Challenges and Design Strategies for Stable Zinc Anodes in Rechargeable Zinc Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) offer high energy density, safety, and low cost, making them attractive for large-scale energy storage.
• Key limitations for ZIB adoption include zinc anode issues: dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), passivation, self-corrosion, and poor cycling stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• This review systematically summarizes recent advances in addressing zinc anode challenges in ZIBs.
• Emphasis is placed on structural engineering, interface stabilization, and electrolyte tailoring to enhance Zn²⁺ deposition behavior.

Main Methods:

• The review integrates findings from various approaches including 3D current collector design, alloying, surface modification, and electrolyte engineering.
• Advanced characterization techniques, such as in situ/operando imaging and spectroscopy, are utilized to probe Zn anode failure mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Structural engineering, interface stabilization, and electrolyte tailoring are crucial for improving Zn²⁺ deposition and battery performance.
• In situ/operando techniques provide critical real-time insights into interfacial and morphological evolutions of Zn anodes during cycling.

Conclusions:

• Addressing zinc anode issues is vital for developing durable and high-performance ZIBs.
• Future research should focus on continued development of advanced characterization and material engineering for robust Zn-based energy storage systems.