Dynamics of metal anode morphology: insights into aqueous Zn and Sn metal batteries at different current densities

Abstract

Aqueous batteries, renowned for their cost-effectiveness and non-flammability, have attracted considerable attention in the realm of batteries featuring Zn-based and Sn-based configurations. These configurations employ Zn and Sn metal anodes, respectively. While the growth patterns of Zn under various current densities have been extensively studied, there has been a scarcity of research on Sn dendrite growth. Our operando imaging analysis reveals that, unlike Zn, Sn forms sharp dendrites at high current density emphasizing the crucial necessity for implementing strategies to suppress the dendrites formation. To address this issue, we introduced a carbon nanotube (CNT) layer on copper foil, effectively preventing the formation of Sn dendrites under high current density, thus enabling the high-current operation of Sn metal batteries. We believe that our work highlights the importance of suppressing dendrite formation in aqueous Sn metal batteries operating at high current density and introduces a fresh perspective on mitigating Sn dendrite formation.