posted on 2018-12-21, 20:38authored byJesse
S. Ko, Andrew B. Geltmacher, Brandon J. Hopkins, Debra R. Rolison, Jeffrey W. Long, Joseph F. Parker
We previously demonstrated
that a redesign of the form factor for
zinc (Zn) anodes to a monolithic,
porous 3D-wired sponge sets a new benchmark for rechargeable alkaline
Zn batteries. By engineering the solid volume fraction from the benchmarked
20% (Zn20) to 30% (Zn30), we increase the degree
of metallic connectivity, boost mechanical integrity, and out-power
the first-generation counterpart. Visualizing the internal structure
using X-ray computed microtomography (XCMT) confirms increased interconnectivity
within the denser Zn30. To highlight the energy and
power improvements, we pair the zinc sponges with a silver oxide cathode
in prototype Ag–Zn cells and demonstrate superior performance
with Zn30 anodes: 50% improvement in zinc-normalized volumetric
capacity (up to 1.6 Ah LZn–1) and supercapacitor-like
specific power (up to ∼6 kW kgZn–1), all while maintaining rechargeability.