Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Applied Physicsen_US
dc.contributor.advisorZhang, Biao (AP)en_US
dc.contributor.advisorHuang, Haitao (AP)en_US
dc.creatorHou, Zhen-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/12033-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleBoosting zinc metal anodes performance via interface engineering : reaction kinetics, morphology control and electrochemical reversibilityen_US
dcterms.abstractAqueous Zn metal batteries with economic, nontoxic, and intrinsically nonflammable superiority are regarded as the reliable energy storage candidates to complement the conventional Li-ion batteries. A variety of cathode materials have been developed with decent electrochemical performance. Turning to the anode side, despite a high volumetric capacity of 5851 mAh/cm3 for Zn metal, their commercial application is highly plagued by the poor reversibility primarily related to the dendrite growth. This thesis aims to achieve reversible Zn metal anodes through interface engineering.en_US
dcterms.abstractFirst, we examine the potential effect of desolvation kinetics on Zn deposition/stripping behavior. Acetonitrile (AN) co-solvent with a strong solvation ability is introduced into the electrolytes. The enhanced intermolecular interactions between Zn2+ and the mixed H2O/AN solvents lead to the supersaturating of adatoms on the electrode. Consequently, homogeneous nucleation and smooth growth of Zn are enabled for achieving a high average Coulombic efficiency of ~99.64%. Similarly, an oligomer poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether is developed as a competitive solvent to further regulate the electrode/electrolyte interface for homogenous Zn nucleation. It can shift the water-occupied interface into oligomer one through preferential Zn surface adsorption, enabling increased nucleation sites and dendrite-free Zn morphologies. Furthermore, it also weakens the water/water and water/Zn2+ interaction through rich ether groups and strong solvation ability, alleviating the parasitic reactions. Thanks to these synergistic features, the Zn deposition/stripping lifetime is over tenfold increased at both low and high temperatures.en_US
dcterms.abstractAlong with electrolyte optimization, a simple electrochemical method, pulsed cycling protocol, is proposed to control Zn nucleation. Specifically, we demonstrate the dual and contradictory roles of current density (J) in kinetics and thermodynamics using Zn metal anode as a model system. The well-known former renders decreased Sand's time (τ) and deteriorative cycling stability, while the commonly overlooked latter provides larger extra energy that accelerates nucleation rate (νn). Based on the discoveries, an initial high J (IHJ) cycling protocol is proposed to form sufficient nuclei at a high J for guiding subsequent metal deposition at the lower J, achieving high-performance Zn, Li, and K metal batteries.en_US
dcterms.abstractBesides the Zn nucleation optimization, we also regulate the subsequent Zn growth process by constructing a metallic tin-coated separator. Its conductivity helps homogenize Zn2+ flux and delays the initiation of Zn dendrites, while its zincophilicity enables face-to-face Zn growth and eliminates the inevitably formed Zn dendrites. Accordingly, a dramatically improved cycle life of 1000 h (5 mA/cm2, 5 mAh/cm2) is realized on Zn/Zn symmetric cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the approach could be readily extended to Na/K metal anodes.en_US
dcterms.extentxxii, 155 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2022en_US
dc.description.awardPolyU PhD Thesis Award - Merit Award (2023)-
dcterms.educationalLevelPh.D.en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.LCSHZinc ion batteriesen_US
dcterms.LCSHElectric batteries -- Materialsen_US
dcterms.LCSHStorage batteries -- Materialsen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsopen accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
6497.pdfFor All Users10.35 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/12033