improving the Zn‐ion battery. Here, in situ and operando X‐ray microscopy methods are utilized to visualize the Zn plating and stripping behaviors under different electrochemical conditions. It is demonstrated that the substrate curvature, local morphology, electrochemical protocols, and the surface chemistry can collectively affect the Zn plating behavior. These results provide new insights for developing the next‐generation dendrite‐free and long‐span aqueous Zn‐ion battery. Zn plating/stripping process is investigated using in situ X‐ray imaging techniques. The results suggest that initial Zn nucleation has a strong dependence on the substrate‐local‐curvature. The reaction heterogeneities under different current densities are quantified by analyzing the three‐dimensional tomography. The surface properties of the Cu substrate can be affected by ZnSO4 electrolyte, leading to distinguish Zn plating behaviors.