Abstract
Although aqueous zinc ion batteries are promising for grid-scale energy storage because of their low cost, safety, and high capacity, they are still limited by poor reversibility and a short cycle lifetime. The main causes of these problems are the spontaneous side reactions and the inhomogeneous deposition/dissolution behavior of the zinc electrode. In this study, we address these limitations by mitigating the inhomogeneous surface reactions of the zinc electrode, a key factor in achieving long-term cycling stability. By employing appropriate surface modification techniques to eliminate the intrinsic passivation layer and reduce surface roughness, we enable uniform electrochemical reactions on the electrode surface, resulting in homogeneous zinc deposition, accelerated electrochemical kinetics, and enhanced cycling performance. Two distinct surface modification strategies were utilized: chemical treatment and mechanical polishing. The chemical treatment entailed the application of acidic, neutral, or alkaline solutions to the zinc electrode, effectively removing the organic passivation layer, improving electrolyte wettability, rate capability, and enabling uniform zinc deposition. Mechanical polishing not only removed the passivation layer but also smoothed the rough surface of the zinc electrode, reducing local charge concentrations and further promoting uniform deposition, which enhanced long-term stability. Our research indicates that simple surface modification methods can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of zinc electrodes. These strategies may be applicable to other types of energy storage systems using metal foil-based electrode, including lithium, magnesium, and aluminum batteries, as well as zinc-ion batteries.
Published Version
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