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Multi-Scale Structure Engineering of ZnSnO3 for Ultra-Long-Life Aqueous Zinc-Metal Batteries
Fangxin Ling1, Lifeng Wang1, Fanfan Liu1
1Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, iChEM (Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, CAS Key Laboratory of Materials for Energy Conversion, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
A novel hollow amorphous zinc tin oxide (HZTO) coating effectively suppresses side reactions and zinc dendrite growth in aqueous zinc-metal batteries. This protective layer enables ultra-long cyclic lifespans for batteries and pouch cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-metal batteries face challenges from water-induced side reactions and uncontrolled zinc dendrite growth, limiting their lifespan.
- Developing stable and efficient zinc anodes is critical for practical applications of these batteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize hollow amorphous zinc tin oxide (HZTO) cubes for optimizing zinc metal anodes.
- To investigate the mechanisms by which HZTO suppresses side reactions and dendrite formation.
- To evaluate the electrochemical performance of HZTO-modified zinc anodes in batteries and pouch cells.
Main Methods:
- Multi-scale structure design (electronic-crystal-geometric) of HZTO.
- In situ gas chromatography to monitor hydrogen evolution.
- Operando pH detection and in situ Raman analysis for mechanism studies.
- Electrochemical testing of symmetric and full batteries, including pouch cells.
Main Results:
- HZTO modification effectively inhibits hydrogen evolution and stabilizes pH at the anode interface.
- The amorphous structure and hollow architecture of HZTO enhance zinc affinity and Zn2+ diffusion.
- HZTO@Zn symmetric batteries achieved 6900 h lifespan, and HZTO@Zn||V2O5 full batteries showed 99.3% capacity retention after 1100 cycles.
Conclusions:
- Multi-scale structure design of HZTO provides an effective strategy for developing advanced protective layers for zinc anodes.
- HZTO enables dendrite-free zinc deposition and ultra-long cyclic stability in aqueous zinc-metal batteries.
- This approach offers significant guidance for advancing other metal battery technologies.
