Safe, Stable Method For High Performance Zinc Ion Batteries.

A recent article published by Chinese researchers at Nano Today focuses on the development of a new technique that uses graphene oxide (GDYO) to enhance the Zn anode (Zn-GDYO) to create a Zn-GDYO / ZnVO cell.  Abnormally long periodic stability.

• Safe, stable method for high performance zinc ion batteries

Why are Zinc Ion Batteries Important?

Due to their extraordinarily high theoretical efficiency, low cutting power, abundant supply, cost efficiency, low emissions and inherent safety properties, recycled aqueous Zn ion batteries (ZIBs) using Zn metal as an anode have puzzled scientists.  In recent years, experts have investigated regularly and modified the electromechanical properties of ZIB electrode materials, especially cathode materials.

These adaptive battery packs can be used in a wide range of wearable technology devices, including fitness trackers and diagnostic implants.  Recently, a strong, stable and sustainable semi-solid-state zinc-ion battery using the new 2D layered zinc orthovanadate structure has been published.  In addition, a self-charging system consisting of robust ZIBs and photovoltaic panels is efficiently prepared for long-term energy storage using these batteries.

  Problems with ZIBs

However, the critical impediments to ZIBs are poor rotational durability and low Coulombic efficiency (CE), which are often caused by non-negligible defects in the Zn metal anode.

Electrolytes of ZIBs extending from alkaline to mild acidic significantly reduce the secondary reactions of the Zn metal, but there are still many scientific problems to be addressed, such as corrosion, contact resistance and dendritic development.  Zinc occurs when exposed to hydro electrolytes, and hydrogen evolution processes compete with the zinc plating / stripping mechanism or pair to produce local currents, resulting in excessive use of metal.

Methods for improving anodic conditions in ZIBs

  Numerous efforts have been devoted to overcome the above difficulties and to increase the lifetime of Zn anodes by researching on framework modification design, surface performance, electrolyte refinement, separator configuration and anodization technique.  Surface modification is a direct and effective way to improve the electrochemical properties of the Zn anode in ZIBs.

This technique involves direct communication of the Zn anode with the solution, the complete delay of complex secondary processes, and finally the external protective coating which acts as a passive natural wall or chemical corrosion barrier to avoid enhancement in the Zn anode redox potential.

Importance of graphene oxide

The production of aqueous oxygen-containing functional groups in graphene oxide (GDYO) makes them potential descendants of graphdiyne (GDY) for commercial applications in aqueous solutions.  Hydrophilic GDYO can form strong covalent bonds with Zn2 + ions.  Furthermore, GDYO preserves the stability of the GDY skeletal framework.  As a result, by performing Zn coating initiation and development, GDYO is a potential Zn anode surface engineering compound to fully address the problem associated with it.

Research findings

Surface and cross-sectional SEM micrographs of Zn-GDYO revealed that the GDYO coating is coated evenly and firmly on the outside of the zinc foil, which is approximately 1 µm thick.  The polarisation of the cells symmetrically balanced with the Zn-GDYO anodes is significantly lower than that of the untouched zinc.

Asymmetric ZnGDYO / Zn-GDYO cells exhibit minimal polarisation and long cycle life.  At an even larger flux density, the same findings can be obtained.  Surprisingly, the Zn-GDYO / Ti cell recorded an average of 97 percent CE at 0.1 mA cm-2 per 1000 cycles, whereas the Zn / Ti cell was smaller in the 50th cycle, revealing less specificity and regeneration of undetected Zn.  Anode.  The results showed that the GDYO thin layer acts as a barrier to protect the Zn metal from corrosion.

The Future of Zinc Ion Batteries

When combined with their service capacity, zinc-ion batteries are able to offer significantly cheaper inventory costs than current lithium-ion batteries and may be an economically viable alternative.

In conclusion, the researchers devised a unique technique for the chemical modification of GDYO on the Zn foil surface, which significantly increases the plating / removal life of Zn metal anodes due to the porous structure of GDYO, excellent humidity and strong coordination with Zn2 + ions.  Research strengthens the argument for using Zn anodes in safe and environmentally acceptable aqueous ZIBs, opening the door for the further development of powerful, efficient and reliable aqueous batteries.

Ref: Wang, F.  Et al., (2022) Graphdine oxide for aqueous zinc ion full battery with ultra-long cycling stability.  Nano today.  44. 101463. ISSN 1748-0132.  Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1748013222000901

Credits  Ibtisam Abbasi

Related stories

BSLBATT Lithium Home Energy Storage Battery Options

Japanese Institute JAIST Develops New Battery Technology That Gives Better Battery Life.

Can Micro Supercapacitors “Revolutionise” Battery Technology?