1. Architecture-driven design of ZnO@C anodes in next-generation zinc-based batteries : toward practical energy storage systemsElisa Emanuele, Lucia Mancini, Seyedamin Razaghi, Rožle Repič, Maya Kobchenko, Benedetto Bozzini, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Zinc-based batteries are promising for sustainable energy storage due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. However, challenges such as passivation, low cycle life, and limited zinc utilization hinder practical commercialization. In this study, we address these challenges using ZnO@C nanoparticles (NPs) as anode active material, optimizing slurry formulation and electrode architectures. PTFE and CMC were employed as complementary binders to enhance mechanical integrity, wettability, and zinc utilization, while reducing the reliance on fluorinated binders. Two electrode fabrication methods — blade coating and hot pressing — were evaluated to assess the effects of active layer thickness on performance and durability. Full-cell Zn/Ni tests were run under harsh testing condition: closed cell, low amount of electrolyte and no additive or ZnO saturation. We found that thinner (ca. 100 μm), blade-coated ZnO@C anodes outperformed thicker (ca. 400 μm) hot-pressed electrodes in both cycle life and specific capacity. Blade-coated electrodes maintained a discharge-specific capacity exceeding 400 mAh g−1 for over 200 cycles and achieved a maximum of 524 mAh g−1, approximately 80 % of ZnO theoretical capacity. Post-mortem X-ray computed microtomography analyses revealed that the crucial electrode architecture parameters are ZnO particle accessibility and even utilization in the electrode bulk. These resulted to be optimal in blade-coated electrodes, while heterogeneities and untransformed ZnO volumes were found in the hot-pressed ones. Additionally, in view of concrete device implementation, the often overlooked role of cell casing materials was explicitly addressed. Specifically, the galvanic coupling among electrode material, current collector and cell casing was positively measured and rationalized. By integrating innovations in slurry formulations, electrode design, and practical testing setups, this work provides guidelines to transfer nanostructured Zn anodes to the practical device environment.
Keywords: Zn anode, zinc-alkaline batteries, nanostructured electrodes, electrode architecture, ZnO nanoparticle, X-ray microtomography
Published in DiRROS: 13.01.2026; Views: 298; Downloads: 322
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2. Recent advancements in the development of Two-Dimensional nanostructured based anode materials for stable power density in microbial fuel cellsRaghuraj S. Chouhan, Sonu Gandhi, Suresh Kr. Verma, Ivan Jerman, Syed Baker, Marko Štrok, 2023, review article Abstract: The demand for alternative energy sources from non-recyclable waste materials will be a hot research topic in future industries. This interest is primarily due to the ability to harness energy from waste materials, the provision of localized power solutions, and the promotion of efficient power conversation. In this respect, Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) represent new energy sources possessing unique qualities for many applications. MFC generates power by utilising exoelectrogens forming the biofilm on the surface of the anode. Since in the MFC, wastewater is primarily converted into protons and electrons at the anode surface, where biofilms typically develop, the anode becomes the most vital component. Consequently, significant research has been conducted on anode material to improve MFC performance. The present review focuses on different aspects of the MFC, including a comprehensive summary of the recent developments in the field of MFCs, including a state-of-the-art literature review based on a bibliometric analysis using keywords, a description of the mechanism and operational principle of MFC, applications and a summary of current research perspectives including the use of carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphitic carbon nitride, MXene, and their nanocomposites as anode materials with stable power density performance. Lastly, we present the challenges and future perspectives regarding the continued development of MFC anode materials, culminating in overall conclusions related to MFC research.
Keywords: microbial fuel cells, 2D nanomaterial, power density, nanocomposite, Anode
Published in DiRROS: 16.12.2025; Views: 363; Downloads: 236
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3. A core–shell TiON–C nanostructure as a self supported and scalable electrode for fast oxygen evolution reaction in acidic mediaFederico Baiutti, Kosova Kreka, Aleš Marsel, Miha Hotko, Marjan Bele, Anja Logar, Martin Šala, Črtomir Donik, Lazar Bijelić, Carolina Duque Serra, Alex Morata, Albert Tarancón, Miran Gaberšček, Nejc Hodnik, 2025, original scientific article Keywords: PEMEC, fuel cells, hydrogen, titania, iridium, anode
Published in DiRROS: 29.10.2025; Views: 574; Downloads: 256
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4. Formation and discharge of Zn aponge anodes, followed by synchrotron hard X-ray ImagingBenedetto Bozzini, Nicola Sandini, Alexander Peter Kao, Alessio Veneziano, Lucia Mancini, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The fabrication of engineered Zn anodes often relies on different forms of ZnO as the material in direct contact with the alkaline aqueous electrolyte in the pristine assembled cell state. Of course, in this case, the as-assembled cell is in the discharged state and requires an initial charging step, or “formation”, to generate active metallic Zn. The formation of ZnO-based anodes is a complex process the control of which calls for an in-depth understanding of electrochemical phase growth. In fact, formation gives rise to morphochemical imprinting, profoundly impacting the electrode functional performance. The present work contributes to the understanding of the formation of Zn sponge electrodes, combining electrochemistry and synchrotron-based X-ray imaging. Specifically, we employed dynamic in operando radiography to select the potentiostatic formation conditions that exclude hydrogen-induced damaging of the sponge structure. Subsequently, formation and the subsequent first discharge are followed by time-lapse in situ tomography, allowing to track the early structural evolution of the sponge electrode and the Zn/ZnO phase distribution.
Keywords: zinc anode, zinc battery, zinc sponge, X-ray microtomography, synchrotron radiation, in situ, in operando
Published in DiRROS: 11.09.2025; Views: 507; Downloads: 291
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