Highly Reversible Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode Enabled by a Bilayered Inorganic-Metal Interface Layer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Dendrite growth and side reactions limit the stability of zinc metal anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
• These issues lead to premature battery failure and hinder practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address dendrite growth and side reactions in zinc anodes.
• To improve the cycling stability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Main Methods:

• In situ construction of a bilayered zinc fluoride-indium interface (ZnF2-In@Zn) on the zinc anode.
• Utilizing a simple solution-dipping strategy.
• Investigating the synergistic effects of the ZnF2 and In layers on Zn2+ desolvation and nucleation.

Main Results:

• The ZnF2-In@Zn anode achieved dendrite-free and side reaction-free zinc deposition.
• Demonstrated outstanding cycling stability exceeding 4200 hours at 1 mA cm-2.
• Achieved a cumulative capacity over 5250 mAh cm-2 even at a high current density of 5 mA cm-2.

Conclusions:

• The bilayered ZnF2-In interface effectively regulates Zn2+ behavior, enhancing anode performance.
• This interface engineering approach offers a promising strategy for developing stable and high-performance zinc anodes for batteries.
• The findings provide insights into overcoming key challenges in metal anode technology.