Intrinsic Interfacial Dynamic Engineering of Zincophilic Microbrushes via Regulating Zn Deposition for Highly Reversible Aqueous Zinc Ion Battery

Abstract

intensified dramatically owing to their excellent safety and considerable affordability. [2] Among them, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZBs) have triggered an overwhelming surge to achieve satisfactory performance and lifespan, [3] with Zn metal usually utilized as the anodes. [4] However, despite the high volumetric capacity of Zn (5851 mAh mL −1 ) and its abundance, there are still tricky challenges on Zn anodes to promote the implementation of AZBs. [5] At present, Zn anodes suffer from poor Coulombic efficiency (CE) due to irreversible plating and stripping, with unexpected Zn dendrites and undesirable side reactions. [6] Specifically, Zn dendrites cause the "dead" Zn through fracture and disconnection from the bulk Zn plates, resulting in separator puncture and battery short circuit. [7] Besides, H 2 evolution reaction (HER) is not negligible as a major competing reaction at the Zn anode. Considering the reduction potential of H 2 O/H 2 (−0.41 V vs SHE) higher than Zn/Zn 2+ (−0.76 V vs SHE) in neutral electrolytes, HER is thermodynamically preferred. [8] Therefore, the design of robust Zn anodes with rational compositions and specific structures is crucial to the stable AZBs.In recent years, numerous efforts have been exerted to boost the anode durability and stability by adjusting the electrolyte and the Zn electrode. In respect of electrolytes, enhanced reversibility of Zn can be realized by applying gel electrolytes, [9] highly concentrated salts, [10] and functional additives. [11] For the Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries are promising efficient energy storage systems due to remarkable safety and satisfactory capacity. However, zinc metal anode instability including dendrite growth and side reactions severely hinders widespread applications. Herein, zincophilic microbrushes have been in situ anchored on zinc plates through simple freeze-drying and mild reduction of graphene oxide, successfully overcoming these thorny issues. By introducing suitable oxygen-containing groups, the microbrushes exhibit a good affinity for zinc ions, thereby providing sufficient depositing sites, promoting zinc plating and stripping during cycling, and suppressing side reactions. The delicate zincophilic microbrushes can not only function as protective layer to guide the deposition of zinc ions, but also act as highspeed pathways to redistribute the zinc ion flux for rapid kinetics. Consequently, the microbrushes-covered zinc anode displays long lifespan and good durability, whenever in symmetric cell or full battery tests. This work paves a feasible bridge to design advanced aqueous anodes by architecting both structures and compositions of metal coverings.

Reversible adsorption with oriented arrangement of a zwitterionic additive stabilizes electrodes for ultralong-life Zn-ion batteries

“…This means that the optimized solvated Zn 2+ is more inclined to induce Zn deposition on the (002) plane compared with hydrated [(Zn(H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ . 35,36 Specifically, zinc metal with more (002) deposition may favor stable Zn stripping/plating in weakly acidic aqueous electrolytes. Importantly, the preferential adsorption of L-CN can cover the active sites on the anode surface, effectively preventing H 2 O occupation to avoid undesired side reactions.…”

Perovskite‐Solar‐Cell‐Powered Integrated Fuel Conversion and Energy‐Storage Devices

“…However, the low energy-storage efficiency suppresses the development of high-power photo-rechargeable energy-storage systems. [214] PSC-AIBs have the advantages of fast charging and discharging properties, which provide a new way to achieve high power density and large energy density, and exhibit substantial potential. [215] Moreover, the PCE and overall efficiency of an integrated system for energy conversion and storage should be substantially improved.…”

A Generic “Engraving in Aprotic Medium” Strategy toward Stabilized Zn Anodes

“…Significant efforts have focused on designing artificial interface layers for stabilizing Zn anodes, which helps mitigate dendritic formation and side reactions. [ 8–10 ] In this sense, boosting the energy density of the ZMB remains a significant challenge because exotic artificial interface layers inevitably increase the thickness of the anode. [ 11 ] Zn foil pretreatment is a common method to circumvent this issue.…”