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Updated: Apr 22, 2026
06:58
Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
Published on: September 29, 2020
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Synergistic Interfacial and Solvation Regulation by Nicotinamide for Dendrite-Free, Deep-Cycling Zinc Metal Anodes
Feiyu Tao1,2, Lei Chen1, Zhaoqian Li2,3
1School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, P. R. China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|April 20, 2026
Summary
Nicotinamide integration in aqueous zinc-ion batteries prevents dendrite growth and parasitic reactions. This interfacial engineering strategy enhances battery stability and performance for safer energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) offer a safe alternative to conventional batteries but suffer from zinc dendrites and parasitic reactions.
- These issues hinder the practical application and long-term stability of AZIBs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an interfacial engineering strategy for AZIBs using nicotinamide (NIC).
- To simultaneously regulate the electrolyte-electrode interface and Zn2+ solvation structure.
- To suppress dendritic zinc deposition and water-induced parasitic reactions.
Main Methods:
- Integrating nicotinamide (NIC) into Zn(ClO4)2 electrolytes.
- Characterizing the interfacial layer and Zn2+ solvation structure.
- Electrochemical testing of symmetric Zn//Zn, Zn//Cu half-cells, and NH4V4O10//Zn full batteries.
Main Results:
- NIC adsorption forms a H2O-depleted interface, controlling Zn2+ kinetics and favoring Zn (002) orientation.
- NIC disrupts bulk electrolyte hydrogen bonding, suppressing hydrogen evolution reactions (HER).
- Achieved 5000h stability in symmetric cells and 99.55% Coulombic efficiency in half-cells.
- Full batteries retained 88.94% capacity after 1000 cycles.
Conclusions:
- The NIC-based interfacial engineering strategy effectively suppresses dendrites and side reactions in AZIBs.
- This approach offers a molecular paradigm for enhancing AZIB safety and performance.
- Demonstrated potential for practical applications in advanced energy storage systems.
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