Long-range ordering effect in electrodeposition of zinc and zinc oxide

Controlling electrochemical growth of metallic zinc electrodes: Toward affordable rechargeable energy storage systems

Scalable approaches for precisely manipulating the growth of crystals are of broad-based science and technological interest. New research interests have reemerged in a subgroup of these phenomena-electrochemical growth of metals in battery anodes. In this Review, the geometry of the building blocks and their mode of assembly are defined as key descriptors to categorize deposition morphologies. To control Zn electrodeposit morphology, we consider fundamental electrokinetic principles and the associated critical issues. It is found that the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed on Zn has a similarly strong influence as for alkali metals at low current regimes, characterized by a moss-like morphology. Another key conclusion is that the unique crystal structure of Zn, featuring high anisotropy facets resulting from the hexagonal close-packed lattice with a c/a ratio of 1.85, imposes predominant influences on its growth. In our view, precisely regulating the SEI and the crystallographic features of the Zn offers exciting opportunities that will drive transformative progress.

PbTe/Pb quasi-one-dimensional nanostructure material: controllable array synthesis and side branch formation by electrochemical deposition

A periodic PbTe/Pb nanostructure material with quasi-one dimension has been electrodeposited onto a SiO(2)/Si substrate by fabricating an ultra-thin electrolyte layer. The emergence of side branches at the edge of the nanowire array results from the non-uniform electric field distribution and the polycrystalline structure of the nanowires. The measurement of the electrical characteristics indicates that the crystal boundaries and defects in the nanowire could influence the change of resistance in the branch parts. This research should facilitate the acquisition of high-quality nanowire arrays by electrodeposition.