Operando 3D visualization of electrodeposition in zinc metal batteries by X-ray tomography microscopy

Aqueous zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) have great potential for grid energy storage applications. However, the cycle life is closely connected to the reversibility of Zn-metal plating and stripping and it is central to follow these processes in real time to advance the technology. We demonstrate how operando synchrotron X-Ray Tomographic Microscopy (XTM) can be used to visualize zinc deposition in 3D during cell operation. From the 3D renderings reveals different structures of zinc deposits and their evolution during cycling. In addition, we can quantitatively follow the volume of zinc deposits which can be directly correlated to the electrochemical data. The results of this work provide insight into real time processes in the cell and the method is applicable also to other battery chemistries.