Improved electrochemical performance of Zn–air secondary batteries via novel organic additives

In this study, we report the electrochemical and corrosion behaviors of Zn anodes in electrolytes (6.0 M KOH) with various additives, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), and tartaric acid. Data are given as Tafel plots, linear polarizations, cyclic voltammetry measurements, and charge–discharge test results. After the 1000th cycle of charge–discharge measurements, the morphologies of the Zn anodes in electrolytes with various additives were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of linear polarization show that the corrosion resistance was in the order EDTA > Tween 20 > tartaric acid > blank. Based on the SEM images, the prevention of dendrite formation followed the order EDTA > Tween 20 = tartaric acid > blank.