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Dissertation Defence: Towards Practical Zinc Metal Batteries: A Study of Enhancing the Anodic Interface

March 24 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Zhenrui Wu, supervised by Dr. Jian Liu, will defend their dissertation titled “Towards Practical Zinc Metal Batteries: A Study of Enhancing the Anodic Interface” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering.

An abstract for Zhenrui Wu’s dissertation is included below.

Examinations are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in-person exams.


ABSTRACT

To combat climate change and the energy crisis, we are urged to turn to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and ocean power. However, these sources are intermittent, with solar panels being ineffective at night and wind power inconsistent in most regions. Thus, we need to develop a reliable chemistry of energy storage to achieve a resilient energy supply from green, renewable resources. The chemistry of aqueous zinc-metal batteries (AZMB) has gained attention in the realm of energy storage due to their capability of realizing decent energy density from zinc metal (Zn) based on a non-flammable, cost-effective aqueous electrolyte chemistry. Nevertheless, the practicality of using AZMB in large-scale energy storage scenarios is questionable due to the inadequate reversibility of Zn stripping and plating and a “congenital defect” of multiple parasitic reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on Zn. There is a pressing demand for a highly reversible, HER-free chemistry of the anodic interface. In response to this, this Ph.D. study focuses on investigating practical approaches to establish interfacial stability through the strategic implementation of a modified electrolyte or a modified Zn surface, which are key innovations in our methodology. By combining a dry-film technique in electrode preparation, we demonstrate Ah-level pouch cells from the improved AZMB chemistry and augment its potential for commercialization.

Details

Date:
March 24
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Venue

Engineering, Management, and Education Building (EME)
1137 Alumni Ave
Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7 Canada
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Additional Info

Room Number
EME 4218
Registration/RSVP Required
No
Event Type
Thesis Defence
Topic
Research and Innovation, Science, Technology and Engineering
Audiences
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Families, Partners and Industry, Students, Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Associates