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Functional Ultrathin Separators Proactively Stabilizing Zinc Anodes for Zinc-Based Energy Storage
Yang Li1,2, Xinya Peng1, Xu Li1
1College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511443, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|February 14, 2023
Summary
Functional ultrathin separators (FUSs) with a metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived C/Cu nanocomposite layer stabilize zinc anodes, inhibiting dendrite growth in high-energy-density zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). This innovation significantly enhances battery lifespan and durability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Ultrathin separators are crucial for high-energy-density zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs).
- Zinc dendrites cause separator failure, limiting ZIB performance and lifespan.
- Developing robust separators is essential for stable zinc anodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop functional ultrathin separators (FUSs) for ZIBs.
- To enhance electrochemical stability of zinc anodes and separator durability.
- To inhibit zinc dendrite formation and failure.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 23 µm-thick FUSs with a nanoporous membrane substrate and MOF-derived C/Cu nanocomposite decoration layer.
- Investigation of Zn2+ transport and zinc nucleation on the C/Cu interface.
- Electrochemical testing of zinc anodes with FUSs at various current densities.
Main Results:
- FUSs exhibit mechanically strong, nanoporous structure for homogenized Zn2+ transport.
- MOF-derived C/Cu layer provides high zincophilicity, promoting uniform zinc nucleation.
- Zinc anodes with FUSs show extended operational lifetimes (>2000 h at 1 mA cm-2, >600 h at 10 mA cm-2).
- FUSs demonstrate reliability in ZIBs and zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors.
Conclusions:
- The developed FUSs effectively stabilize zinc anodes and prevent dendrite-induced failure.
- This work offers a new strategy for stabilizing zinc anodes in ZIBs.
- Provides theoretical guidance for designing advanced ultrathin separators for zinc-based energy storage.
