Metallic zinc (Zn) has been considered one of the most promising anode materials for next-generation aqueous Zn batteries due to its low redox potential and high storage capacity. However, excessive dendrite formation in Zn metal, corrosion, the evolution of hydrogen gas during the cycling process, and the poor Zn-ions (Zn2+) transport from the electrolyte to the electrode limits its practical application. One of the most effective strategies to suppress Zn dendrite growth and promote Zn2+ transport is to introduce suitable protective layers between the Zn metal electrode and the electrolyte. Herein, we mathematically simulated the dynamic interactions between the Zn deposition on the anode and the resulting displacement of a protective layer that covers the anode, the latter of which can simultaneously inhibit Zn dendrite growth and enhance the Zn2+ transport through the interface between Zn anode and the protective layer. Our simulation results indicate that a protective layer of high Zn2+ diffusivity not only improves the deposition rate of the Zn metal but also prevents the dendrite growth by homogenizing the Zn2+ concentration at the anode surface. In addition, it is revealed that the anisotropic Zn2+ diffusivity in the protective layer influences the 2D diffusion of Zn2+. Higher Zn2+ diffusivity perpendicular to the Zn metal surface inhibits the dendrite growth, while higher diffusivity parallel to the Zn metal surface promotes dendrite growth. Our work thus provides a fundamental understanding and a design principle of controlling anisotropic Zn2+ diffusion in the protective layer for better suppression of dendrite growth in Zn metal batteries.
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Development of a Facile Technique to Detect Zinc in Solutions
This study presents a novel and facile technique for the rapid and sensitive detection of zinc (Zn) in foods and drinking water. The need for a reliable method to monitor Zn levels in consumables is crucial due to its significance in both nutritional assessment and environmental safety. The proposed technique integrates state-of-the-art sensing technology with an easy-to-implement approach, aiming to provide an efficient solution for Zn detection. The methodology involves the utilization of complexation of Zn2+ ion with resorcinol and use of UV-vis spectrophotometry, which demonstrates high sensitivity towards Zn2+ ions. It detected zinc up to 10-5M solution.
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- PAR ID:
- 10649595
- Publisher / Repository:
- Scientific Research Publishing
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
- Volume:
- 13
- Issue:
- 07
- ISSN:
- 2327-6045
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 11 to 18
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- UV-vis Spectrophotometer, Dilution, Calibration Curve, Molar Absorptivity
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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