Employing the Dynamics of the Electrochemical Interface in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Cathodes

Nigel Becknell, Pietro P. Lopes, Toru Hatsukade, Xiuquan Zhou, Yuzi Liu, Brandon Fisher, Duck Young Chung, Mercouri G. Kanatzidis, Nenad M. Markovic, Sanja Tepavcevic*, Vojislav R. Stamenkovic

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Intrinsically stable materials are desirable for constructing energy storage devices, which aim to demonstrate durability under the harsh electrochemical conditions that are detrimental to their lifespan. However, it is demonstrated here that the intrinsic instability of an electrochemical interface can be converted from an obstacle into an advantage. In aqueous zinc-ion batteries, manganese oxide (MnO2) exhibits considerable dissolution even in electrolyte containing Mn2+ salt. Balancing with redeposition alleviates the harmful impact of dissolution on performance and alters the trajectory of the active phase. Inclusion of Mn2+ salt in the electrolyte induces MnO2 deposition on all conductive surfaces, requiring that distracting side reactions be eliminated to isolate the dynamics of the active phase. Under conditions favoring dissolution, capacity decreases dramatically and a highly crystalline tetragonal ZnMn2O4 phase forms, while redeposition helps maintain capacity and promotes a disordered cubic Zn-rich phase. Ultimately, this work aims to illuminate a path forward to unlock the potential of batteries made with materials that are fundamentally unstable in their operating environment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2102135
JournalAdvanced Functional Materials
Volume31
Issue number35
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 26 2021

Keywords

  • aqueous zinc-ion batteries
  • dissolution/redeposition
  • manganese oxide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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