Mechanistic Study of Interfacial Modification for Stable Zn Anode Based on a Thin Separator.

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• The metal anode interface is critical for battery stability.
• Systematic research on interfacial modification for zinc anodes is lacking.
• Practical requirements for stable zinc anodes necessitate further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore optimal interfacial modification conditions for zinc anodes.
• To systematically study the principles for enhancing zinc anode stability.
• To assess the performance of a modified zinc anode for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF) as a coating layer on a thin separator.
• Investigating critical factors: reaction kinetics, transport rate, and modulus.
• Analyzing zinc anode morphology and interfacial properties using electrochemical techniques.

Main Results:

• TOCNF coating buffers volume variation and enhances mass transfer.
• Modified interface alters Zn²⁺ distribution, achieving high double-layer capacitance (390 uF cm⁻²).
• Stable cycling at 5 mA cm⁻² with a 113 µm separator; over 300 h at 10 mA cm⁻².

Conclusions:

• The TOCNF coating strategy significantly improves zinc anode stability.
• Enhanced mass transfer and Zn²⁺ distribution contribute to superior performance.
• This approach shows strong potential for advancing practical zinc anode applications.