Magnetic field improving interfacial behavior of the two-electrode system

Zinc-air batteries will be a promising candidate for energy storage because of their high energy density, low cost and good safety. However, dendrite growth of zinc deposits at large current densities leads to short circuit of rechargeable zinc-air battery, shortening the battery lifetime. Here we show that the compacted and granular-like morphology of electrodeposited zinc can be obtained at the high current density by means of magnetic field induced oxygen bubbles movement. The results demonstrate that electrolyte hydrodynamics can be reinforced by directional rotation movement of oxygen bubbles in the magnetic field, lowering the energy threshold for charging, inhibiting dendrite growth of electrodeposited zinc and extending cycle life of zinc-air battery. These findings can be applicable to metal electrodeposition and metal-air batteries.