Multifunctional Self-Assembled Bio-Interfacial Layers for High-Performance Zinc Metal Anodes

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion (Zn-ion) batteries are promising for low-cost renewable energy storage.
• Key challenges include uncontrolled zinc dendrite growth and parasitic reactions on zinc metal anodes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of self-assembled bovine serum albumin (BSA) into a bilayer configuration on zinc metal anodes.
• To enhance the performance and durability of aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the self-assembly of bovine serum albumin (BSA) into a bilayer structure on zinc metal anodes.
• Employing BSA as an electrolyte additive in Zn-ion battery systems.
• Analyzing Zn deposition morphology and electrochemical performance.

Main Results:

• BSA bilayer forms intelligent ion channels regulating Zn-ion migration and desolvation.
• Parasitic reactions on Zn anodes are significantly diminished.
• Uniform Zn deposition occurs along the Zn (002) plane.
• A Zn||Zn symmetric cell with BSA additive achieved 2400 hours of stable cycling at 10 mA cm⁻².

Conclusions:

• Self-assembled protein bilayer structures are pivotal in improving Zn anode durability.
• BSA-based strategy effectively suppresses Zn dendrite growth and parasitic reactions.
• This approach offers a viable pathway for developing high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries.