Nonlinear Correlation of Polyoxyethylene Castor Oil between Dynamic-Static Corrosion Inhibition and Cyclic Stability...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Zinc-air batteries (ZABs) face significant challenges due to zinc anode degradation, including self-corrosion and dendrite formation.
• These degradation issues severely limit the cycle life and operational stability of ZABs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of polyoxyethylene castor oil (Cremophor EL) derivatives as electrolyte additives in ZABs.
• To address the dual challenges of static corrosion and dynamic dendrite growth in zinc anodes.

Main Methods:

• Four types of Cremophor EL were synthesized and added to ZAB electrolytes.
• Static corrosion tests and galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling were performed.
• Interface analysis techniques were employed to elucidate the mechanism of action.

Main Results:

• All four EL additives demonstrated over 90% static corrosion inhibition efficiency.
• EL-90 extended stable ZAB operation to approximately 400 hours, a significant improvement over the blank system (<60 hours).
• EL additives facilitated dynamic interface reconstruction and optimized ion transport, inhibiting dendrite growth.

Conclusions:

• Cremophor EL derivatives offer a promising strategy for mitigating zinc anode degradation in ZABs.
• The additives function via a synergistic mechanism involving physical barrier formation and oriented ion transport channels.
• This research presents a new design paradigm for durable ZABs through dynamic interface reconstruction.