Nano‐scale BN interface for ultra‐stable and wide temperature range tolerable Zn anode

Abstract

Aqueous Zn‐based energy storage device (ZESD) is a promising candidate for large‐scale energy storage applications due to its significant merits like low cost, inherent safety, and environmental benignity. However, one shortcoming of ZESDs is the performance deficiency of pristine Zn anode caused by detrimental dendrite formation and side reactions. In this work, a novel boron nitride nano‐scale interface was established for ultra‐stable and wide temperature range tolerable anode (BN@Zn) by a scalable magnetron sputtering technique. The as‐introduced BN layers afford enhanced Zn deposition kinetics for a wide temperature application range from −20 to 60°C and effectively mitigated dendritic growth, which were ascribed to the strong interlayer bonds and uniform active sites as demonstrated by both experimental and density functional theory research results. Thus, the ultra‐thin BN interface could significantly improve the reaction kinetics and electrochemical stability of Zn anode, providing a new perspective towards the advanced ZESDs.

Recyclable and Ultrafast Fabrication of Zinc Oxide Interface Layer Enabling Highly Reversible Dendrite-Free Zn Anode

“…The blade coating process is suitable for many coating materials. − However, controlling the thickness and uniform distribution of coating material on the surface of the Zn anode is still very challenging . Magnetron sputtering or atomic/molecular layer deposition techniques are beneficial for achieving a high adhesion force, but they require sophisticated experimental equipment for implementation with limited selected materials. , More importantly, these ex situ processing methods need additional synthesis processes for the raw coating materials which have high energy consumption and costs. In contrast, the in situ fabrication method is beneficial for achieving a dense and uniform protective layer with better adhesion.…”

A highly conductive gel electrolyte with favorable ion transfer channels for long-lived zinc–iodine batteries

“…A high Zn 2+ transference number can ensure uniform distribution of Zn ions at the electrolyte/anode interface, which is benecial for uniform Zn deposition during the charging and discharging processes. 37,38 The ionic conductivity is an extremely important parameter for electrolytes, reecting the ion transfer ability. The corresponding ion conductivity, s (mS cm −1 ), is calculated according to the formula:…”

“…A high Zn 2+ transference number can ensure uniform distribution of Zn ions at the electrolyte/anode interface, which is beneficial for uniform Zn deposition during the charging and discharging processes. 37,38…”

“…A high Zn 2+ transference number can ensure the uniform distribution of Zn ions at the electrolyte/anode interface, which is beneficial to the uniform Zn deposition during charging and discharging process. 37,38 The ionic conductivity is an extremely important parameter for electrolytes, reflecting the ion transfer ability. The corresponding ion conductivity σ (mS cm −1 ) is calculated according to the formula: σ = L/RA (2) where L (cm) is the distance between the two electrodes (corresponding to the thickness of the gel electrolyte), R (Ω) is the bulk resistance and A (cm 2 ) is the contact area of the electrolyte.…”

Achieving high-rate and high-capacity Zn metal anodesviaa three-in-one carbon protective layer

“…Cycling performance and enlarged voltage profiles at selected cycles of the bare Znjbare Zn and 3D-NC@Znj3D-NC@Zn symmetric cells at a current density of 10 mA cm À2 with a capacity of 1 mA h cm À2 (a and b) and 1 mA cm À2 with a capacity of 10 mA h cm À2 (c, d and e) and rate performance at a fixed capacity of 1 mA h cm À2 , respectively. (f) Comparison of cumulative plating capacity of 3D-NC@Zn with those of recently reported Zn metal anodes with surface modification 34,[44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51].…”