Metallic zinc as a rechargeable anode material for aqueous batteries has gained tremendous attention with merits of intrinsic safety, low cost, and high theoretical volumetric capacity (5,854 mAh/cm3). Among zinc-based batteries, Zn-air batteries are promising with the highest theoretical volumetric energy density (4,931 Wh/L). Rechargeable zinc anode has recently achieved progress in neutral electrolytes, yet developed slowly in alkaline electrolytes, which are kinetically favorable for air cathodes. Passivation, dissolution, and hydrogen evolution are three main reasons for irreversibility of zinc anodes in alkaline electrolytes, which limits the rechargeability and usable energy density. In the past five years, our lab carried out material engineering at the nanoscale to overcome these three challenges of zinc anode. We have also used gas chromatography quantitative analysis and operando microscopy to quantify gas evolution side reaction and visualize the reaction on electrodes during operation, respectively. In this talk, I will present our findings on zinc-based batteries, as well as solid-state batteries and redox flow batteries, which could potentially expand the portfolio of electrochemical energy storage technologies for sustainable energy.

Deeply rechargeable zinc anodes for high-energy aqueous batteries

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.