3D zinc@carbon fiber composite framework anode for aqueous Zn-MnO₂ batteries

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Rechargeable aqueous batteries offer safe, eco-friendly alternatives to organic electrolyte systems.
• Zinc-manganese dioxide (Zn-MnO2) batteries are attractive for large-scale energy storage due to low cost and high energy density.
• Zinc anode dendrite growth limits the cycle stability and rate capability of aqueous Zn-MnO2 batteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel anode structure for aqueous batteries to overcome zinc dendrite formation.
• To enhance the electrochemical performance and cycling stability of rechargeable aqueous batteries.

Main Methods:

• Electrochemical deposition was used to create a 3D zinc anode structure on carbon fibers (3D Zn@CFs).
• The 3D Zn@CFs anode was integrated with an alpha-manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) nanowire cathode in an aqueous electrolyte.
• Electrochemical performance, including rate capacity and cycling stability, was evaluated.

Main Results:

• The 3D Zn@CFs anode exhibited lower charge transfer resistance and a larger electroactive surface area compared to conventional anodes.
• Batteries utilizing the 3D Zn@CFs anode demonstrated significantly enhanced rate capacity.
• The developed battery system showed improved long-term cycling stability, effectively suppressing dendrite formation.

Conclusions:

• The 3D zinc anode on carbon fibers is an effective strategy to mitigate dendrite growth in aqueous batteries.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for developing high-performance, stable, and safe large-scale energy storage systems.
• The 3D Zn@CFs framework can be beneficial for other zinc anode-based aqueous battery systems.