Issue 19, 2024

Rescuing zinc anode–electrolyte interface: mechanisms, theoretical simulations and in situ characterizations

Abstract

The research interest in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) has been surging due to the advantages of safety, abundance, and high electrochemical performance. However, some technique issues, such as dendrites, hydrogen evolution reaction, and corrosion, severely prohibit the development of AZIBs in practical utilizations. The underlying mechanisms regarding electrochemical performance deterioration and structure degradation are too complex to understand, especially when it comes to zinc metal anode–electrolyte interface. Recently, theoretical simulations and in situ characterizations have played a crucial role in AZIBs and are exploited to guide the research on electrolyte engineering and solid electrolyte interphase. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the current state of the fundamental mechanisms involved in the zinc plating/stripping process and underscore the importance of theoretical simulations and in situ characterizations in mechanism research. Finally, we summarize the challenges and opportunities for AZIBs in practical applications, especially as a stationary energy storage and conversion device in a smart grid.

Graphical abstract: Rescuing zinc anode–electrolyte interface: mechanisms, theoretical simulations and in situ characterizations

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
30 Jan 2024
Accepted
05 Apr 2024
First published
08 Apr 2024
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 7010-7033

Rescuing zinc anode–electrolyte interface: mechanisms, theoretical simulations and in situ characterizations

Z. Liu, X. Zhang, Z. Liu, Y. Jiang, D. Wu, Y. Huang and Z. Hu, Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 7010 DOI: 10.1039/D4SC00711E

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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