Solutions for Dendrite Growth of Electrodeposited Zinc

Abstract

Dendritic growth is ubiquitous in metallurgy, electroplating, rechargeable zinc-air batteries, and other secondary batteries, seriously affecting the service life of zinc electrode. However, the dendrite growth of electrodeposited zinc at large charging currents remains unresolved. Here, inhibition of dendrite growth of electrodeposited zinc is summarized by means of electrolyte modification and additives, electrode reformation and architecture optimization, and synergetic coupling of multiphysics. Moreover, the mechanism of dendrite growth is investigated on the basis of ion transport, electrochemical reaction, and electrocrystallization, demonstrating that the dendritic morphology can only be partly suppressed but not completely cured by means of ion diffusion and activation control. The partially conductive and partially insulating structure is a feasible measure to avert the negative effects of dendrite growth at large currents, which can extend the cycle life of zinc-based secondary batteries and increase the battery capacity.