[4A6] Ultrasonic dendrite monitoring and suppression in aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Y Zhang and F Cegla
Imperial College London, UK
Dendrite formation in batteries has a significant impact on their cycling life and can lead to malfunctions, such as internal short-circuiting and thermal runaway events. Current methods for observing dendrite formation are either complex or unsuitable for long-term, in-operando monitoring. This study introduces a novel approach using shear-horizontal mode (SH0) guided ultrasonic waves to monitor the electrode status in a zinc-ion battery. The method demonstrates changes in wave velocity and attenuation during cycling, which are associated with zinc stripping/plating and the formation of 'dead' dendrites. Furthermore, the research also explores the application of acoustic streaming to enhance battery charging. An ultrasonic device is employed to stimulate electrolyte flow within the battery cell, suppressing dendrite formation through improved ion exchange at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Experimental studies reveal a 98% reduction in dendrite formation at a charging rate 15 times higher than the diffusion-limited rate, along with a 29% reduction in steady-state potential. These findings highlight the potential of ultrasonic techniques as a promising tool for both condition monitoring and active control of electrochemical processes in batteries.
