A Heterogeneous Host Intercalation-Customized Efficient Dual Electrode-Electrolyte Interphase for Self-Enhanced...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-ion batteries face challenges with electrode-electrolyte interface instability and slow reaction kinetics.
• Structural instability at cathode and anode interfaces hinders practical operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries using a heterocation intercalation approach.
• To improve the electrode-electrolyte interphase for enhanced stability and reaction kinetics.

Main Methods:

• Developed a La³⁺/Ca²⁺-Na₀.₇MnO₂.₀₅ (LCNMO) cathode material via heterocation intercalation.
• Investigated in situ formation of cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI) and compressed double electric layer (EDL) interphases.
• Evaluated electrochemical performance in aqueous Zn||LCNMO systems and pouch cells.

Main Results:

• The LCNMO cathode enabled efficient CEI and EDL interphase formation, mitigating cathode dissolution and side reactions.
• The aqueous Zn||LCNMO system demonstrated self-enhanced performance with a 6000-cycle lifespan and 73.7% capacity retention at 10 A g⁻¹.
• A pouch cell achieved 14.8 mAh reversible capacity at 1 A g⁻¹ after 100 cycles with a 10 mg cm⁻² loading.

Conclusions:

• The heterocation intercalation strategy effectively stabilizes the electrode-electrolyte interface in aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
• This approach significantly boosts electrochemical performance, cycle life, and safety.
• The findings offer a new paradigm for designing high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries.