Recent advances in flexible alkaline zinc-based batteries:Materials,structures,and perspectives

The development of wearable electronic systems has generated increasing demand for flexible power sources.Alkaline zinc(Zn)-based batteries,as one of the most mature energy storage technologies,have been considered as a promising power source owing to their exceptional safety,low costs,and outstanding electrochemical performance.However,the conventional alkaline Zn-based battery systems face many challenges associated with electrodes and electrolytes,causing low capacity,poor cycle life,and inferior mechanical performance.Recent advances in materials and structure design have enabled the revisitation of the alkaline Zn-based battery technology for applications in flexible electronics.Herein,we summarize the up-to-date works in flexible alkaline Zn-based batteries and analyze the strategies employed to improve battery performance.Firstly,we introduce the three most reported cathode materials(including Ag-based,Ni-based,and Co-based materials)for flexible alkaline Zn-based batteries.Then,challenges and modifications in battery anodes are investigated.Thirdly,the recently advanced gel electrolytes are introduced from their properties,functions as well as advanced fabrications.Finally,recent works and the advantages of sandwich-type,fiber-type and thin film-type flexible batteries are summarized and compared.This review provides insights and guidance for the design of high-performance flexible Zn-based batteries for next-generation electronics.

Enlarging Zn deposition space via regulating Sn-induced effective interface for high areal capacity zinc-based flow battery

Zinc-based flow batteries(ZFBs)have aroused great favor in large-scale energy storage due to the high security and low cost.However,the low areal capacity arising from the limited space for Zn plating hinders the further development.Herein,a novel carbon felt-Sn-carbon felt sandwich host(CSCH)is designed and constructed.Benefiting from the strong chemical absorption and the dehydration effect on Zn(H_(2)O)_(6)^(2+),the Sn activation layer in the CSCH demonstrates the lowest comprehensive resistance for Zn deposition.Thus,Zn is induced to nucleate preferentially on the Sn activation layer,and grows towards the membrane,regulating the spatial distribution of Zn electrochemical deposits,which remarkably improves the areal capacity and cyclic stability of Zn anode.Consequently,the zinc-bromine flow batteries equipped with CSCH electrodes can achieve the ultra-high areal capacity of 120 mA h cm^(-2)at 80 mA cm^(-2),and run stably for 140 h with average energy efficiency of 80.3%in the extreme condition(80 mA cm^(-2),80 mA h cm^(-2)).This innovative work will inspire future advanced designs for high areal capacity electrodes in ZFBs.

Effect of Rare Earth on the Corrosion-Resisting Performance of Zinc-Based Alloy Coatings

The corrosion behavior of coatings of pure zinc and Zn-Al,Zn-Al-RE alloys in NaCl solu- tions was studied by salt-spray experiments,even corrosion experiments and electrochemical measurements of bi-directional polarization curves and a.c.impedance in weak polarization region consistent regularities were obtained by these different methods,viz.,the corrosion resistance of Zn could be enhanced by alloying it with Al,and particularly with Al-RE.The causes of enhancement of corrosion resistance by RE were also discussed.

STUDY OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE SIMULATION AND PERFORMANCE OF FUSION WELDING HAZ OF ZINC-BASED ALLOY

Base on a vast amount of testing and calculations for the welding thermal cycling curves of different testing points in fusion welding (TIG welding, gas welding) HAZ of zinc-based alloy with low melting points, this paper defines the welding thermal cycle parameters of microstructure stimulation of HAZ by zinc-based alloy fusion welding process. On the principle of which the microstrnct,are and harkness of the testing points in simulation specimens are basically correspondence with that of actual welding HAZ, the microstructure simulation of testing points Tm=370O℃. 305℃) of ZA12 alloy by fusion welding is carried out by the means of omhic-heating welding thermal simulation tester. The study results of the abrasion-resistance of simulation specimens HAZ by fusion welding process indicates that the abmsion-resistance is closely related to the form of eutectoid microstructure in or in the structure.

Perspective of alkaline zinc-based flow batteries

Energy storage technologies have been identified as the key in constructing new electric power systems and achieving carbon neutrality,as they can absorb and smooth the renewables-generated electricity.Alkaline zinc-based flow batteries are well suitable for stationary energy storage applications,since they feature the advantages of high safety,high cell voltage and low cost.Currently,many alkaline zinc-based flow batteries have been proposed and developed,e.g.,the alkaline zinc–iron flow battery and alkaline zinc–nickel flow battery.Their development and application are closely related to advanced materials and battery configurations.In this perspective,we will first provide a brief introduction and discussion of alkaline zinc-based flow batteries.Then we focus on these batteries from the perspective of their current status,challenges and prospects.The bottlenecks for these batteries are briefly analyzed.Combined with the practical requirements and development trends of alkaline zinc-based flow battery technologies,their future development and research direction will be summarized.

