In Situ Reformatsky Reaction-Induced Surface Polymerization Toward an Oriented Monomeric Structure for Superior Zinc...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Zinc anodes in zinc-ion batteries suffer from heterogeneity, leading to dendrite growth and parasitic reactions.
• Uniform deposition and active site management are crucial for stable zinc anode performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strategy for homogenizing active sites and promoting uniform zinc deposition on zinc anodes.
• To enhance the safety and cycle life of zinc-ion batteries through controlled zinc deposition.

Main Methods:

• An in situ Reformatsky reaction was employed to modify the Zn surface.
• A zincophilic metal-organic polymer framework was generated in situ.
• The reaction eliminated active sites and created uniform ion channels, increasing nucleation site density.

Main Results:

• The modified zinc anode exhibited preferential growth of thermodynamically stable (002) oriented zinc grains.
• Symmetrical cells operated stably for 3,800 hours at 1 mA cm⁻² and over 600 hours at 10 mA cm⁻².
• Full cells achieved over 10,000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹, demonstrating exceptional longevity.

Conclusions:

• The in situ Reformatsky reaction provides an effective strategy for stabilizing zinc anodes.
• Controlling deposition kinetics via activation energy modulation is a promising design paradigm for stable metal batteries.