Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
06:58
Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
Published on: September 29, 2020
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Ion-Regulating SPEEK-BNNS Hybrid Interfaces Enabling Low-Barrier Zn-Ion Transport and Dendrite-Free Zinc Anodes
Minseo Kim1, Hyunki Kim1, Seojin Woo1
1Department of Urban, Energy, and Environmental Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|February 27, 2026
Summary
An organic-inorganic hybrid protective layer stabilizes zinc-metal anodes in aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs). This spray-coated layer prevents dendrite growth and parasitic reactions, enabling long-term stable battery performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) face limitations due to unstable Zn-metal anodes.
- Dendritic growth and parasitic interfacial reactions hinder practical AZIB application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a protective layer for stabilizing Zn-metal anodes in AZIBs.
- To address the trade-off between interfacial rigidity and ionic transport for improved battery performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an organic-inorganic hybrid protective layer using sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) via spray-coating.
- Utilizing density functional theory (DFT) and nudged elastic band analysis to investigate Zn2+ transport mechanisms.
- In situ optical microscopy to visualize Zn deposition and performance in Zn/MnO2 full cells.
Main Results:
- The hybrid layer synergistically combines BNNS mechanical robustness with SPEEK ion-regulation.
- Uniform Zn2+ flux, suppressed dendrite growth, and stabilized Zn/electrolyte interface were achieved.
- Long-term stable Zn plating/stripping (>1800 h) and dendrite-free deposition were demonstrated.
- Improved rate capability and capacity retention in Zn/MnO2 full cells confirmed interfacial stabilization.
Conclusions:
- The SPEEK/BNNS hybrid layer offers a practical strategy for stabilizing Zn-metal anodes.
- This approach facilitates uniform Zn2+ transport and suppresses dendrite formation.
- The developed protective layer enhances the durability and performance of aqueous Zn-ion batteries.
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