Present and Future Perspective on Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Zinc-Ion Batteries
TL;DR: In this article, the challenges and recent developments related to rechargeable zinc-ion battery research are presented, as well as recent research trends and directions on electrode materials that can store Zn2+ and electrolytes that can improve the battery performance.
Abstract: The zinc-ion battery (ZIB) is a 2 century-old technology but has recently attracted renewed interest owing to the possibility of switching from primary to rechargeable ZIBs. Nowadays, ZIBs employing a mild aqueous electrolyte are considered one of the most promising candidates for emerging energy storage systems (ESS) and portable electronics applications due to their environmental friendliness, safety, low cost, and acceptable energy density. However, there are many drawbacks associated with these batteries that have not yet been resolved. In this Review, we present the challenges and recent developments related to rechargeable ZIB research. Recent research trends and directions on electrode materials that can store Zn2+ and electrolytes that can improve the battery performance are comprehensively discussed.
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TL;DR: In this article, a polyamide coating layer which elevates the nucleation barrier and restricts Zn2+2D diffusion is constructed to effectively regulate the aqueous Zn deposition behavior.
Abstract: Aqueous Zn anodes have been revisited for their intrinsic safety, low cost, and high volumetric capacity; however, deep-seated issues of dendrite growth and intricate side-reactions hindered their rejuvenation. Herein, a “brightener-inspired” polyamide coating layer which elevates the nucleation barrier and restricts Zn2+ 2D diffusion is constructed to effectively regulate the aqueous Zn deposition behavior. Importantly, serving as a buffer layer that isolates active Zn from bulk electrolytes, this interphase also suppresses free water/O2-induced corrosion and passivation. With this synergy effect, the polymer-modified Zn anode produces reversible, dendrite-free plating/stripping with a 60-fold enhancement in running lifetime (over 8000 hours) compared to the bare Zn, and even at an ultrahigh areal capacity of 10 mA h cm−2 (10 mA cm−2 for 1 h, 85% depth of discharge). This efficient rechargeability for Zn anodes enables a substantially stable full-cell paired with a MnO2 cathode. The strategy presented here is straightforward and scalable, representing a stark, but promising approach to solve the anode issues in advanced Zn batteries.
1,008 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on fundamental aspects of the chemistry of Zn-ion batteries that are the least understood and on which there has been progress over the last few years, and provide guidance for future research regarding (1) the significant challenge of proton/Zn2+ co-intercalation in aqueous media, (2) limitations to conversion chemistry that often accompanies ZIB electrochemistry, (3) positive aspects of facile Zn 2+ (de)intercalations in nonaqueous electrolytes and organic cathode materials, (
874 citations
TL;DR: The current advances, existing limitations, along with the possible solutions in the pursuit of cathode materials with high voltage, fast kinetics, and long cycling stability are comprehensively covered and evaluated to guide the future design of aqueous ZIBs with a combination of high gravimetric energy density, good reversibility, and a long cycle life.
Abstract: Aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) are truly promising contenders for the future large-scale electrical energy storage applications due to their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, intri...
726 citations
TL;DR: A comprehensive overview of recent progress in different rechargeable Zn-based batteries (RZBs) systems including mild electrolyte RZBs, alkaline RZB, hybrid RZBP, Zn ion capacitors and Zn air batteries is presented in this paper.
702 citations
TL;DR: A new electrolytic Zn-MnO2 battery has a record-high output voltage and an imposing gravimetric capacity, together with a record energy density, and should be of immediate benefit for low-cost practical energy storage and grid-scale applications.
Abstract: Zinc-based electrochemistry is attracting significant attention for practical energy storage owing to its uniqueness in terms of low cost and high safety. However, the grid-scale application is plagued by limited output voltage and inadequate energy density when compared with more conventional Li-ion batteries. Herein, we propose a latent high-voltage MnO2 electrolysis process in a conventional Zn-ion battery, and report a new electrolytic Zn-MnO2 system, via enabled proton and electron dynamics, that maximizes the electrolysis process. Compared with other Zn-based electrochemical devices, this new electrolytic Zn-MnO2 battery has a record-high output voltage of 1.95 V and an imposing gravimetric capacity of about 570 mAh g-1 , together with a record energy density of approximately 409 Wh kg-1 when both anode and cathode active materials are taken into consideration. The cost was conservatively estimated at
676 citations
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TL;DR: The battery systems reviewed here include sodium-sulfur batteries that are commercially available for grid applications, redox-flow batteries that offer low cost, and lithium-ion batteries whose development for commercial electronics and electric vehicles is being applied to grid storage.
Abstract: The increasing interest in energy storage for the grid can be attributed to multiple factors, including the capital costs of managing peak demands, the investments needed for grid reliability, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Although existing energy storage is dominated by pumped hydroelectric, there is the recognition that battery systems can offer a number of high-value opportunities, provided that lower costs can be obtained. The battery systems reviewed here include sodium-sulfur batteries that are commercially available for grid applications, redox-flow batteries that offer low cost, and lithium-ion batteries whose development for commercial electronics and electric vehicles is being applied to grid storage.
