The magnetohydrodynamic effect enables a dendrite-free Zn anode in alkaline electrolytes

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Peng Liang
  • Liming Chen
  • Zijie Tang
  • Zhengtai Li
  • Yao Wang
  • Yongchao Tang
  • Cuiping Han
  • Zhongwen Lan
  • Hongfei Li

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Article number11971
Journal / PublicationJournal of Materials Chemistry A
Volume10
Issue number22
Online published6 May 2022
Publication statusPublished - 14 Jun 2022

Abstract

Alkaline electrolyte based Zn batteries, relying on the redox reaction of Zn/ZnO (-1.35 V vs. SHE), offer a higher output voltage compared with neutral or mild electrolyte based Zn batteries (redox reaction of Zn/Zn2+, -0.76 V vs. SHE). However, the dendrite issue in alkaline electrolytes is also much exaggerated and leads to poor reversibility. To tackle the severe dendrite issue in alkaline electrolytes, a static magnetic field is introduced in this work to regulate the Zn deposition/dissolution behavior. A uniform Zn plating layer is obtained and validated by in situ optical microscopy. Surface roughness with a magnetic field (0.74 μm) is significantly reduced compared to that without a magnetic field (61.46 μm). COMSOL numerical simulation and electrochemical tests reveal that zincate ions can be subjected to the Lorentz force under a magnetic field, giving rise to micro-rotation and the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect, which greatly alleviates the concentration polarization and enhances the mass transfer. Accordingly, the Zn symmetrical battery with alkaline electrolytes under a magnetic field can sustain up to a long cycle life of 260 h at 1 mA cm-2. Moreover, a Zn-air full battery with a magnetic field can keep working stably for 200 h at a high current density of 10 mA cm-2. The application of an external magnetic field in alkaline Zn batteries provides a practical and effective solution for addressing the Zn dendrite issue in alkaline electrolytes.

Research Area(s)

  • MAGNETIC-FIELDS, ELECTRODEPOSITION, BEHAVIOR, GROWTH

Citation Format(s)

The magnetohydrodynamic effect enables a dendrite-free Zn anode in alkaline electrolytes. / Liang, Peng; Li, Qing; Chen, Liming et al.
In: Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol. 10, No. 22, 11971, 14.06.2022.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review