Public Research Seminar by Sustainable Energy and Environment Thrust, Function Hub, HKUST(GZ) - Aqueous Zn batteries: from fundamental study to practical application
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Aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs) have inspired an overwhelming number of literature studies due to their safety, cost effectiveness, and environmental benignity. While utilizing metallic Zn foil as an anode simplifies manufacturing and widens the operating voltage window, challenges such as Zn dendrite growth and side reactions at the Zn/electrolyte interface hinder Coulombic efficiency and electrode lifespan. This report delves into our fundamental understanding of Zn anode issues and presents our strategies to enhance Zn reversibility and stability through surface modification of the Zn anode and optimization of electrolyte components. Unlike the predominant intercalation mechanism for cathodes in aqueous ZIBs, our study explores the conversion mechanism for Zn2+ storage, offering broader cathode options beyond Zn-ion intercalation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this conversion mechanism in a pouch cell, exhibiting excellent cycling stability under challenging conditions such as lean electrolyte, high mass loading (33.3 mg cm-1), and limited Zn depth of discharge (DOD). These findings advance the transition of ZIBs from laboratory research to practical application, contributing to the development of sustainable and reliable energy storage systems.
Junnan Hao received his PhD degree in 2020 from the University of Wollongong, Australia. Now he works as a DECRA (Discovery Early Career Researcher Award) fellow at the University of Adelaide, Australia. As an emerging researcher, he has already demonstrated an exceptional track record, reflected by the publication of >70 refereed papers in peer-reviewed journals, including 15 ESI Highly Cited Papers (top 1%). These include 30 papers as the first author/corresponding author, including: Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. (1), Angew. Chem (4), Adv. Mater. (4), Energy Environ. Sci. (2), etc. His research interests are focused on energy storage and conversion, including aqueous Zn-ion batteries, high-voltage Li-ion batteries, dual ion batteries, and flexible energy storage devices. He was also granted by The Australian Battery Society as ABS Energy Renaissance Innovator, ARC DECRA, and AINSE Early Career Researcher Award (Australian Synchrotron) etc. Furthermore, his research has secured funding from various sources, including Australian Research Council, industry partnal, Australian syncrotron, and the University of Adelaide.
For inquiries, please contact Miss Suggi WU (+86-20-88332966, suggilswu@hkust-gz.edu.cn)