Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Synergistic combination of 3D VPCF, nicotinamide, and ZnO additives significantly enhances cycling stability of alkaline zinc-iron flow batteries. • The system achieves 99.9% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 5 mA/cm2, demonstrating exceptional long-term durability. • Nicotinamide suppresses zinc dendrite growth and regulates deposition behavior, while ZnO optimizes nucleation and electrolyte conductivity. • This work provides a novel pathway for developing stable and cost-effective zinc-based energy storage systems for renewable energy integration.
Abstract
This study addresses the enhanced cycling stability of zinc-based flow batteries through a synergistic strategy integrating a vine-derived porous carbon framework (3D VPCF) with nicotinamide (NAM) in alkaline Zn-Fe hybrid liquid-solid flow batteries. By introducing 0.15 mol/L NAM to suppress zinc dendrite growth and regulate deposition behavior, combined with 0.05 mol/L ZnO additives for optimized nucleation and electrolyte conductivity, we achieved enhanced reversibility of zinc deposition/dissolution and interfacial stability. The system exhibits stable charge/discharge plateaus at 5 mA/cm2 (non-normalized to electrode area), demonstrating 99.9 % capacity retention over 1000 cycles. This work provides an innovative pathway for developing stable zinc-based energy storage systems.
1. Introduction
The advancement of secure, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy storage technologies is critical for large-scale utilization of intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Among various energy storage systems, flow batteries have garnered significant attention due to their inherent safety, high power density, and long cycle life. Traditional flow batteries employ metal or non-metal ions as redox couples in the positive/negative electrodes to store and release energy via redox reaction. The state-of-the-art vanadium flow battery (VFB), for instance, has reached commercial demonstration stages, exhibiting remarkable advantages in power density (>200 mW/cm²) and cycle life (>1000 cycles). However, the high cost of VFB due to fluctuating vanadium prices has driven urgent demand for developing low-cost alternatives.
In recent years, zinc-based batteries have attracted extensive research interest owing to their low redox potential (Zn²⁺/Zn, −0.76 V vs. SHE), low cost, and high volumetric capacity (5800 mA·h/cm³). Various zinc-based flow batteries, such as zinc-bromine, zinc-iron, and zinc-iodine systems, have been developed based on different cathode redox pairs. Compared to volatile and corrosive halogen-based cathodes, iron-based cathodes offer superior safety and cost-effectiveness, prompting researchers to explore zinc-iron flow batteries (ZIFBs) using iron, the most abundant and economical metal.
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LI Ning, SHAO Jie, GU Li, CAO Xue-bo, ZHAO Jian-wei (2025). Achieving high cycling stability in alkaline zinc-iron flow batteries through synergy of 3D VPCF/nicotinamide and active ZnO species. Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-025-6096-y
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main innovation of this study?
The study introduces a synergistic strategy combining a vine-derived porous carbon framework (3D VPCF) with nicotinamide (NAM) and ZnO additives to significantly enhance the cycling stability of alkaline zinc-iron flow batteries.
How does nicotinamide improve battery performance?
Nicotinamide suppresses zinc dendrite growth and regulates deposition behavior, leading to more uniform zinc plating and improved reversibility of zinc deposition/dissolution.
What role does ZnO play in the electrolyte?
ZnO additives optimize nucleation and enhance electrolyte conductivity, contributing to stable charge/discharge plateaus and high capacity retention.
What cycling stability was achieved?
The system demonstrated 99.9% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at a current density of 5 mA/cm², indicating excellent long-term durability.
What are the potential applications of this technology?
This technology offers a promising pathway for developing stable and cost-effective zinc-based energy storage systems, particularly for large-scale integration of renewable energy sources.
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