Motional Resistance as Highly Selective Descriptor to Probe Dynamic Formation of Surface Films on Zinc Anode

Abstract

Zinc anodes are expected as a promising alternative to lithium‐based anodes in energy storage systems due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and environmental friendliness. However, the development of efficient and stable zinc anode requires a fundamental understanding of the interfacial processes occurring during zinc deposition and dissolution cycling. In this study, we employed electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) analysis to investigate the potential‐dependent formation and decomposition of surface films on zinc metal anodes in sulfate‐based aqueous electrolytes. Changes in frequency and motional resistance served as complementary descriptors, with motional resistance being a highly selective indicator for probing dynamic surface film formation driven by side reactions at the zinc anode. While the frequency change provided the overall changes in the mass of both zinc metal and surface films, changes in the motional resistance selectively reflected the amount and nature of the visco‐elastic interface that comprise the surface films. The two descriptors provide quantitative and complementary means to discover the complex interfacial processes such as the formation of surface visco‐elastic films, guiding to the development of more stable and efficient zinc‐based electrochemical systems.