Around the world for Science
After working in China, Australia and Sweden, Dr Xiaohui Zeng has joined the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon and its Institute of Surface Science. She researches aqueous zinc-ion batteries and stays for two years.
No distance is too far for Xiaohui Zeng when it comes to science. When she sits in her new office at the Hereon campus in Geesthacht, she is more than 8,000 kilometers away from her home town in China. But the 33 years old scientist has been used to such long distances. Before coming to northern Germany, she lived in Australia, where she doctorated at the University of Wollongong. Then she moved to Malmö in Sweden. In November 2023 she came to Hamburg. Always by her side: Her husband and little son.
Xiaohui Zeng (33) ist he new Humboldt Fellow at the Hereon Institute of Surface Science. Photo: Hereon/Rabea Osol
Zeng has started her Humboldt Fellowship at Hereon in August 2024. At the Institute of Surface Science, her research project focuses on developing high-performance aqueous Zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Aqueous means that the battery is filled with water solution as an electrolyte. Compared to common lithium-ion batteries, AZIBs promise higher capacity, higher safety, lower cost and more sustainability especially for large‐scale stationary energy storage, such as in the case of renewable energy produced by offshore. But as a crucial part of the battery, zinc metal anode suffers from some challenges. For example, dendrites can grow on the surface of zinc during the multiple charge cycles. These are uneven structures, which lead to internal short circuits. Zeng’s research project at Hereon aims to tackle these challenges of zinc metal by adjusting the composition of the “water solution”.
“Hereon is a leading institution in the field of electrochemistry and advanced metal protection, and I have rich experience in rechargeable aqueous metal batteries. This project will be a robust exchange of knowledge between us,” says Zeng. When asked, what she loves about her research, she replies: “It's always a very exciting moment when you find something new.” For example, when the performance of the battery has improved significantly because she has introduced a new electrolyte additive. That additives are small amounts of special organic or inorganic molecules.
Zeng will be conducting research at Hereon for two years. During this time, she will live with her family in Hamburg. Maintaining a strong work-life balance is very important to her. To achieve this, she has established clear guidelines: working efficiently while at the office and in the labs, and dedicating her free time exclusively to her family. She is currently learning German and would like to go on vacation to Norway next year. She is also planning a trip to the Electrochemical Society Conference in Sweden in 2025.
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