Collaborative Research: Interfacial Structural Dynamics in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries with Non-Newtonian Quasi-Solid-State Electrolytes

Reliable, safe, and affordable energy storage is essential for maintaining a resilient electric grid and supporting economic growth. Many rechargeable batteries fail due to the formation of needle-like metal structures called dendrites. Dendrite formation reduces storage capacity and shortens battery life. Aqueous zinc-based batteries use abundant materials, have low safety risks, and offer cost advantages. However, uncontrolled zinc metal growth on the battery electrode limits their practical use. This project will study a new class of electrolytes. They combine liquid-like ion transport with solid-like mechanical strength to resist dendrite formation. The project will identify processes that control metal deposition and long-term performance. The results will support the development of safer, long-lasting, reliable energy storage systems. The results will also benefit manufacturing of high performance energy technologies. The goal of this project is to understand and control zinc dendrite formation by linking electrolyte mechanical properties to interfacial metal growth dynamics. The project will design quasi-solid electrolytes containing swelling clay particles and tune their physical and chemical properties to regulate zinc ion transport and deposition behavior. Specialized in-situ battery cells will be developed to enable three-dimensional X-ray imaging of zinc nucleation, growth, and degradation during battery operation. This non-destructive approach allows direct visualization of early-stage metal growth under realistic conditions. Because dendrite formation is localized and sporadic, machine learning methods will be applied to analyze large image datasets, enabling automated detection of nucleation events, identification of growth patterns, and recognition of failure indicators. By integrating electrolyte design, operando imaging, and data-driven analysis, the project will establish fundamental design principles for suppressing dendrite growth and improving the stability and lifetime of zinc metal batteries. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.