Unlocking a Novel Pathway for Rapidly Generating Effective Solid Electrolyte Interface Layer Inspired by tRNA Working...

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Battery Technology

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-metal batteries (AZMBs) require stable Solid Electrolyte Interface (SEI) layers for optimal performance.
• Current SEI fabrication methods can be inefficient or lack control over interfacial chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biomimetic strategy for in situ SEI layer fabrication in AZMBs.
• To optimize the interfacial chemistry of zinc anodes using a novel SEI formation mechanism.
• To enhance the charge storage performance and cycling stability of AZMBs.

Main Methods:

• Introduced benzyltriethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (BT) into Zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate (Zn(OTf)2) electrolyte.
• Utilized a biomimetic approach inspired by transfer RNA (tRNA) for SEI formation.
• Investigated the interaction between BT cations and OTf- anions to promote SEI layer decomposition on the Zn anode.

Main Results:

• Achieved a robust SEI layer formation during the Zn2+ plating process.
• Zn‖Zn symmetric cells demonstrated high cumulative capacity (7 Ah cm-2) and stable operation (>3600 h).
• Zn-Br2 full batteries showed excellent capacity retention (97.4% after 2000 cycles) and long lifespan (>1500 cycles).

Conclusions:

• The biomimetic SEI fabrication strategy significantly improves interfacial stability in AZMBs.
• This method offers a promising pathway for developing high-performance and long-lasting AZMBs.
• The study highlights the potential of bio-inspired designs in advanced battery technologies.