11,144 citations
TL;DR: Batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors belong to the same family of energy conversion devices and are needed to service the wide energy requirements of various devices and systems.
Abstract: Electrochemical energy conversion devices are pervasive in our daily lives. Batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors belong to the same family of energy conversion devices. They are all based on the fundamentals of electrochemical thermodynamics and kinetics. All three are needed to service the wide energy requirements of various devices and systems. Neither batteries, fuel cells nor electrochemical capacitors, by themselves, can serve all applications.
6,230 citations
TL;DR: Current research on materials is summarized and discussed and future directions for SIBs are proposed to provide important insights into scientific and practical issues in the development of S IBs.
Abstract: Energy production and storage technologies have attracted a great deal of attention for day-to-day applications. In recent decades, advances in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology have improved living conditions around the globe. LIBs are used in most mobile electronic devices as well as in zero-emission electronic vehicles. However, there are increasing concerns regarding load leveling of renewable energy sources and the smart grid as well as the sustainability of lithium sources due to their limited availability and consequent expected price increase. Therefore, whether LIBs alone can satisfy the rising demand for small- and/or mid-to-large-format energy storage applications remains unclear. To mitigate these issues, recent research has focused on alternative energy storage systems. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as the best candidate power sources because sodium is widely available and exhibits similar chemistry to that of LIBs; therefore, SIBs are promising next-generation alternatives. Recently, sodiated layer transition metal oxides, phosphates and organic compounds have been introduced as cathode materials for SIBs. Simultaneously, recent developments have been facilitated by the use of select carbonaceous materials, transition metal oxides (or sulfides), and intermetallic and organic compounds as anodes for SIBs. Apart from electrode materials, suitable electrolytes, additives, and binders are equally important for the development of practical SIBs. Despite developments in electrode materials and other components, there remain several challenges, including cell design and electrode balancing, in the application of sodium ion cells. In this article, we summarize and discuss current research on materials and propose future directions for SIBs. This will provide important insights into scientific and practical issues in the development of SIBs.
3,009 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate a highly reversible zinc/manganese oxide system in which optimal mild aqueous ZnSO4-based solution is used as the electrolyte, and nanofibres of a manganese oxide phase, α-MnO2, are used as a cathode.
Abstract: Rechargeable aqueous batteries such as alkaline zinc/manganese oxide batteries are highly desirable for large-scale energy storage owing to their low cost and high safety; however, cycling stability is a major issue for their applications. Here we demonstrate a highly reversible zinc/manganese oxide system in which optimal mild aqueous ZnSO4-based solution is used as the electrolyte, and nanofibres of a manganese oxide phase, α-MnO2, are used as the cathode. We show that a chemical conversion reaction mechanism between α-MnO2 and H+ is mainly responsible for the good performance of the system. This includes an operating voltage of 1.44 V, a capacity of 285 mAh g−1 (MnO2), and capacity retention of 92% over 5,000 cycles. The Zn metal anode also shows high stability. This finding opens new opportunities for the development of low-cost, high-performance rechargeable aqueous batteries. Rechargeable aqueous batteries are attractive owing to their relatively low cost and safety. Here the authors report an aqueous zinc/manganese oxide battery that operates via a conversion reaction mechanism and exhibits a long-term cycling stability.
1,965 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a vanadium oxide bronze was used as the positive electrode for a Zn cell with reversible intercalation of Zn ions in a layered Zn0.25V2O5⋅nH2O-based positive electrode.
Abstract: Although non-aqueous Li-ion batteries possess significantly higher energy density than their aqueous counterparts, the latter can be more feasible for grid-scale applications when cost, safety and cycle life are taken into consideration. Moreover, aqueous Zn-ion batteries have an energy storage advantage over alkali-based batteries as they can employ Zn metal as the negative electrode, dramatically increasing energy density. However, their development is plagued by a limited choice of positive electrodes, which often show poor rate capability and inadequate cycle life. Here we report a vanadium oxide bronze pillared by interlayer Zn2+ ions and water (Zn0.25V2O5⋅nH2O), as the positive electrode for a Zn cell. A reversible Zn2+ ion (de)intercalation storage process at fast rates, with more than one Zn2+ per formula unit (a capacity up to 300 mAh g−1), is characterized. The Zn cell offers an energy density of ∼450 Wh l−1 and exhibits a capacity retention of more than 80% over 1,000 cycles, with no dendrite formation at the Zn electrode. High-performing positive electrode materials are crucial for the development of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Here the authors report a battery based on reversible intercalation of Zn ions in a layered Zn0.25V2O5⋅nH2O-based positive electrode, which exhibits high-capacity and long-term cycling stability.
1,948 citations