Gelation mechanisms of gel polymer electrolytes for zinc-based batteries

Zinc-based batteries(ZBs)have been deemed as a potential substitute for lithium-ion batteries due to its unique advantages of abundant resources,low cost and acceptable energy density.Despite great progress in designing electrode materials has been made,the development of high-performance ZBs still remain challenges,such as the dendrite growth of zinc anode,hydrogen evolution reaction,limited electrochemical stability window,water evaporation and liquid leakage.Gel polymer electrolytes(GPEs),including hydrous GPEs with low content of active water and anhydrous GPEs without the presence of water,are proposed to avoid these problems.Furthermore,employing GPEs is conductive to fabricate flexible devices owing to the good mechanical strength.To date,most of researches focus on discovering new GPEs and exploring its application on flexible or wearable devices.Recent reviews also have outlined the polymer matrixes and advances of GPEs in various battery systems.Given this,herein,we seek to summarize the gelation mechanisms of GPEs,involving physical gel of polymer,chemical crosslinking of polymer and chemical polymerization of monomers.Peculiarly,the preparation methods are also classified.In addition,not only the features and central conundrum of GPEs are analyzed but also the corresponding strategies are discussed,contributing to design GPEs with ideal properties for high-performance ZBs.

Alkaline zinc-based flow battery: chemical stability, morphological evolution, and performance of zinc electrode with ionic liquid

Zinc-based flow battery is an energy storage technology with good application prospects because of its advantages of abundant raw materials,low cost,and environmental friendliness.The chemical stability of zinc electrodes exposed to electrolyte is a very important issue for zinc-based batteries.This paper reports on details of chemical stability of the zinc metal exposed to a series of solutions,as well as the relationship between the morphological evolution of zinc electrodes and their properties in an alkaline medium.Chemical corrosion of zinc electrodes by the electrolyte will change their surface morphology.However,we observed that chemical corrosion is not the main contributor to the evolution of zinc electrode surface morphology,but the main contributor is the Zn/Zn^(2+)electrode process.The morphological evolution of zinc electrodes was controlled by using ionic liquids,1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate(EMIA),and 1-propylsulfonic-3-methylimidazolium tosylate(PSMIT),and the electrode performance was recorded during the morphological evolution process.It was observed that the reversible change of zinc electrode morphology was accompanied by better electrode performance.

Serum zinc levels and multiple health outcomes: Implications for zinc-based biomaterials

Background:Zinc-based biomaterials,including biodegradable metal,nanoparticles,and coatings used in medical implants release zinc ions that may increase the whole-body and serum zinc concentrations.The impact of serum zinc concentrations on major health outcomes can provide insights for device design and clinical transformation of zinc-based biomaterials.Methods:This nationally representative cross-sectional study enrolled participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES,2011-2014)including 3607 participants.Using unadjusted and multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses,two-piecewise linear regression model with a smoothing function and threshold level analysis,we evaluated the associations between elevated serum zinc levels and major health outcomes.Results:Elevated serum zinc levels were significantly associated with an increase in total spine and total femur bone mineral density(BMD).Every 10μg/dL increase was associated with a 1.12-fold increase in diabetes mellitus(DM)and 1.23-fold and 1.29-fold increase in cardiovascular diseases(CVD)and coronary heart disease(CHD),in participants with serum zinc levels≥100μg/dL.It had no significant linear or nonlinear associations with risk of fractures,congestive heart failure,heart attack,thyroid disease,arthritis,osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis,dyslipidemia and cancer.Conclusion:Serum zinc levels are significantly associated with increased BMD in the total spine and total femur,and risk of DM,and CVD/CHD among participants with serum zinc levels≥100μg/dL.

