Optimization Materials of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Anodes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are attractive for energy storage due to safety and cost.
• Zinc anodes in AZIBs suffer from side reactions like dendrite formation, corrosion, and passivation.
• These issues limit the practical application and performance of AZIBs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the challenges associated with zinc anodes in AZIBs.
• To discuss the design principles and optimization strategies for zinc anodes.
• To highlight future opportunities and remaining challenges for practical AZIB applications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of challenges in zinc anodes.
• Analysis of side reactions including dendrites, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation.
• Discussion of optimization strategies: interfacial, structural, and alloy engineering.

Main Results:

• Identified key challenges: zinc dendrites, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, passivation, and low utilization.
• Presented design principles and material-based optimization strategies for zinc anodes.
• Highlighted the impact of these challenges on overall battery performance.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing zinc anodes is crucial for advancing AZIB technology.
• Interfacial, structural, and alloy engineering offer promising routes for anode improvement.
• Further research is needed to overcome existing challenges for widespread AZIB adoption.