Atomic Layer Deposition for Zinc-Ion Batteries: Nanoarchitectonics for Next-Generation Energy Solution

With the existing boom in the requirement for energy storage devices for a broad range of applications, ranging from portable to wearable devices, different types of batteries such as zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), sodium-ion batteries, aluminum-ion batteries, etc., have been currently explored. Among them, recently ZIBs have been extensively studied as an alternative to LIBs because of their inherent safety, high theoretical capacity, low cost, and sustainable approaches. Nevertheless, several limitations impede their practical applications, which include Zn dendrite growth and corrosion on the anode side, side reactions, cathode dissolution, etc. To address these concerns, enormous efforts have been under investigation, such as developing novel cathode materials with customized electrode design, integrating different nanoengineering techniques and composite materials, anticipated to achieve excellent ZIB electrochemical performance. In this context, atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique is garnering significant attention, offering several benefits like a meticulous, scalable, and sustainable approach, with great potential in generating protective nanoengineered layers on the surface of the anode and the cathode components of ZIBs with conformal film thickness and atomic-level precision, which is extremely difficult to achieve with other existing techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition. In this Account, we highlight the evolution and progress of the ALD technique, where ALD-modified electrodes are employed for electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications. First, we provide a brief introduction of the ZIBs as a sustainable energy storage solution and ALD technology as an innovative technique to modify the anode and the cathode surface of electrodes. Furthermore, the fundamental electrochemistry of ZIB, including the challenges faced on the cathode and anode surface of electrodes, is discussed; in addition, the fundamental chemistry of the ALD technique and its mechanism are discussed. Next, the crucial role of the ALD technique to modify cathode and anode surfaces, to tackle several ZIBs' challenges including cathode dissolution, Zn anode corrosion, and dendrite growth, is briefly discussed. Finally, we attempt to conclude that ALD is a viable solution to resolve the challenges associated with ZIBs and provide a perspective on the future research direction of the ALD technology for ZIBs.