Electrochemical properties of Zn–In LDHs in Zn–Ni secondary batteries

Although zinc–nickel (Zn–Ni) secondary batteries have numerous advantages, these have not been widely used in practice. The main reason is that problems such as the formation of dendritic zinc, corrosion, and passivation are encountered in the use of zinc anode. These problems restrict the development of Zn–Ni secondary battery using zinc electrode. To improve the electrochemical properties of zinc anode, researchers are constantly looking for new materials to be applied to Zn–Ni secondary batteries. Recently, many studies on the modification of zinc oxide and the electrochemical properties of calcium zincate have been conducted. The improvement measures can effectively enhance the corrosion resistance and cycle stability of Zn–Ni secondary batteries, but the improvements are not up to expectations. Therefore, researchers have now focused their attention on the research and development of new materials. The unique properties of hydrotalcite have attracted the attention of researchers. Hydrotalcite has shown excellent performance in electrocatalysis, medicine, nanofillers, and other functional fields. Moreover, because hydrotalcite has high stability in alkaline solution, hydrotalcite may become a new material for alkaline batteries. Presently, hydrotalcite, as a new kind of B-type material, has been used in alkaline secondary batteries; the performance of these batteries is excellent. The introduction of Zn–Al LDHs effectively improves the electrochemical properties of Zn–Ni secondary batteries. Therefore, this study proposes the application of Zn–In LDHs to Zn–Ni secondary batteries for the first time to analyze its electrochemical properties. Zn–In LDHs were prepared via the hydrothermal method and used as a new anode material for Zn–Ni secondary batteries. The morphology and microstructure of Zn–In LDHs were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The electrochemical properties of Zn–In LDHs as anode material for Zn–Ni batteries were investigated via cyclic voltammetry, Tafel extrapolation of polarization curves, and galvanostatic charge–discharge test. The morphology of Zn–In LDHs shows a hexagonal structure. The electrical properties of Zn–In LDHs show that they have good cycle reversibility and corrosion resistance when Zn–In LDHs are applied to Zn–Ni secondary batteries. The analysis of the constant current charge–discharge test results shows that Zn–In LDHs have excellent cycle stability and charge–discharge characteristics. After 100 cycles, the cycle retention rate can reach values of up to 92.25%.