Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “zinc batteries”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Highly Reversible Plating/Stripping of Porous Zinc Anodes for Multivalent Zinc Batteries

Zinc continues to garner immense interest due to its versatility as an anode material in several configurations utilizing either alkaline or mild-pH electrolytes. Current research on using mild-pH electrolytes has improved the rechargeability aspect of Zn-based batteries since Zn2+ is solely utilized for plating/stripping of Zn. Several studies have incorporated Zn metal foils, yet, dramatic improvements can be achieved by expressing Zn as a porous structure. Herein, we use a quasi-pulsed electrodeposition process to prepare a conformal Zn coating onto 3D porous copper foam. By tuning the electrodeposition parameters, we achieved an optimal Zn coating that undergoes reversible plating/stripping when tested in symmetric Zn cells, which supported a low overpotential of ~60 mV for up to 100 cycles. We further investigated changes in the surface morphology by studying the Zn surface of both foil and 3D structure using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray micro-computed tomography. Both techniques showed that the Zn foil undergoes dramatic alterations at the surface, which results in inhomogeneous deposition of Zn, whereas the 3D form exhibited minimal changes. Lastly, we paired both Zn foil and 3D Zn with vanadium oxide and demonstrated that the porous structure supports high rate capability and high specific capacity.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hydrophobic Molecule Monolayer Brush-Tethered Zinc Anodes for Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Aqueous zinc batteries are of great interest as a rechargeable energy storage system, particularly owing to the low cost and high safety of aqueous electrolytes, as well as the high capacity of zinc anodes. Unfortunately, the wide commercialization of aqueous zinc batteries is impeded by the irreversible water reduction and irregular zinc evolution issues on the anode side. Hereby, a hydrophobic and ultrathin polystyrene molecule brush layer is tethered onto the surface of zinc metal anodes to tackle the above limitations. Here, experimental investigations reveal that the waterproof artificial layer can sustain fast interfacial ionic transportation, minimize hydrogen evolution, and smoothen Zn deposition, thus conferring enhanced electrochemical performance to the as-protected Zn anode in both symmetric Zn//Zn cells and Zn//LiV 3 O 8 full cells.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Tuning the Solvation Structure in Aqueous Zinc Batteries to Maximize Zn-Ion Intercalation and Optimize Dendrite-Free Zinc Plating

Aqueous zinc batteries are recognized to suffer from H + /Zn 2+ coinsertion in the cathode, but few approaches have been reported to suppress deleterious H + intercalation. We realize this goal by tuning the solvation structure, using LiV 2 (PO 4 ) 3 (LVP) as a model cathode. Phase conversion of LVP induced by H + intercalation is observed in 4 m Zn(OTf) 2 , whereas dominant Zn 2+ insertion is confirmed in a ZnCl 2 water-in-salt electrolyte (WiSE). This disparity is ascribed to the complete absence of free water and a strong Zn 2+ –H 2 O interaction in the latter that interrupts the H 2 O hydrogen bonding network, thus suppressing H + intercalation. On the basis of this strategy, a novel PEG-based hybrid electrolyte is designed to replace the corrosive ZnCl2 WiSE. This system exhibits an optimized Zn 2+ solvation sheath with a similar low free water content, showing not only much better suppression of H + intercalation but also highly reversible Zn plating/stripping with a CE of ~99.7% over 150 cycles.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Electrodeposited Zinc-based Films as Anodes for Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Zinc-based batteries have attracted extensive attention in recent years, due to high safety, high capacities, environmental friendliness, and low cost compared to lithium ion batteries. However, the zinc anode suffers primarily from dendrite formation as a mode of failure in the mildly acidic system. Herein, we report on electrochemically deposited zinc (ED Zn) and copper-zinc (brass) alloy anodes, which are critically compared with a standard commercial zinc foil. The film electrodes are of commercially relevant thicknesses (21 and 25µM). The electrodeposited zinc-based anodes exhibit low electrode polarization (~0.025V) and stable cycling performance in 50 cycle consecutive experiments from 0.26-10 mA cm-2 compared to commercial Zn foil. Coulombic efficiencies at 1 mA cm-2 were over 98% for the electrodeposited zinc-based materials and were maintained for over 100 cycles. Furthermore, full cells with an electrodeposited Zn/brass anode, EMD MnO2 cathode, in 1M ZnSO4 + 0.1M MnSO4 delivered capacities of 96.3, and 163 mAh g-1, respectively, at a 100 mA g-1 compared to 92.1 mAh g-1 for commercial Zn. The zinc-based anodes also show better rate capability, delivering full cell capacities of 35.9 and 47.5 mAh g-1 at high current of up to 3 A g-1. Lastly, the electrodeposited zinc-based anodes show enhanced capacity for up to 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1, making them viable anodes for commercial use.

