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

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.