In the practical applications of rechargeable Zn-anode batteries as leading alternatives for postlithium batteries, the suppression of Zn dendrite formation during charging is a critical challenge. Here, to clarify the correlation between reaction conditions and Zn metal morphology, in situ multiscale observations of the electrodeposition process in liquid electrolytes were conducted using liquid-phase electrochemical transmission electron microscopy, liquid-phase electrochemical scanning electron microscopy (LP-EC-SEM), and in situ optical microscopy. The dependence of Zn morphology on the electrochemical conditions and electrolyte concentration was clarified by using the LP-EC-SEM observations of electrochemical reactions with high reproducibility. During electrodeposition, the Zn diffusion layer in the liquid electrolyte strongly influences the formation of Zn dendrites.
Yoshida et al. (Tue,) studied this question.