Fayette, Matthew R.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Separator Effect on Zinc Electrodeposition Behavior and Its Implication for Zinc Battery Lifetime

We report uncontrolled zinc electrodeposition is an obstacle to long-cycling zinc batteries. Much has been researched on regulating zinc electrodeposition, but rarely are the studies performed in the presence of a separator, as in practical cells. Here, we show that the microstructure of separators determines the electrodeposition behavior of zinc. Porous separators direct zinc to deposit into their pores and leave “dead zinc” upon stripping. In contrast, a nonporous separator prevents zinc penetration. Such a difference between the two types of separators is distinguished only if caution is taken to preserve the attachment of the separator to the zinc-deposited substrate during the entire electrodeposition–morphological observation process. Failure to adopt such a practice could lead to misinformed conclusions. Our work reveals the mere use of porous separators as a universal yet overlooked challenge for metal anode-based rechargeable batteries. Countermeasures to prevent direct exposure of the metal growth front to a porous structure are suggested.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Stable bismuth-antimony alloy cathode with a conversion-dissolution/deposition mechanism for high-performance zinc batteries

Although a large number of intercalation cathode materials for aqueous Zn batteries have been reported, limited intercalation capacity precludes achieving a higher energy density. Here, for this work, we develop a high-performance aqueous Zn battery based on BiSb alloy (Bi 0.5 Sb 0.5 ) using a high-concentrated strong-basic polyelectrolyte. We demonstrate that a conversion-dissolution/deposition electrochemical mechanism (BiSb ↔ Bi + SbO 2 – ↔ Bi + SbO 3 – ↔ Bi 2 O 3 ) through in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) characterizations with the help of density functional theory calculations. The BiSb cathode delivers large capacity of 512 mAh g –1 at 0.3 Ag –1 and superior rate capability of 90 mAh g –1 even at 20 Ag –1 , and long-term cyclability with capacity retentions of 184 mAh g –1 after 600 cycles at 0.5 Ag –1 and 130 mAh g –1 after 1300 cycles at 1 Ag –1 . Remarkably, even at temperatures as low as –10 and –20 °C, capacities of 210 and 197 mAh g –1 are reserved at 1 Ag –1 , respectively. Moreover, the prepared pouch Zn//BiSb battery delivers a high energy density of 303 Wh kg –1 BiSb at 0.3 Ag –1 . When coupled with a high concentration polyelectrolyte, the Zn/BiSb battery exhibits an excellent performance over a wide temperature range (–40 to 40 °C). Our research reveals the metal cathode is promising for Zn batteries to achieve a high performance with the unique mechanism and alloys can be an effective approach to stabilize metal electrodes for cycling.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Understanding the Role of Zinc Hydroxide Sulfate and its Analogues in Mildly Acidic Aqueous Zinc Batteries: A Review

