The incorporation of Cr ions into the framework of ZnO for stable electrochemical performance in a membrane free alkaline Ni/Zn redox

[Display omitted] •the Cr-incorporated ZnO particle was synthesized using a solvothermal method.•a small charge-transfer resistance was found out with addition of Cr element.•the Cr0.005ZnO displayed higher capacity and longer life cycle.•the zinc dendrite growth in Ni/Cr0.005ZnO battery was suppressed on the Ni-plate.•the proper Cr enhanced the electrochemical performance in an alkaline Ni/Zn battery. ZnO and Cr-incorporated ZnO (CrxZnO, x=0.001, 0.005, and 0.01 moles) crystalline particles are synthesized using a solvothermal method for use as an anode material in membrane free alkaline Ni/Zn batteries. Both types of particle showed a wurtzite-type structure with spherical shapes, however the peak widths of