Montmorillonite Interfacial Chemistry Regulation on Homogeneous Zn Deposition: A Microenvironment-Controlled Additive...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc (Zn) metal batteries (AZBs) offer safe and cost-effective large-scale energy storage.
• Parasitic side reactions and dendrite growth at the Zn anode limit AZB practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a microenvironment-controlled additive strategy using phytic acid-functionalized montmorillonite (MPA) nanosheets for durable AZBs.
• To enhance Zn anode stability and promote homogeneous Zn electrodeposition.

Main Methods:

• MPA nanosheets were employed as electrolyte additives.
• Interfacial self-adsorption of MPA onto the Zn anode surface was utilized.
• Regulation of interfacial chemistry and Zn2+ flux distribution was investigated.

Main Results:

• MPA nanosheets effectively suppressed parasitic reactions on the Zn anode.
• Homogeneous Zn electrodeposition was achieved through controlled ion coordination.
• Zn||Zn symmetric cells demonstrated stable cycling over 2800 hours at 2 mA cm-2.
• Zn||VO2 full cells maintained 89.5% capacity after 1000 cycles.

Conclusions:

• The MPA additive strategy provides a facile and efficient method for microenvironment regulation.
• This approach significantly enhances the durability and reversibility of AZBs.
• The findings pave the way for advanced aqueous zinc metal batteries.