Differentiated Adsorption Modulation of Microdose Additive Enhances Stability and Kinetics in Zinc-Ion Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are cost-effective and safe for large-scale energy storage.
• Zinc anode issues like dendrite growth and corrosion hinder AZIB practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a strategy for improving AZIB performance by addressing zinc anode limitations.
• To identify an effective electrolyte additive for enhanced interfacial stability and ion transport.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a biomass-derived polymer, polydextrose (PD), as an electrolyte additive.
• Investigated PD's adsorption properties on the zinc anode surface.
• Tested Zn||Zn symmetric cells and Zn||PANI/CNT full cells with PD-modified electrolyte.

Main Results:

• PD demonstrated selective zincophilic adsorption on the anode surface and Zn2+-phobicity in the bulk electrolyte.
• Suppressed side reactions and regulated Zn2+ deposition, inhibiting dendrite formation.
• Achieved over 2100 h cycling stability in symmetric cells and 81.0% capacity retention after 1300 cycles in full cells.

Conclusions:

• The adsorption-differential design strategy using PD is effective for AZIB performance enhancement.
• PD additive resolves the trade-off between cycling stability and reaction kinetics in AZIBs.
• This approach offers a scalable and cost-effective pathway for practical AZIB applications.