Stable and High-Energy-Density Zn-Ion Rechargeable Batteries Based on a MoS₂-Coated Zn Anode

Abstract

Recently, aqueous Zn-ion rechargeable batteries have drawn increasing research attention as an alternative energy storage system relative to the current Li-ion batteries due to their intrinsic properties of high safety, low cost, and high theoretical volumetric capacity. Nevertheless, unwanted dendrite growth on the Zn anode and unstable cathode materials restrict their practical application. In this study, a unique 2D MoS2 coating on a Zn anode using an electrochemical deposition method has been developed for preventing dendrite growth and intricate side reactions. The coated MoS2 layer is a vertically oriented structure that makes the flow of Zn ions easy with a uniform electric field distribution on the anode, resulting in a uniform stripping and plating of Zn2+. In addition, the MoS2 coating enhances anodic diffusion of Zn ions and reduces the series resistance as confirmed by EIS analysis and therefore improves the overall battery performance. The full cell assembled with the MoS2–Zn anode and MnO2 cathode exhibits an excellent reversible specific capacity of 638 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and stable cycle performance over 2000 cycles with no dendrite formation at the Zn electrode. The presented MoS2 coating on Zn is a facile, scalable, and promising technology for practical Zn-ion batteries with a long life cycle and high safety.

Fast‐Charging and Ultrahigh‐Capacity Zinc Metal Anode for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

“…Specifically, as depicted in Figure 3e, the symmetric cells are capable of stable cycling at an ultrahigh current density of 20 mA cm −2 and cutoff capacity of 30 mAh cm −2 (DOD ≈ 51%) and remain to keep long‐term cycling (over 300 h) with a lower average voltage hysteresis (102.4 mV). Figure 3f shows the superior cycling performance of the Zn@ZnP anode in the symmetric cells compared with the recently reported Zn anodes, [ 9,19,11,12,26–29 ] few of which is stable for long‐time cycling under such harsh electrochemical conditions of ultrahigh current density and capacity, demonstrating the unparalleled performance of the Zn@ZnP anode.…”

“…Meanwhile, among various methods for coating preparation, electrodeposition can realize large‐scale manufacture with lower cost, simpler process, and less pollution. [ 19 ] And given the stability of Zn in water, it would be favorable to the practical application of ZIBs by exploring a highly effective electrodeposition method for preparing coating on the Zn foil. Therefore, a novel strategy for the surface coating of Zn foil by ZnP alloy (Zn‐ZnP) using a high‐efficiency electrodeposition method is proposed to achieve the goal of fast charging and high areal capacity.…”

A nano interlayer spacing and rich defect 1T-MoS2 as cathode for superior performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

“…Owing to the unique properties of Zn, including high natural abundance, low price, high theoretical capacity (gravimetric capacity of 820 mA h g −1 and volumetric capacity of 5855 mA h cm −3 ), and relatively low redox potential (-0.763 V), [18][19][20][21] Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are deemed to have high application value and development prospects in large-scale energy storage. [22][23][24] Nevertheless, with the large electrostatic repulsion of zinc ions, it is difficult to find reversible intercalation of zinc materials, resulting in less cathode materials for ZIBs. 25,26 Therefore, it is very important to find high performance cathode materials for the development and application of zinc ion batteries.…”

Micronanostructured Design of Dendrite‐Free Zinc Anodes and Their Applications in Aqueous Zinc‐Based Rechargeable Batteries

“…[ 81 ] Benefitting from this modification method, the electric active surface area is greatly enhanced and the charge transfer is promoted, and therefore the cycle performance of the battery is improved. Choi and coworkers [ 82 ] electrodeposited MoS 2 coating on zinc plate as an anode material. Due to the vertically oriented coating, the electric field on the anode was evenly distributed, resulting in a uniform striping and plating of Zn 2+ .…”

“…b–e) Reproduced with permission. [ 82 ] Copyright 2020, American Chemical Society. Contact angles of f) bare Zn and g) 100Al 2 O 3 @Zn with 3 m Zn(SO 3 CF 3 ) 2 electrolyte.…”