Recent Progress in Aqueous Zinc-ion Batteries at High Zinc Utilization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) offer safe, eco-friendly, and low-cost energy storage.
• Zinc metal anodes are crucial but suffer from low Zn utilization rate (ZUR) due to dendrites, corrosion, and passivation.
• Excess zinc is often required, reducing energy density and increasing weight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review progress towards high ZUR in AZIBs.
• To analyze challenges and failure mechanisms of zinc anodes.
• To provide guidelines for designing high ZUR AZIBs, including metal-free designs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of electrolyte optimization strategies.
• Examination of anode protection techniques.
• Discussion of substrate construction for improved zinc deposition.
• Analysis of reaction interfaces and failure mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Identified key challenges in zinc anode performance, including dendrite formation and side reactions.
• Highlighted promising solutions in electrolyte engineering and interface stabilization.
• Presented strategies for achieving 100% ZUR, including metal-free anode designs.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing electrolytes, protecting anodes, and constructing suitable substrates are vital for high ZUR in AZIBs.
• Addressing interface issues and understanding failure mechanisms are critical.
• Achieving 100% ZUR, potentially through metal-free designs, can significantly enhance AZIB performance and energy density.