Expediting Desolvation-Diffusion Kinetics by Self-Cascade Catalysis for Durable Low-Temperature Zinc Metal Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-metal based batteries (AZMBs) are promising for energy storage.
• Dendrite formation and poor low-temperature performance hinder practical AZMB application.
• Efficient desolvation and deposition of zinc ions are critical for stable anodes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel strategy for stabilizing zinc metal anodes in AZMBs.
• To accelerate interfacial desolvation and optimize zinc ion diffusion kinetics.
• To enhance the low-temperature performance and cycling stability of AZMBs.

Main Methods:

• Designing a self-cascade catalytic layer of atomically dispersed bismuth within deficient LaMnO3.15 perovskite (SABi/U-LMO) on a zinc anode.
• Utilizing theoretical calculations (DFT) to understand interfacial mechanisms.
• Conducting electrochemical tests (cycling, Coulombic efficiency) and spectroscopic analyses.

Main Results:

• The SABi/U-LMO layer effectively alleviates water corrosion and accelerates Zn2+ desolvation.
• Optimized electric field distribution promotes uniform zinc deposition and lateral growth.
• Achieved an impressive 5000-hour lifespan at 1 mA cm-2 and 99.59% Coulombic efficiency over 2000 cycles at 0 °C.
• Demonstrated stable capacity retention (~100%) after 900 cycles at 1 A g-1 under -20 °C.

Conclusions:

• The self-cascade catalytic strategy significantly enhances zinc anode stability and performance in AZMBs.
• Atomically dispersed bismuth in perovskite is effective for improving ion desolvation and deposition.
• The developed anode shows excellent potential for practical low-temperature AZMB applications.