Effect of Tetrapropyl Ammonium Hydroxide on Zn Dendrite Formation for Rechargeable Aqueous Battery

Abstract

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIB) have captured enormous attention due to their high safety nature, low cost, and environmental friendliness [1]. Recently, improving the performance of AZIBs by optimizing the anode is becoming more promising at the present research area. [2]. Based on current studies, it can be said that, zinc anode suffers from the dendrite formation on the surface during cycling leading to a poor cyclability of a battery and its termination due to short circuit [3]. It is very necessary to study the reasons for dendrite growth and provide an inhibition ways. Herein we report the effect of TPAH (tetrapropyl ammonium hydroxide) as electrolyte additive to suppress dendrite growth in mild acid aqueous electrolyte. All tests were performed in Zn //ZnCi2+LiCl//LiFePO4 system with and without additive. As the result, with the addition of TPAH an enhanced cyclability in consequence with a prolonged cycle life of Zn/LiFePO4 system were observed. The mechanism of TPAH interaction with electrolyte and Zn anode characterization before and after cycling is proposed based on the results of SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis. Acknowledgment This research was supported by the Grant (OPFE2021001 "New materials and devices for defense and aerospace applications") from the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan.