The magnetohydrodynamic effect enables a dendrite-free Zn anode in alkaline electrolytes
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
Author(s)
Related Research Unit(s)
Detail(s)
Original language | English |
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Article number | 11971 |
Journal / Publication | Journal of Materials Chemistry A |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 22 |
Online published | 6 May 2022 |
Publication status | Published - 14 Jun 2022 |
Link(s)
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.
In: Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Vol. 10, No. 22, 11971, 14.06.2022.
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review