Presenter: Bridgette Bennett

Faculty Sponsor: NIYA SA

School: UMass Boston

Research Area: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Session: Poster Session 3, 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM, Auditorium, A5

ABSTRACT

Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are an attractive alternative to lithium-ion systems due to zinc’s high volumetric capacity, low cost, natural abundance, and inherent safety in aqueous environments. However, practical implementation is limited by challenges such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, and side reactions. Overcoming these challenges  require a deeper understanding of the fundamental electrochemical processes controlling zinc plating and stripping in aqueous environments. This work investigates the electrochemical behavior of zinc in aqueous systems  to explain factors influencing reversibility and interface stability. Zinc plating and stripping behavior in 0.2M ZnCL₂ aqueous electrolyte was analyzed using cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry. Cyclic voltammetry revealed clear and reproducible zinc reduction and oxidation peaks, indicating reversible electrochemical behavior. The chronopotentiometry analysis showed reproducible and stable voltage plateaus during zinc plating. These findings provide insight into aqueous zinc systems as stable, low-cost candidates for next-generation rechargeable batteries.