Issue 3, 2024

Dendrite-free deposition and side-reaction suppression of zinc anodes achieved via constructing synergistic interface buffer layers

Abstract

Aqueous zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) are expected to be used in grid-scale storage systems due to their superior intrinsic safety and the low manufacturing cost of zinc anodes. However, uncontrolled dendrite deposition and side-reaction pose challenges to the durable operation of ZMBs on a large scale. Herein, we construct a bifunctional buffer layer for zinc anodes (δ-MnO2@Zn), aiming to achieve dendrite-free deposition and side-reaction suppression of zinc anodes that are suitable for large-scale use. Density functional theory calculations and electric field simulations revealed that the δ-MnO2 coating facilitates the desolvation of Zn2+ and promotes uniform diffusion and deposition of Zn2+ on the Zn anode surface. In addition, the porous δ-MnO2 coating acts as a physical buffer layer, and can reduce rampant dendrite deposition by regulating the Zn2+ concentration field and reducing the local current density. Furthermore, the zincophilic δ-MnO2 coating acts as a chemical buffer layer, reducing the amount of bound water in the Zn2+ solvent shell and inhibiting unfavorable side-reaction of the Zn anode. As expected, the δ-MnO2@Zn symmetric cell demonstrates a lifespan of more than 1000 h at a rate of 0.5 mA cm−2 with 0.25 mA h cm−2. Moreover, the full battery assembled with a carbon-based cathode demonstrated outstanding cycling behavior of over 11 500 cycles at 2 A g−1. The conclusions demonstrate the principle of a synergistic interfacial buffer layer on the Zn anode surface, guiding the development of advanced artificial interface layers.

Graphical abstract: Dendrite-free deposition and side-reaction suppression of zinc anodes achieved via constructing synergistic interface buffer layers

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
17 Okt. 2023
Accepted
04 Dec. 2023
First published
09 Dec. 2023

Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2024,8, 524-534

Dendrite-free deposition and side-reaction suppression of zinc anodes achieved via constructing synergistic interface buffer layers

T. Li, B. Zhou, Z. Yan, A. Hu, M. Liu, X. Liu, L. Liu, M. He, J. Chen and J. Long, Sustainable Energy Fuels, 2024, 8, 524 DOI: 10.1039/D3SE01334K

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