Bio-Inspired Zymogen-Activation Strategy for On-Demand and Bilateral Interphase Formation in Aqueous Zinc-Ion...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Biomimetic Chemistry

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) offer cost and safety advantages but suffer from interfacial instability.
• Failures at both the zinc anode and MnO2 cathode limit the practical application of AZIBs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a biomimetic electrolyte additive strategy for on-demand protection of both electrodes in AZIBs.
• To address interfacial failures and enhance the performance and lifespan of AZIBs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 1,4-butane sultone (BS) as an inert additive that activates upon water attack to form protective interphases.
• Investigated the optimization of Zn2+ solvation structures to reduce desolvation energy.
• Analyzed the role of residual BS in preventing interfacial alkalization.

Main Results:

• The BS-modified Zn//Zn cell achieved a lifespan over 4000 hours.
• The Zn//Cu cell demonstrated an initial Coulombic efficiency of 97.62%.
• Zn//MnO2 full cells retained 92.7% capacity after 100 cycles at 0.2 A g-1 and 80.5% after 8000 cycles at 6 A g-1.

Conclusions:

• The proposed biomimetic strategy effectively creates protective interphases and enhances AZIB performance.
• This approach offers a high-performance electrolyte additive for AZIBs and inspiration for other metal-based battery systems.