Amino-Functionalized Interfacial Layer Enables an Ultra-Uniform Amorphous Solid Electrolyte Interphase for...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous rechargeable zinc-based batteries (ZBBs) offer high capacity, low cost, and safety.
• Challenges include uncontrolled dendrite growth and parasitic reactions at the zinc anode, hindering practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for zinc anodes in ZBBs.
• To mitigate dendrite formation and parasitic reactions for improved battery performance and longevity.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of an amino-grafted bacterial cellulose (NBC) film as an artificial SEI for zinc anodes.
• Electrochemical characterization of Zn||Zn symmetric cells and Zn||V2O5 pouch cells with and without the NBC film.
• Analysis of zinc deposition behavior and SEI properties using electrochemical techniques.

Main Results:

• The NBC film significantly reduced zinc nucleation overpotential, promoting dendrite-free zinc deposition along the (002) crystal plane.
• Chelation between amino groups and zinc ions facilitated the formation of an even amorphous SEI, suppressing side reactions.
• Zn||Zn symmetric cells with NBC film showed lower overpotential and enhanced cyclic stability.
• A practical pouch cell using NBC film achieved over 1000 cycles with superior electrochemical performance.

Conclusions:

• The NBC film effectively acts as an artificial SEI, enabling stable and dendrite-free zinc deposition in aqueous ZBBs.
• This strategy significantly improves the cycling stability and overall performance of ZBBs.
• The developed NBC film presents a promising solution for advancing high-performance and safe aqueous rechargeable zinc-based batteries.