Research on the Marine Antifouling Ability and Mechanism of Acrylate Copolymers and Marine Coatings Based on a Synergistic Effect

Marine biofouling is an urgent global problem in the process of ocean exploitation and utilization.In our work,a series of zinc-based acrylate copolymers(ACZn-x)were designed and synthesized using benzoic acid,zinc oxide(ZnO)and a random quaternion copolymer consisting of ethyl acrylate(EA),butyl acrylate(BA),acrylic acid(AA)and methacrylic acid(MAA)by free radical polymerization and dehydration condensation.The ACZn-x with a zinc benzoate side chain is able to hydrolyze in natural seawater under static conditions,resulting in the formation of a smooth surface.We investigated and confirmed the antifouling(AF)behavior of ACZn-x in the laboratory and revealed that they have better antibacterial(86%for S.aureus and 72%for E.coli)and anti-algal(≥60.1%for N.closterium and≥67.5%for P.subcordiformis)activities.We also assessed the marine AF properties of ACZn-x and corresponding coatings in Qingdao,China;the ACZn-x exhibited ideal AF properties with little silt and biological mucosa adhered to the ACZn-x surface after 6 months,and corresponding coatings exhibited little biofouling after 16 months in the ocean.Importantly,possible AF mechanisms were further proposed at the cellular level.These results could be helpful for the development and application of effective AF coatings.

Surface‑Alloyed Nanoporous Zinc as Reversible and Stable Anodes for High‑Performance Aqueous Zinc‑Ion Battery

Metallic zinc(Zn)is one of the most attractive multivalent-metal anode materials in post-lithium batteries because of its high abundance,low cost and high theoretical capacity.However,it usually suffers from large voltage polarization,low Coulombic efficiency and high propensity for dendritic failure during Zn stripping/plating,hindering the practical application in aqueous rechargeable zinc-metal batteries(AR-ZMBs).Here we demonstrate that anionic surfactant-assisted in situ surface alloying of Cu and Zn remarkably improves Zn reversibility of 3D nanoporous Zn electrodes for potential use as high-performance AR-ZMB anode materials.As a result of the zincophilic ZnxCuy alloy shell guiding uniform Zn deposition with a zero nucleation overpotential and facilitating Zn stripping via the ZnxCuy/Zn galvanic couples,the self-supported nanoporous ZnxCuy/Zn electrodes exhibit superior dendrite-free Zn stripping/plating behaviors in ambient aqueous electrolyte,with ultralow polarizations under current densities up to 50 mA cm^(‒2),exceptional stability for 1900 h and high Zn utilization.This enables AR-ZMB full cells constructed with nanoporous ZnxCuy/Zn anode and K_(z)MnO_(2)cathode to achieve specific energy of as high as~430 Wh kg^(‒1)with~99.8%Coulombic efficiency,and retain~86%after long-term cycles for>700 h.

CREEP CHARACTERISTICS OF HIGH SILICON ZA27 ALLOY PREPARED BY SPRAY DEPOSITION

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FRICTION－WEAR PROPERTY OF HIGH SILICON ZA27 ALLOY PREPARED BY SPRAY DEPOSITION

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CREEP PROPERTIES OF HIGH SILICON ALLOY ZA27 PREPARED BY SPRAY DEPOSITION

The elevated temperature creep properties(90-150℃) of high silicon(～6wt%Si) alloy ZA27 prepared by spray deposition have been investigated by means of ball hardness testing method.The results indicate that the creep properties of the material prepared by spray deposition are notably improved,compared to that of the conventional casting alloy ZA27.The creep activation energy of the spray deposited alloy ZA27 is 3.9-5.7 kJ/mol higher than that of the conventional casting alloy ZA27.The creep formulation in this experiment is also derived as follows:HB-2-HB0-2=K exp(- Q/3RT)(t1/3-t01/3)The reasons for the improvement of creep resistance are also discussed from a microstructural point of view.

A detailed mechanism of degradation behaviour of biodegradable as-ECAPed Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr with emphasis on localized corrosion attack

In this study, advanced techniques such as atom probe tomography, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to determine the corrosion mechanism of the as-ECAPed Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr alloy. The influence of microstructural and surface features on the corrosion mechanism was investigated. Despite its significance, the surface composition before exposure is often neglected by the scientific community. The analyses revealed the formation of thin ZnO, MgO, and MgCO3 layers on the surface of the material before exposure. These layers participated in the formation of corrosion products, leading to the predominant occurrence of hydrozincite. In addition, the layers possessed different resistance to the environment, resulting in localized corrosion attacks. The segregation of Mg on the Zn grain boundaries with lower potential compared with the Zn-matrix was revealed by atom probe tomography and atomic force microscopy. The degradation process was initiated by the activity of micro-galvanic cells, specifically Zn - Mg2Zn11/SrZn13. This process led to the activity of the crevice corrosion mechanism and subsequent attack to a depth of 250 μm. The corrosion rate of the alloy determined by the weight loss method was 0.36 mm⋅a 1. Based on this detailed study, the degradation mechanism of the Zn-0.8Mg-0.2Sr alloy is proposed.

