Nanoscale Design of Zinc Anodes for High Energy Rechargeable Aqueous Batteries

Abstract

Zn-based batteries are a safe alternative to Li-ion due to compatibility with aqueous electrolyte. Also, the theoretical volumetric energy density of Zn-based batteries (e.g. Zn-air) is more than twice the one of conventional Li-ion batteries and is ~85% of Li-sulfur batteries. The above two advantages plus the abundance of zinc render Zn-based aqueous batteries attractive for large-scale energy storage (e.g. electric vehicle, grid-scale storage). However, the Zn anode in aqueous electrolyte is historically not deeply-rechargeable, which has to be addressed for broad application of Zn-based batteries. The root cause of the lack of rechargeability stems from the passivation of ZnO discharge product, and dissolution of zincate intermediate. In this talk, I will show a series of our recent efforts on addressing the rechargeability issue of aqueous Zn anodes via nanoscale material design. The design principles shown in this talk are expected to inspire the design of other electrodes for post-Li-ion batteries.