Designing multidimensional hydration inhibitor towards the long cycling performance of zinc powder anode

Abstract

The corrosion effects of Zn atoms/ions multidimensional hydration on Zn powder anode interface is a challenge, limiting the practical application of aqueous Zn-based energy storage devices. In this study, an ionic liquid-based multidimensional hydration inhibitor, 1-carboxymethyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide (CAVImBr), is proposed to inhibit water-induced corrosion effects on the Zn powder anode and achieve long-cycle performance (>1000 h) under higher Zn utilization conditions. Theoretical simulations show that CAVImBr can generate stronger binding energy for Zn ions in the electrolyte and adsorption energy for Zn atoms of the Zn powder surface. As a result, CAVImBr can remarkably attenuate the reaction of active water molecules with a highly active Zn powder anode to realize a flat/compact deposition morphology and high plating/stripping stability of the Zn powder anode. This study provides an idea to solve multidimensional hydration issues and improve the practicability of the Zn powder anode.