Thioacetamide Additive Homogenizing Zn Deposition Revealed by In Situ Digital Holography for Advanced Zn Ion Batteries

Zinc ion batteries are considered as potential energy storage devices due to their advantages of low-cost, high-safety, and high theoretical capacity. However, dendrite growth and chemical corrosion occurring on Zn anode limit their commercialization. These problems can be tackled through the optimization of the electrolyte. However, the screening of electrolyte additives using normal electrochemical methods is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Herein, a fast and simple method based on the digital holography is developed. It can realize the in situ monitoring of electrode/electrolyte interface and provide direct information concerning ion concentration evolution of the diffusion layer. It is effective and time-saving in estimating the homogeneity of the deposition layer and predicting the tendency of dendrite growth, thus able to value the applicability of electrolyte additives. The feasibility of this method is further validated by the forecast and evaluation of thioacetamide additive. Based on systematic characterization, it is proved that the introduction of thioacetamide can not only regulate the interficial ion flux to induce dendrite-free Zn deposition, but also construct adsorption molecule layers to inhibit side reactions of Zn anode. Being easy to operate, capable of in situ observation, and able to endure harsh conditions, digital holography method will be a promising approach for the interfacial investigation of other battery systems.