Unlocking the mysteries of interfacial processes in zinc-ion batteries through multiscale advanced characterization techniques

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Yue Li - , East China Normal University (Author)
  • Yajuan Zhang - , Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Author)
  • Hongyang Zhao - , East China Normal University (Author)
  • Junfeng Li - , Shanghai Maritime University (Author)
  • Hao Xu - , Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Chair of Molecular Functional Materials (cfaed) (Author)
  • Peng Sun - , Jinan University (Author)
  • Guangsheng Xu - , East China Normal University (Author)
  • Jinliang Li - , Jinan University (Author)
  • Likun Pan - , East China Normal University (Author)

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted significant interest as safe, low-cost, and environmentally friendly energy storage systems. However, their performance and stability are limited by complex interfacial phenomena such as zinc dendrite growth, parasitic side reactions, and the evolution of the solid electrolyte interphase. These processes are inherently dynamic and span multiple spatial and temporal scales, posing challenges to traditional ex situ characterization techniques. To address this, advanced in situ and operando techniques have been developed, broadly categorized into imaging, spectroscopic, synchrotron scattering/diffraction, and coupled mass spectrometry approaches. These methods enable real-time visualization and chemical analysis of the electrode/electrolyte interface, providing insights into nucleation and dissolution dynamics, interfacial chemical transformations, and the mechanisms driving dendrite formation and parasitic reactions. Through the integration of these complementary techniques, structural evolution can be correlated with electrochemical behavior, elucidating the underlying physicochemical mechanisms. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in in situ and operando characterization methods and highlights their contributions to understanding interfacial stability in aqueous ZIBs. Future directions emphasizing multi-modal strategies and data integration to guide the rational design of high-performance ZIBs are discussed. These insights are expected to accelerate the development of next-generation aqueous energy storage systems.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number94908045
Number of pages17
JournalNano research
Volume19
Issue number1
Early online date22 Dec 2025
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Mendeley 7ec04265-806d-3319-afcb-c50e6cd2b55b

Keywords

Keywords

  • dendrite growth, in situ characterization, interface dynamics, solid electrolyte interphase, zinc-ion batteries