Recent advances in zinc-ion hybrid energy storage: Coloring high-power capacitors with battery-level energy

Zinc-ion hybrid capacitors(ZICs) are considered as newly-emerging and competitive candidates for energy storage devices due to the integration of characteristic capacitor-level power and complementary battery-level energy. The practical application of rising ZICs still faces the specific capacity and dynamics mismatch between the two electrodes with different energy storage mechanisms, which cannot meet the ever-growing indicator demand for portable electronic displays and public traffic facilities. Focusing on these unresolved issues, this mini-review presents recent advances in ZICs referring to the hybrid energy storage mechanism, design strategies of both capacitor-type and battery-type electrode materials, and electrolyte research toward advanced performances(e.g., high operational potential, wide adaptive temperature). Finally, current challenges and future outlook have been proposed to guide further exploration of next-generation ZICs with a combination of high-power delivery, high-energy output and high-quality service durability.

Recent research and progress of biodegradable zinc alloys and composites for biomedical applications: Biomechanical and biocorrosion perspectives

Biodegradable metals(BMs)gradually degrade in vivo by releasing corrosion products once exposed to the physiological environment in the body.Complete dissolution of biodegradable implants assists tissue healing,with no implant residues in the surrounding tissues.In recent years,three classes of BMs have been extensively investigated,including magnesium(Mg)-based,iron(Fe)-based,and zinc(Zn)-based BMs.Among these three BMs,Mg-based materials have undergone the most clinical trials.However,Mg-based BMs generally exhibit faster degradation rates,which may not match the healing periods for bone tissue,whereas Fe-based BMs exhibit slower and less complete in vivo degradation.Zn-based BMs are now considered a new class of BMs due to their intermediate degradation rates,which fall between those of Mg-based BMs and Fe-based BMs,thus requiring extensive research to validate their suitability for biomedical applications.In the present study,recent research and development on Zn-based BMs are reviewed in conjunction with discussion of their advantages and limitations in relation to existing BMs.The underlying roles of alloy composition,microstructure,and processing technique on the mechanical and corrosion properties of Zn-based BMs are also discussed.

反其道而行之:利用尖端效应构筑3D耦合电极实现锌基液流电池超高面容量与长循环寿命(英文)

水系锌基电池在商业化储能设备中的应用潜力巨大,但锌负极在高面容量下较差的循环稳定性限制了其进一步发展.该文提出了一种用于水系锌基电池的平顶金字塔形耦合电极结构.得益于其微观及宏观的3D结构,该电极能够有效增加锌沉积位点,调整锌沉积形貌,优化电池中电场和电解液流场分布,还可以为锌提供必要的沉积空间.此外,通过利用"尖端效应",这种正负极耦合交错使用的电极结构可以将锌枝晶的位置精确地控制在金字塔尖端,有效降低了电池短路的风险.使用这种电极组装的锌碘液流电池可在40 mA cm-2的高电流密度下实现240 m Ah cm-2的超高面容量,并能以160 m Ah cm-2的高面容量稳定循环300次以上.该电极结构设计为解决锌负极高面容量的问题提供了一个有效对策,对高能量密度、长寿命水系锌基电池的发展起到推动作用.

The Trade‑Offs in the Design of Reversible Zinc Anodes for Secondary Alkaline Batteries

Zinc-based batteries have long occupied the largest share of the primary battery market,but this advantage has not continued in the secondary battery market.This is mainly because the cycling performance of secondary zinc-based batteries is significantly limited by the poor reversibility of zinc electrodes,including the formation of zinc dendrites,electrode deformation,corrosion,and hydrogen evolution.To solve the above problems,researchers have developed many novel strategies,such as surface coating,use of electrode additives,use of electrolyte additives,and electrode structure design.However,the implementation of these strategies inevitably requires consideration of trade-offs because the core factors that limit the reversibility of zinc electrodes are not isolated but intertwined.Therefore,fully understanding the trade-offs in the zinc electrode design process is necessary to fundamentally improve the cycling performance of the zinc electrode and construct a practical secondary zinc-based battery.This perspective gives an introduction to various problems that limit the cycling of zinc electrodes and discusses the theoretical causes of these problems.The trade-offs in various typical strategies are systematically analyzed,and their positive and negative effects on performance are discussed.This work aims to provide insights for the development of highly reversible zinc anodes for practical secondary zinc-based batteries.