Biomass-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots as Multifunctional Electrolyte Additives for Mitigating Hydrogen Evolution and Zinc Corrosion in Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries

Rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs) are attractive energy storage systems owing to their high theoretical energy density, intrinsic safety, and low cost. Yet, their practical deployment is hindered by parasitic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), zinc corrosion, and poor interfacial stability in alkaline electrolytes. Herein, biomass-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) synthesised from lemon peel waste via a hydrothermal route were employed as multifunctional electrolyte additives to regulate the zinc/electrolyte interface and mitigate these challenges. The CQDs exhibited oxygen-rich surface functionalities and quasi-spherical nanoscale morphology, enabling stable dispersion in 6 M KOH. Electrolyte modification with CQDs significantly altered the physicochemical properties of the electrolyte, increasing the zeta potential from −28.2 to +48.5 mV while maintaining high ionic conductivity. Electrochemical studies demonstrated progressive suppression of HER, evidenced by a shift in HER onset potential from 146 to 291 mV, an increase in overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 from 398 to 477 mV, and an increase in Tafel slope from 82 to 130 mV dec−1. Corrosion studies revealed enhanced zinc stability, with the charge transfer resistance increasing from 1.35 to 3.80 Ω and a maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency of 64.47% achieved at an optimal CQD loading of 1.0 mg. Furthermore, the CQD-modified electrolyte improved the average operating power density of the ZAB from approximately 4.5 to 5.5 mW cm−2 and reduced charge–discharge polarisation during cycling. The enhanced performance is attributed to a combination of surface-controlled and transport-related processes, whereby oxygen-functionalized CQDs modify the electrical double layer, retard HER kinetics, and inhibit zinc corrosion. This work demonstrates a sustainable electrolyte engineering strategy for improving the durability and electrochemical performance of ZABs using biomass-derived carbon quantum dots.