SEPARATOR DESIGN FOR STABLE ZINC ANODE IN AQUEOUS ZINC-ION BATTERIES

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) receive much attention in recent years as a promising candidate for rechargeable battery systems. The low toxicity and nonflammability in air make ZIBs a much safer and greener alternative to the current lithium-ion batteries. However, zinc metal anodes used in ZIBs face the problems of dendrite growth and side reactions which are detrimental to the cyclic stability of ZIBs. As an essential component of a battery, separator plays a vital role in regulating zinc stripping/plating behaviour and maintaining the battery performance. Separator modifications have been reported to effectively improve the stability of zinc metal anode. In this thesis, various separator design strategies have been investigated, including coating of functional materials, developing a non-fibrous separator and utilizing polymer hydrogel to serve as the combination of electrolyte and separator.