Lead ion and tetrabutylammonium bromide as inhibitors of the growth of spongy zinc in single flow zinc/nickel batteries

Lead ion and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) have been testified as inhibitors of spongy zinc electro-growth from flowing alkaline zincate solutions. To assess the efficacy of the two additives, current–time technique using potentiostatic electro-deposition, scanning electron microscopy and cycling test were undertaken. The results show that the growth of spongy zinc in flowing alkaline zincate solutions can be effectively inhibited by the addition of 10−4 M Pb(II) or TBAB at the cathodic potential (η = −100 mV), respectively. But, the dual addition of 10−4 M Pb(II) and 5 × 10−5 M TBAB produces more effective suppression on spongy zinc growth. Obvious synergistic effect of Pb(II) and TBAB on the inhibition of spongy zinc deposits is found. From the charge/discharge cycling tests of the single flow Zn–Ni test cells, it is shown that the rechargeability of Zn anode is highly improved by the mixed introduction of 10−4 M Pb(II) and 5 × 10−5 M TBAB.

► Usually, the additives to inhibit the dendrite growth of zinc are used in stationary electrolytes. In this work, the lead ions and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) with favorable chemical stability were employed as electrolyte additives of the single flow Zn–nickel battery.
► The influence of the two additives on the spongy growth of zinc electrode was studied in flowing electrolytes, and in particular, their synergistic effect on the spongy inhibition of zinc electrode was firstly demonstrated in flowing electrolytes.
► The use of electrolyte additives is combined with the charge–discharge performance of zinc-based secondary batteries.
► The stability of additives to prolonged charge–discharge cycling of single flow Zn–nickel cells was evaluated.