Elucidating mechanisms of oxide growth and surface passivation on zinc thin film electrodes in alkaline solutions using the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance
[2];
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Chemical Sciences Division; Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States). Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Education
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Chemical Sciences Division
- Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Chemical Sciences Division; Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States). Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Education; Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States). Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Dept.
For this study, we utilized electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance to understand electrochemical passivation of the zinc electrode in alkaline media and subsequent oxide growth and stripping. The formation of native zinc oxide on a near pristine Zn surface upon contact with 1 M KOH electrolyte was observed. The surface was seen to roughen with time. During Zn dissolution, the measured mass-charge ratio corresponded to the removal of ZnO and not merely Zn. The mechanism of passivation was determined to be caused by electrochemical etching to form pores. The etching leads to a build-up of solid ZnO and Zn(OH)2 due to electrochemical reactions on the surfaces of the pores. These reactions functionally close the pores off from the bulk. The cycle of Zn deposition and dissolution develops a porous network, which may be the origin of mossy Zn deposits that plague reversible Zn metal batteries.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 1569386
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Power Sources, Journal Name: Journal of Power Sources Journal Issue: C Vol. 438; ISSN 0378-7753
- Publisher:
- ElsevierCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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