Insights into Chemical and Electrochemical Interactions between Zn Anode and Electrolytes in Aqueous Zn−ion Batteries

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have garnered significant interest in recent years due to their potential applications large-scale stationary energy storage. Early ZIBs research has primarily focused on searching for better cathodes and understanding cathodic Zn 2+ storage mechanisms. Only very recently shifted anode. Here this study, we report insights into the interactions between anode aqueous Zn-salt electrolytes gained by a systematic investigation of bulk properties electrolytes, surface reacted Zn, electrokinetics Zn/Zn redox reaction cycle stability Zn/electrolyte/Zn symmetrical cells. We found that metal surface, regardless electrolyte, are always covered layer Zn-containing layered double hydroxides (Zn-LDHs) upon contact with Zn-electrolytes. show “OH − production” pathway resulted from dissolved oxygen Zn-electrolytes is root cause Zn-LDHs formation. The electrokinetic studies reveal Zn/Zn(ClO 4 ) 2 interface highest exchange current density, while cell tests Zn(OTf) most stable electrolyte Zn-metal