Sonochemical growth of lanthanum conversion films using ultrasonic immersion method for performance improvement of zinc electrodes

The growth of lanthanum conversion coatings on the zinc powder modified by ultrasonic immersion is deeply investigated by Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectrophotometrical and other characterization techniques. The conversion kinetics of La element and the growth mechanism of lanthanum conversion layers are also reported and proposed. The influence of the lanthanum conversion coatings on the discharge properties and cycle behaviors of zinc electrodes is evaluated through charge-discharge measurements and cycle voltammetry. It is found that La₂O₃ and ZnO compose the lanthanum conversion films and trace content of La element in modified zinc powder can be controlled by varying the ultrasonic power. Furthermore, the superior performance of zinc electrode using the zinc powder coated with lanthanum conversion films is clearly established by low capacity loss and high cycle stability. The great improvement over the electrochemical properties of zinc electrodes should be ascribed to the physical shielding effect of lanthanum conversion layers.