Fast-charging aqueous batteries enabled by a three-dimensional ordered Zn anode at deliberate concentration...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc batteries offer a safer and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
• Developing high-performance zinc anodes is crucial for advancing aqueous battery technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a three-dimensional ordered zinc metal anode with (002)-dominated planes.
• To enhance the rate capability and cycling stability of aqueous nickel-zinc pouch cells.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a zinc metal anode using a finely controlled concentration polarization environment.
• Characterization of the anode's crystal structure and morphology.
• Assembly and testing of aqueous nickel-zinc pouch cells.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high discharge capacity of 187.3 mA h g^-1 at a high rate (50 C).
• Demonstrated excellent capacity retention of 94.7% over 500 charge/discharge cycles.
• Obtained an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.8%.

Conclusions:

• The controlled concentration polarization method effectively produces (002)-oriented zinc anodes.
• The engineered anode significantly boosts the performance of aqueous Ni-Zn pouch cells.
• This approach represents a promising strategy for developing high-performance and stable aqueous metal batteries.