Zinc-Bromine Rechargeable Batteries: From Device Configuration, Electrochemistry, Material to Performance Evaluation

Zinc-bromine rechargeable batteries (ZBRBs) are one of the most powerful candidates for next-generation energy storage due to their potentially lower material cost, deep discharge capability, non-flammable electrolytes, relatively long lifetime and good reversibility. However, many opportunities remain to improve the efficiency and stability of these batteries for long-life operation. Here, we discuss the device configurations, working mechanisms and performance evaluation of ZBRBs. Both non-flow (static) and flow-type cells are highlighted in detail in this review. The fundamental electrochemical aspects, including the key challenges and promising solutions, are discussed, with particular attention paid to zinc and bromine half-cells, as their performance plays a critical role in determining the electrochemical performance of the battery system. The following sections examine the key performance metrics of ZBRBs and assessment methods using various ex situ and in situ/operando techniques. The review concludes with insights into future developments and prospects for high-performance ZBRBs.

Factors Affecting MoO4(2-) Inhibitor Release from Zn2Al Based Layered Double Hydroxide and Their Implication in Protecting Hot Dip Galvanized Steel by Means of Organic Coatings

Zn2Al/-layered double hydroxide (LDH) with intercalated MoO4(2-) was investigated as a potential source of soluble molybdate inhibitor in anticorrosion coatings for hot dip galvanized steel (HDG). The effect of solution pH, soluble chlorides, and carbonates on the release kinetics of the interleaved MoO4(2-) ions from the LDH powder immersed in solutions containing different anions was studied by X-ray diffraction, in situ attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The effect of the solution composition on the total release and the release kinetics was demonstrated. Less than 30% of the total amount of the intercalated MoO4(2-) was released after 24 h of the immersion in neutral 0.005-0.5 M NaCl and 0.1 M NaNO3 solutions whereas the complete release of MoO4(2-) was observed after 1 h in 0.1 M NaHCO3 or Na2SO4 and in alkaline solutions. The in situ ATR-IR experiments and quantification of the released soluble species by ICP-AES demonstrated the release by an anion exchange in neutral solutions and by the dissolution of Zn2Al/-LDH in alkaline solutions. The anion exchange kinetics with monovalent anions was described by the reaction order n = 0.35 ± 0.05 suggesting the diffusion control; for divalent anions, n = 0.70 ± 0.06 suggested the control by a surface reaction. Dissolution of Zn from coated HDG with and without Zn2Al/-MoO4(2-) fillers, leaching of MoO4(2-) from the coating, and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy response of the coated systems were measured during the immersion in 0.5 M NaCl solutions with and without 0.1 M NaHCO3. Without carbonates, the release of soluble MoO4(2-) was delayed for 24 h with no inhibiting effect whereas with 0.1 M NaHCO3 the immediate release was accompanied by the immediate and strong inhibiting effect on Zn dissolution. The concept of controlling the inhibition performance of LDH hybrid coatings by means of the environment composition is discussed.

Effects of organic additives on zinc electrodeposition at iron electrodes studied by EQCM and in situ STM

Effects of organic additives, such as benzoic acid (BA) and poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs), on the initial stage of the zinc electrodeposition have been investigated at iron electrodes using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements and in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy in an acidic zinc chloride solution in efforts to gain a molecular-level understanding of their roles. BA is adsorbed strongly at the sites of more negative potentials on the electrode, although it is randomly adsorbed on the iron surface at around an open circuit potential. Its role seems to control the deposition rate at the dendritic sites by blocking the active surface via adsorption. On the contrary, PEGs are adsorbed more or less evenly with a well-ordered structure on the iron surface and appear to desorb in the underpotential deposition region of zinc ions, which helps inhibit proton reduction by effectively blocking the electrode surface.