Dynamic electrostatic shielding enables (101)-plane preferred deposition for durable aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) face challenges like dendrite formation and side reactions.
• These issues stem from uneven ion flux and high water activity at the electrode-electrolyte interface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel dynamic electrostatic shielding strategy for AZIBs.
• To utilize amine/carboxyl-rich carbon quantum dots (FNCQDs) as a multifunctional electrolyte additive.

Main Methods:

• Integrated experimental and theoretical analyses were performed.
• FNCQDs were employed to homogenize Zn2+ flux and anchor Zn2+ ions.
• Electrolyte restructuring, including solvation sheath and hydrogen-bond network modulation, was investigated.

Main Results:

• FNCQDs promoted dense zinc deposition favoring the (101) crystal plane, reducing polarization.
• The electrolyte additive suppressed water activity and parasitic reactions.
• Zn||Zn symmetric cells exceeded 3700 hours of cycle life.
• Zn//Cu half-cells achieved 99.9% average coulombic efficiency.
• Zn//VO2 full cells demonstrated excellent rate capability and 93.6% capacity retention over 1500 cycles.

Conclusions:

• The dynamic electrostatic shielding strategy effectively enhances AZIB performance.
• FNCQDs offer a promising approach for developing practical and stable aqueous zinc-based energy storage systems.