Abstract
Zn-air batteries with a high energy density of 1350 Wh kg-1 is one of the breakthroughs required to achieve a low carbon society. However, morphology control of the Zn negative electrode during charge/discharge (Zn-deposition/stripping) is essential for practical application. Previously, we acheived smooth morphology of Zn deposit in alkaline-based electrolyte (0.25 ZnO\\4M KOH) by adding cationic surfactant (quaternary ammonium cation). In the present study, we systematically investigated the effect of alkyl chain length in the quaternary ammonium cation on electrochemical Zn growth morphology. Completely smooth deposition morphology was achieved by changing from octyl to decyl group in the surfactant. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis revealed that charge transfer resistance associated with Zn deposition increased as alkyl chain length. The obtained results indicate that bulky ammonium cations suppress excess electrodeposition reactions by steric hindrance effect and thereby result in smooth morphology. Figure 1
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