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Suppressing the Exacerbated Hydrogen Evolution of Porous Zn Anode with an Artificial Solid-Electrolyte Interphase
Wenbin Guo1,2, Xue Bai1,2, Zifeng Cong1,2
1CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Beijing Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano Energy and Sensor, Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|September 8, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a new strategy for rechargeable zinc batteries using a porous zinc anode with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating. This approach effectively suppresses dendrite growth and unwanted hydrogen evolution, enhancing battery performance and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Rechargeable zinc batteries are explored as safer, greener alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
- Porous zinc anodes improve Zn dendrite suppression and kinetics but can worsen hydrogen evolution.
- Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a significant challenge in aqueous zinc batteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address hydrogen evolution in porous zinc anodes.
- To enhance the stability and performance of rechargeable zinc batteries.
- To develop a protective layer for porous zinc anodes.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D porous zinc anode.
- Application of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating as an artificial solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).
- Electrochemical testing of the modified anode in zinc batteries, including plating/stripping and full cell cycling.
Main Results:
- The PTFE coating effectively inhibited hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
- The artificial SEI layer maintained zinc plating/stripping kinetics.
- Dendrite-free zinc plating/stripping was achieved for over 2000 hours at 2 mA cm⁻².
- Extended cycling performance was demonstrated in Zn||V₂O₅ cells.
Conclusions:
- A synergistic approach combining porous morphology and an artificial SEI layer is effective for advanced zinc batteries.
- The developed strategy simultaneously suppresses Zn dendrites and side reactions like HER.
- This work offers complementary strategies for high-performance, stable aqueous zinc batteries.