Abstract Mildly acidic aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) have attracted tremendous attention for grid storage applications with the expectation to tackle the issues of Li‐ion batteries on high cost and poor safety. However, the performance, particularly energy density and cycle stability of AZBs are still unsatisfactory when compared with LIBs. To help the development of AZBs, a lot of effort have been made to understand the battery reaction mechanisms and precedent microscopic and spectroscopic analyses have shown flake‐like large particles of zinc hydroxide sulfate (ZHS) and its analogues formed on the surfaces of cathodes and anodes in sulfate and other electrolyte systems during cycling. However, because of the complexity of the thermodynamics and kinetics of aqueous reactions to understand different battery conditions, controversies still exist. This article will review the roles of ZHS discussed in recent representative references aiming to shine light on the fundamental mechanisms of AZBs and pave ways to further improve the battery performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Restoring Escaped Zincate in Rechargeable Alkaline Zinc Batteries with a Seed-in-Nanoshell Design

Rechargeable alkaline zinc batteries are promising candidates for safe and low-cost energy storage, but suffer from ZnO dissolution that causes irreversible active material loss and rapid capacity decay. Here, we report a seed-in-nanoshell ZnO anode architecture that mitigates dissolution by combining physical confinement with electrochemical restoration of dissolved zincate species. ZnO particles are encapsulated within an ion-sieving carbon nanoshell that restricts zincate diffusion, maintains electrical conductivity, and stabilizes repeated solid–solution–solid transformations. Silver (Ag) nanoparticles incorporated into the nanoshell act as zincophilic nucleation seeds, lowering the Zn deposition barrier and directing the redeposition of dissolved zincate back to metallic Zn during charging. This confinement-enabled restoration mechanism converts zincate dissolution from an irreversible loss pathway into a recoverable process, enabling improved performance under harsh test conditions. The anode also delivers 227.9 mAh g −1 at −40 °C. Finally, a scalable tens-of-gram synthesis of ZnO@Ag is demonstrated, underscoring the practical potential of this strategy for advanced aqueous zinc batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Polyvinyl alcohol coating induced preferred crystallographic orientation in aqueous zinc battery anodes

The development of rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries is mainly hindered by the Zn anode, which suffers from dendrite growth, corrosion, hydrogen evolution, and surface passivation. Herein, a thin polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coating layer on Zn anode has enabled dendrite-free, long-life aqueous Zn batteries by effectively regulating the interfacial ion diffusion and inducing the homogeneous Zn nucleation and deposition of stacked plates with preferentially crystallographic orientation along (002) Zn planes. The PVA@Zn anode achieved an ultralong cycle lifespan of thousands of hours at 0.25 and 1 mA cm -2 . Outstanding durability under a deep cycling capacity (5 mA h cm -2 ), high current density (10 mA cm -2 ), and long duration conditions were achieved. The superior cyclability of PVA@Zn anode was also demonstrated in PVA@Zn//V 2 O 5 full cells. In conclusion, the insights of PVA induced Zn deposition with preferred crystal orientation and interfacial regulation shed light on the future development of stable Zn anodes.

Crystallographic orientation↗
NASA NTRS1974

Study of oxygen gas production phenomenon during stand and discharge in silver-zinc batteries

Standard production procedures for manufacturing silver zinc batteries are evaluated and modified to reduce oxygen generation during open circuit stand and discharge. Production predictions of several variable combinations using analysis models are listed for minimum gassing, with emphasis on the concentration of potassium hydroxide in plate formation. A recommendation for work optimizing the variables involved in plate processing is included.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fluoride-Rich, Organic–Inorganic Gradient Interphase Enabled by Sacrificial Solvation Shells for Reversible Zinc Metal Batteries

