Triple-Helix Biomolecules Construct Self-Adaptive Multi-Phase Interfaces for Dendrites Immunized Zinc Metal Anodes

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Aqueous zinc metal batteries offer safe and cost-effective large-scale energy storage.
• Challenges include uncontrolled zinc dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution corrosion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a collagen-engineered separator for stable interfaces in aqueous zinc batteries.
• To address limitations of zinc dendrite growth and corrosion through biomolecular design.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of collagen-coated cotton fiber (COL@COT) separators.
• Utilizing collagen's triple-helix structure for directional ion migration.
• Investigating collagen's secondary structure evolution for self-adaptive solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation.

Main Results:

• COL@COT separators enabled continuous collagen release and dynamic interfacial regulation.
• A self-adaptive organic-inorganic SEI formed, enhancing interfacial stability.
• Achieved dendrite-free zinc plating/stripping with ultralong cycling stability (>2200 h) in Zn||Zn symmetric cells.

Conclusions:

• A secondary-structure-programmed biomolecular approach for interphase engineering was demonstrated.
• The study bridges structural biology and electrochemistry for sustainable energy storage.
• Bio-derived materials offer a promising avenue for advanced battery design.