Versatile nicotinamide enabling dendrite-free and efficient deposition for aqueous Zn-I₂ batteries

This study introduces a versatile electrolyte additive, nicotinamide, for zinc anodes, aiming to facilitate uniform deposition and suppress water-induced side reactions. The molecular structure, consisting of a pyridine ring and an amide function group, endows NTA molecules with the ability to regulate electrolyte pH, enhance nucleation overpotential, and constrain 2D diffusion of Zn²⁺. As a result, the full battery configuration with this additive achieved an impressive lifespan of over 10 000 cycles.