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Construction of ultrathin solid electrolyte interface on Zn anode within 1 min for high current operating condition
Jingwen Liu1, Junfeng Ren2, Yongkang Li3
1State Key Laboratory Base of Eco-Chemical Engineering, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Eco-chemical Engineering and Green Manufacturing, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China; College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
A novel hydrogen (H2) film-assisted method rapidly forms an ultrathin, dense solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on zinc anodes. This H2-mediated process enhances corrosion resistance and enables stable high-current cycling in zinc batteries.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Organic acid treatment aids in situ solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation on Zn anodes.
- Hydrogen (H2) generation during SEI formation is typically considered detrimental to SEI compactness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for constructing ultrathin and dense SEI on Zn foil.
- To investigate the role of H2 in SEI formation and its impact on Zn anode performance.
Main Methods:
- A H2 film-assisted method using concentrated Amino-Trimethylene-Phosphonic-Acid (ATPA) was employed.
- In situ SEI formation was achieved within 1 minute.
- Electrochemical performance was evaluated using symmetric Zn//Zn cells, Zn//Cu cells, and Zn//MVO cells.
Main Results:
- The H2 film facilitated the survival of (002) crystal planes, promoting uniform Zn deposition and corrosion resistance.
- The H2 regulated reaction rates, resulting in an ultrathin SEI with morphology preservation.
- The modified Zn anode demonstrated stable cycling over 800 hours at 15 mA cm-2, high reversibility (99.7% CE), and notable capacity retention (191.7 mAh/g after 1000 cycles).
Conclusions:
- The H2 film-assisted method enables rapid, effective SEI formation for enhanced Zn anode stability.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for developing high-performance zinc-based batteries.
- The findings highlight the previously overlooked beneficial role of H2 in SEI formation.