Zinc metal batteries are strongly hindered by water corrosion, as solvated zinc ions would bring the active water molecules to the electrode/electrolyte interface constantly. Herein, we report a sacrificial solvation shell to repel active water molecules from the electrode/electrolyte interface and assist in forming a fluoride-rich, organic-inorganic gradient solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer. Additionally, the simultaneous sacrificial process of methanol and Zn(CF 3 SO 3 ) 2 results in the gradient SEI layer with an organic-rich surface (CH 2 OC- and C 5 product) and an inorganic-rich (ZnF 2 ) bottom, which combines the merits of fast ion diffusion and high flexibility. As a result, the methanol additive enables corrosion-free zinc stripping/plating on copper foils for 300 cycles with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.5%, a record high cumulative plating capacity of 10 A h/cm 2 at 40 mA/cm 2 in Zn/Zn symmetrical batteries. More importantly, at an ultralow N/P ratio of 2, the practical VO 2 //20 mu m thick Zn plate full batteries with a high areal capacity of 4.7 mAh/cm 2 stably operate for over 250 cycles, establishing their promising application for grid-scale energy storage devices. Furthermore, directly utilizing the 20 μm thick Zn for the commercial-level areal capacity (4.7 mAh/cm 2 ) full zinc battery in our work would simplify the manufacturing process and boost the development of the commercial zinc battery for stationary storage.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Zinc batteries for grid-scale energy storage: Challenges, opportunities, and future directions

The global electricity sector is undergoing rapid transformation, increasing demand for reliable stationary energy storage and intensifying the need for safe, cost-effective, and scalable technologies for grid-scale applications. While lithium-ion batteries currently dominate the market, concerns over cost, safety, and resource availability motivate the exploration of alternative chemistries. Zinc-based batteries have emerged as a promising option due to the abundance, low cost, and wide geographic distribution of zinc, combined with the inherent safety of aqueous electrolytes. This perspective examines the potential of zinc batteries for stationary energy storage, with particular focus on rechargeable zinc-air systems. We discuss the evolution of zinc battery technologies and compare zinc-air, zinc-bromine, nickel-zinc, and aqueous zinc-ion chemistries, highlighting their advantages for grid applications. Key challenges limiting rechargeable zinc battery performance are analyzed, including dendrite formation and corrosion at the zinc anode, electrolyte degradation from carbonation and evaporation, and sluggish oxygen electrocatalysis at the air cathode. Emerging strategies to address these limitations are reviewed, including advanced electrode architectures, electrolyte engineering, catalyst development, and system-level design improvements. Lastly, we outline future research directions and opportunities for developing durable, efficient, and economically viable zinc-based energy storage systems for grid-scale applications.

Aqueous electrolytes↗
DOE OSTI2026

Effect of externally applied pressure on rechargeable alkaline zinc batteries at limited depth of discharge

Rechargeable alkaline zinc batteries (AZBs) are being actively researched for grid-scale energy storage due to their safety, low toxicity, abundance, low cost, and ease-of-production. However, numerous studies on alkaline Zn–MnO 2 batteries have shown that issues such as heterogeneous Zn deposition, passivation, dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, and formation of chemically irreversible byproducts on the electrode surfaces still limit their rechargeability. Several mitigating strategies have been proposed to improve the rechargeability of alkaline Zn–MnO 2 batteries, but the effect of pressure on electrochemical behavior has not been systematically investigated. In this paper, we demonstrate that an externally applied pressure at 20% MnO 2 depth-of-discharge (DOD MnO 2 ) has a profound effect on impedance, electrochemical cycling behavior, and materials morphology of alkaline Zn–MnO 2 batteries. Better electrochemical performance and improved morphology were achieved at 2.12 MPa pressure compared to 0.05 MPa pressure. Moreover, we examined the effect of externally applied pressure from 0 to 5.05 MPa before cycling and found that charge transfer resistance decreases significantly with pressure. Furthermore, we reported stable electrochemical cycling of MnO 2 ‖MnO 2 symmetric cells for 500 hours at 20% DOD under 2.12 MPa pressure. In conclusion, our efforts in understanding the effect of pressure could help design high performance and durable rechargeable alkaline Zn–MnO 2 batteries for grid-scale energy storage.

Rechargeable alkaline batteries↗