Panthenol Additives with Multiple Coordination Sites Induce Uniform Zinc Deposition and Inhibited Side Reactions for...

Application of aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) in large-scale new energy systems (NESs) is challenging owing to the growth of dendrites and frequent side reactions. Here, this study proposes the use of Panthenol (PB) as an electrolyte additive in AZMBs to achieve highly reversible zinc plating/stripping processes and suppressed side reactions. The PB structure is rich in polar groups, which led to the formation of a strong hydrogen bonding network of PB-H₂O, while the PB molecule also builds a multi-coordination solvated structure, which inhibits water activity and reduces side reactions. Simultaneously, PB and OTF^- decomposition, in situ formation of SEI layer with stable organic-inorganic hybrid ZnF₂-ZnS interphase on Zn anode electrode, can inhibit water penetration into Zn and homogenize the Zn²⁺ plating. The effect of the thickness of the SEI layer on the deposition of Zn ions in the battery is also investigated. Hence, this comprehensive regulation strategy contributes to a long cycle life of 2300 h for Zn//Zn cells assembled with electrolytes containing PB additives. And the assembled Zn//NH₄V₄O₁₀ pouch cells with homemade modules exhibit stable cycling performance and high capacity retention. Therefore, the proposed electrolyte modification strategy provides new ideas for AZMBs and other metal batteries.