A Biomimetic Copper Silicate-MOF Hybrid for Highly Stable Zn Metal Anode
Ke Han1, Xiaolin Ma1, Hongxing Li1
1Strait Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE Future Technologies), Fujian Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Fujian Normal University and Strait Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (SLoFE), Fuzhou, 350117, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|June 23, 2025
Summary
A new bioinspired CuSiO3-metal-organic framework (MOF) hybrid protects zinc anodes in batteries. This stable interlayer prevents dendrite growth and side reactions, enabling ultralong lifespans for grid storage and electronics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) face challenges with zinc anode dendrite growth and H2O-induced side reactions, limiting their performance and lifespan.
- Metal-organic framework (MOF) interlayers show promise for AZIBs but suffer from poor structural stability during cycling.
- Developing stable and effective interlayers is crucial for advancing AZIB technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the limitations of MOF interlayers in AZIBs by enhancing their structural stability and protective functions.
- To investigate a biomimetic strategy inspired by Drosera rotundifolia for constructing a hierarchical hollow CuSiO3-MOF hybrid.
- To evaluate the electrochemical performance of the developed Zn@CuSiO3-MOF anode in symmetric and full AZIB cells.
Main Methods:
- In situ MOF conversion to create a hierarchical hollow CuSiO3-MOF hybrid structure.
- Fabrication of Zn@CuSiO3-MOF anode for AZIBs.
- Electrochemical testing of symmetric Zn//Zn cells to assess plating/stripping stability and lifespan.
- Assembly and testing of full cells with MnO2 and C@V2O3 cathodes to evaluate rate capability and cycling performance.
Main Results:
- The biomimetic CuSiO3-MOF hybrid interlayer demonstrated excellent structural stability, zincophilicity, desolvation capability, and ion migration.
- The Zn@CuSiO3-MOF symmetric battery achieved an ultralong lifespan over 3500 hours with minimal voltage hysteresis.
- Stable cycling was maintained even at high depths of discharge (45% and 90%), outperforming existing MOF-modified anodes.
- Full cells exhibited exceptional cycling performance and rate capability, indicating practical applicability.
Conclusions:
- The bioinspired hierarchical hollow CuSiO3-MOF hybrid effectively suppresses dendrite growth and side reactions in AZIBs.
- This strategy significantly enhances the cycling stability and lifespan of zinc anodes.
- The developed anode material shows great potential for grid storage and wearable electronics applications.
