Atomic Zincophilic Sites Regulating Microspace Electric Fields for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Anode

Abstract

Aqueous Zn metal batteries are promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage due to their intrinsic advantages. However, Zn tends to deposit irregularly and forms dendrites driven by the uneven space electric field distribution near the Zn‐electrolyte interphase. Herein we demonstrate that trace addition of Co single atom anchored carbon (denoted as CoSA/C) in the electrolyte regulates the microspace electric field at the Zn‐electrolyte interphase and unifies Zn deposition. Through preferential adsorption of CoSA/C on the Zn surface, the atomically dispersed Co‐N3 with strong charge polarization effect can redistribute the local space electric field and regulate ion flux. Moreover, the dynamic adsorption/desorption of CoSA/C upon plating/stripping offers sustainable long‐term regulation. Therefore, Zn||Zn symmetric cells with CoSA/C electrolyte additive deliver stable cycling up to 1600 h (corresponding to a cumulative plated capacity of 8 Ah cm−2) at a high current density of 10 mA cm−2, demonstrating the sustainable feature of microspace electric fields regulation at high current density and capacity.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Challenges, Strategies, and Perspectives of Anode Protection in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…In addition to the several additives listed above, some other additives have also achieved good results. Recently, Fan et al added a trace amount of cobalt monatomic anchored carbon (denoted as CoSA/C) to the electrolyte and made use of the strong affinity between Zn and CoSA/C additive to preferentially adsorb it on the surface of zinc anode (Figure f) . The atomically dispersed Co–N 3 site has a good affinity for zinc and a strong charge polarization effect.…”

“…Recently, Fan et al added a trace amount of cobalt monatomic anchored carbon (denoted as CoSA/C) to the electrolyte and made use of the strong affinity between Zn and CoSA/C additive to preferentially adsorb it on the surface of zinc anode (Figure 13f). 65 The atomically dispersed Co−N 3 site has a good affinity for zinc and a strong charge polarization effect. This enables the regulation of the spatial electric field and ion flux between the electrolyte and zinc anode, thereby guiding the homogeneous deposition of zinc and restraining the formation of dendrites.…”

Advances of Nanomaterials for High-Efficiency Zn Metal Anodes in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

“…Nanomaterials, owning high specific surface area and unique nanoscale dimensions, can be applied as electrolyte additives to optimize the Zn plating process and form a dense and robust SEI film, achieving highly stable ZMAs. The commonly used nanomaterial additives in AZIBs comprise nanoions, nanoinorganics, nanocarbons, nano-organics, and other nanomaterials. − Nanoscale ion additives can regulate the deposition position of Zn 2+ through ion adsorption mechanisms and electrostatic shielding effects, significantly suppressing parasitic reactions and dendrite growth. Zhang et al prepared 2D anionic tin sulfide ([Sn 2 S 5 ] 2– ) nanosheets (TS-Ns) as functional electrolyte additives for AZIBs .…”