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Understanding rate-dependent textured growth in zinc electrodeposition via high-throughput in situ x-ray diffraction

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  • Yifan Ma

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Jakub Pepas

    (Georgia Institute of Technology
    Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Guangxing Zhang

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Zhaonan Liu

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Yang Su

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Jianming Bai

    (Brookhaven National Laboratory)

  • Hui Zhong

    (Brookhaven National Laboratory)

  • Tianyi Li

    (Argonne National Laboratory)

  • Wenqian Xu

    (Argonne National Laboratory)

  • Minju Kang

    (Novelis Inc.)

  • John Carsley

    (Novelis Inc.)

  • Josh Kacher

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

  • Hailong Chen

    (Georgia Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Zn-ion batteries with aqueous electrolytes are promising for large-scale energy storage as they are low-cost, environment-friendly and safe. The commercialization of Zn-ion batteries is hindered by several challenges such as the formation of detrimental Zn dendrites. High current density is previously thought to stimulate the dendritic growth of metals such as Li in electrodeposition. However, our study finds that for metallic Zn negative electrode in Zn-ion batteries, high-current deposition results in a dense and flat Zn layer with a (002) texture, which extends the cycling life. Low-current deposition, on the other hand, leads to a porous and dendritic morphology and a short cycling life. Using a synchrotron-based high-throughput in situ X-ray diffraction method we recently developed, Zn deposition under different conditions is systematically investigated, and a texture formation mechanism is proposed. Based on these findings, we suggest guidelines for designing cycling protocols that enable long-lasting Zn-ion batteries.

Suggested Citation

  • Yifan Ma & Jakub Pepas & Guangxing Zhang & Zhaonan Liu & Yang Su & Jianming Bai & Hui Zhong & Tianyi Li & Wenqian Xu & Minju Kang & John Carsley & Josh Kacher & Hailong Chen, 2025. "Understanding rate-dependent textured growth in zinc electrodeposition via high-throughput in situ x-ray diffraction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61813-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61813-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Qi Zhang & Jingyi Luan & Xiaobing Huang & Qi Wang & Dan Sun & Yougen Tang & Xiaobo Ji & Haiyan Wang, 2020. "Revealing the role of crystal orientation of protective layers for stable zinc anode," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-7, December.
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