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Molecular-Anion Interfacial Engineering for Solid Electrolyte Interphase to Obtain High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion
Rong Li1, Huanqian Shi1, Xutong Li1
1College of Chemistry, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sustainable Advanced Functional Materials, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|June 24, 2026
Summary
A novel hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) using citric acid and zinc triflate in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) effectively suppresses dendrite growth and enhances battery lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) face challenges with uncontrolled zinc dendrite growth and interfacial reactions, limiting their cyclability.
- Developing stable solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) is crucial for improving AZIB performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a robust organic-inorganic hybrid SEI on Zn anodes for enhanced AZIBs.
- To investigate the formation mechanism and protective effects of the hybrid SEI.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a hybrid SEI using citric acid (CA) and Zn(OTf)2 in a ZnSO4 electrolyte.
- Analyzed SEI composition and structure, including gradient organic outer layer and inorganic inner layer (ZnF2, ZnO, ZnS).
- Tested Zn||Cu, Zn||Zn symmetric, and Zn||MnO2 full cells to evaluate electrochemical performance.
Main Results:
- The hybrid SEI stabilized the Zn/electrolyte interface, suppressed corrosion, and promoted uniform Zn2+ deposition.
- Zn||Cu cells achieved 99.9% Coulombic efficiency over 5500 cycles.
- Zn||Zn symmetric cells cycled stably for over 2438 hours.
- Zn||MnO2 full cells retained 88% capacity after 1414 cycles.
Conclusions:
- The developed organic-inorganic hybrid SEI is an effective strategy for creating robust interphases in AZIBs.
- This approach significantly enhances the long-term cyclability and durability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
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