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Rational Design of an In-Situ Polymer-Inorganic Hybrid Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Realising Stable Zn Metal
Ruwei Chen1,2, Wei Zhang1, Chaohong Guan3
1Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|March 25, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a new hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for stable zinc anodes in rechargeable aqueous batteries. This polymer-inorganic SEI enhances interfacial stability and performance under high current densities.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Understanding the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for stabilizing zinc anodes in aqueous rechargeable batteries.
- The composition-property-performance relationship of SEI in these systems is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the SEI composition-property-performance relationship in rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries.
- To develop a robust SEI for stable Zn anode-electrolyte interfaces.
Main Methods:
- A novel electrolyte formulation (2 M Zn(CF3SO3)2-0.2 M acrylamide-0.2 M ZnSO4) was designed.
- A polymer-inorganic hybrid SEI (polyacrylamide-Zn4SO4(OH)6.xH2O) was constructed in situ on Zn anodes.
- Systematic investigation of the SEI composition-property-performance relationship was performed.
Main Results:
- The hybrid SEI integrates inorganic modulus with polymer toughness, ensuring high reversibility and interfacial stability.
- The SEI demonstrated excellent performance even at ultrahigh areal current density (30 mA cm−2) and capacity (30 mAh cm−2).
- A Zn||NH4V4O10 cell using this SEI exhibited outstanding cycling stability.
Conclusions:
- The developed polymer-inorganic hybrid SEI provides a pathway for stable Zn anode operation in aqueous rechargeable batteries.
- This study offers guidance for the rational design of SEI layers in next-generation aqueous zinc ion batteries.
