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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
06:58
Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites
Published on: September 29, 2020
Hydrated Network Interphase with Dynamic Negatively Charged Microregion Enables Ultra-Stable Aqueous Zinc-Ion
Yin Yang1, Xiaofang Wang1, Xin Chen1
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Micro-Nanoelectronic Materials and Devices, School of Integrated Circuits, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430062, People's Republic of China.
Nano-Micro Letters
|June 29, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel method to stabilize zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries by creating a hydrated network interphase (HNI) in situ. This interface engineering strategy significantly enhances battery lifespan and performance for large-scale energy storage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising for grid-scale energy storage.
- Zinc anode instability is a major limitation for AZIB development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an in situ interface engineering strategy for stabilizing zinc anodes in AZIBs.
- To create a hydrated network interphase (HNI) for improved zinc deposition.
Main Methods:
- Monomer-induced in situ interface engineering using acrylamide.
- Synergistic triggering of HNI formation by Zn2+ and SO42- ions.
- Characterization of HNI properties and mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The HNI precisely regulates zinc deposition via Lewis acid-base coordination, Coulombic repulsion, and hydrogen bonding.
- Zn//Zn symmetric cells achieved 8650 hours of cycling life at 1 mA cm-2.
- Zn//Ti cells demonstrated 99.71% average Coulombic efficiency at 5 mA cm-2.
- Zn//I2 full cells retained 89.15% capacity after 12,000 cycles.
Conclusions:
- The developed HNI provides a multifunctional interface for high-performance zinc metal anodes.
- This work presents a novel paradigm for interfacial construction in AZIBs.
- The strategy offers a promising solution for stable and efficient large-scale energy storage.
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