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Published on: September 29, 2020
Interfacial Nucleation Processes With SEI Governed for Zinc Ion Batteries
Chenchen Zhang1,2, Xinting Cao1, Zhenyu Wang1
1Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, China.
Small Methods
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a hybrid solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) to control zinc nucleation and growth in batteries. This innovation enables stable zinc electrodeposition and suppresses dendrites, significantly extending battery life.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Zinc metal batteries offer high energy density but suffer from unstable zinc electrodeposition and dendrite formation.
- The solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and substrate significantly influence zinc nucleation, but their interplay is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decouple the influence of the SEI and substrate on zinc nucleation and growth.
- To develop a strategy for controlled zinc plating and stripping for improved battery performance.
Main Methods:
- Constructed an organic-inorganic hybrid SEI to independently control SEI properties.
- Investigated the effects of the hybrid SEI on zinc nucleation and growth mechanisms.
- Evaluated the electrochemical performance of symmetric Zn//Zn cells.
Main Results:
- The hybrid SEI enabled SEI-controlled zinc nucleation and growth, independent of the substrate.
- Zinc preferentially nucleated along the (101) crystal plane, leading to ordered plating/stripping.
- Achieved highly stable zinc electrodeposition with suppressed dendrite formation.
- Symmetric Zn//Zn cells demonstrated an ultra-long cycling life exceeding 6000 hours at 0.25 mA cm⁻².
Conclusions:
- The study provides a universal design principle for sustainable energy storage by controlling interfacial processes.
- Resolves fundamental debates in interfacial electrochemistry regarding SEI and substrate roles.
- Highlights the potential of hybrid SEI strategies for advanced zinc metal batteries.
