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dc.contributorDepartment of Applied Physicsen_US
dc.contributor.advisorZhang, Biao (AP)en_US
dc.creatorLiu, Qun-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13019-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleDesigning polymer-derived interfaces for advanced zinc metal anodesen_US
dcterms.abstractZn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gathered increasing interest due to their intrinsic safety, affordability and environmental benignity. Nevertheless, spontaneous corrosion and uncontrolled dendrites accumulation would rapidly degrade Zn metal anode. Remarkably, polymers with inherent properties of low density, high processability, structural flexibility and superior stability, demonstrate great potential in tackling these challenges. In this thesis, various polymer-derived strategies were exploited to optimize the interface of Zn metal anode for improved performance.en_US
dcterms.abstractFirstly, we adopt Zn powder as the raw material and mixed it with conductive carbon, thickening agent (poly(ethylene glycol, PEG) and Zn salt to prepare a semi-liquid electrode with rheological properties. The electrode demonstrates a stress-release mechanism that can address the dendrite growth on the root. In addition, the dual conductive network in the electrode promotes redox kinetics and facilitates Zn ion flux, achieving uniform deposition inside the electrode. The hydrogen bond interaction between PEG and water reduces the activity of water, achieving anti-corrosion capability. These advantages promote the potential application of Zn powder anode.en_US
dcterms.abstractConsidering the limited mechanical properties of the Zn powder, we turn to Zn foil metal anodes. An elastomer-alginate interface is introduced on the surface of Zn foil as a physical barrier to inhibit the corrosion of Zn metal and adapt to the volume change during Zn plating/stripping. Impressively, the constraining effect of the elastomer and the ionic conductivity of Zn alginate concurrently realize a high-capacity Zn anode under high current rates. Along this direction, we note that the volume change of the Zn metal anode demonstrates a compressive fatigue effect on the electrolyte, especially for polymer electrolytes. We systematically analyze the compressive fatigue-resistance properties of the hydrogel electrolyte, revealing the critical roles of the salts and copolymer matrix on crack initiation and propagation. We reveal that on the premise of homogeneous Zn deposition, an improved anti-fatigue property is essential to achieve high-capacity Zn metal anodes. The optimal Zn(ClO4)2-polyacrylamide/chitosan hydrogel electrolyte (C-PAMCS) exhibits an unprecedented lifespan of 1500 h for Zn//Zn cells at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a high areal capacity of 10 mAh cm-2.en_US
dcterms.abstractFinally, considering the inconsistent requirements of the Zn anode and various cathodes, an asymmetric hydrogel electrolyte (AHE) with varying compositions and chemical structures on each electrolyte-electrode interface is designed, aiming to simultaneously address the distinct issues encountered by cathode and anode. Taking the Zn-I2 battery as an example, the elaborate AHE alleviates the shuttle effect of polyiodide and sluggish I2/I- kinetics associated with I2 cathode, and resolves dendrite growth and the parasitic reaction of Zn anode. The optimized Zn-I2 cell exhibits superior Coulombic efficiency of 99.84 % with minimal capacity degradation at 0.1 A g-1, and an enhanced stability of over 10000 cycles. This work offers inspiration to address multiple challenges through a holistic approach.en_US
dcterms.extentxxiii, 180 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2024en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelPh.D.en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.LCSHZinc ion batteriesen_US
dcterms.LCSHAnodesen_US
dcterms.LCSHElectrodesen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsopen accessen_US

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/13019