Regulating Interface Chemistry to Construct a Stable Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Long-Life Zinc Metal Anodes

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation is critical for long-life zinc metal anodes in aqueous batteries.
• Current methods face challenges in achieving robust and uniform interfacial layers.
• Zinc dendrite growth and parasitic reactions limit anode performance and battery lifespan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a highly robust SEI layer on zinc anodes through precise interface chemistry regulation.
• To investigate the use of external physical fields, specifically ultrasonic energy, to trigger novel reaction pathways for SEI formation.
• To enhance the interfacial stability and cycling durability of zinc metal anodes in aqueous batteries.

Main Methods:

• Precise interface chemistry regulation.
• Application of an external physical field (ultrasonic energy) to trigger in situ SEI formation.
• Characterization of the SEI structure and its effect on electrochemical performance.

Main Results:

• A uniform and stable hybrid SEI structure was rapidly constructed in situ.
• The engineered SEI effectively suppressed zinc dendrite growth and parasitic reactions.
• The modified zinc anode demonstrated exceptional cycling durability, operating stably for over 1800 hours at 5 mA cm⁻².

Conclusions:

• External field-induced reactions offer a novel pathway for regulating interphase chemistry.
• Ultrasonic energy facilitates the rapid construction of stable hybrid SEI layers.
• This approach provides a promising strategy for developing high-performance and long-life zinc metal anodes for aqueous batteries.