Review advances of electrospinning technology for zinc-based batteries: mechanisms, performances, and perspectives

Abstract

Zinc-based batteries (ZBBs) have garnered significant attention in the field of energy storage and conversion owing to their exceptional advantages, including high energy density, intrinsic environmental benignity, low material cost, as well as enhanced safety characteristics. Nevertheless, several critical challenges persist, predominantly the propensity for dendrite growth, inherent kinetic limitations, deleterious electrode side reactions, and perplexing shuttle effects, which collectively impede the practical implementation and commercial viability of ZBBs. In this context, fibers fabricated via electrospinning technology exhibit remarkable advantages in terms of enhanced specific surface area, improved electrical conductivity, and superior mechanical integrity, while also affording optimized pore structures. These unique features render electrospinning fibers particularly promising for addressing the key issues that limit ZBBs performance, including energy density, charge/discharge rate capabilities, and cycling stability. So, it is very necessary to summarize electrospinning technology application in ZBBs. This paper firstly analyzes the fundamental mechanisms and inherent challenges of ZBBs including zinc-ion, zinc-air, and zinc-halide batteries. Subsequently, the application of electrospinning fiber structures in anodes, cathodes, separators, and electrolytes optimization for ZBBs is summarized. Finally, the prospect of electrospinning technology in ZBBs is envisioned, and existing challenges are presented for its further application.

Graphical abstract