An In-Depth Study of Zn Metal Surface Chemistry for Advanced Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries

Authors

Junnan Hao, University of WollongongFollow
Bo Li
Xiaolong Li, University of Wollongong
Xiaohui Zeng, University of WollongongFollow
Shilin ZhangFollow
Fuhua Yang, University of WollongongFollow
Sailin Liu, University of WollongongFollow
Dan Li
Chao Wu, University of WollongongFollow
Zaiping Guo, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

144373

Publication Details

Hao, J., Li, B., Li, X., Zeng, X., Zhang, S., Yang, F., Liu, S., Li, D., Wu, C. & Guo, Z. (2020). An In-Depth Study of Zn Metal Surface Chemistry for Advanced Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries. Advanced Materials,

Abstract

© 2020 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim Although Zn metal has been regarded as the most promising anode for aqueous batteries, it persistently suffers from serious side reactions and dendrite growth in mild electrolyte. Spontaneous Zn corrosion and hydrogen evolution damage the shelf life and calendar life of Zn-based batteries, severely affecting their industrial applications. Herein, a robust and homogeneous ZnS interphase is built in situ on the Zn surface by a vapor–solid strategy to enhance Zn reversibility. The thickness of the ZnS film is controlled via the treatment temperature, and the performance of the protected Zn electrode is optimized. The dense ZnS artificial layer obtained at 350 °C not only suppresses Zn corrosion by forming a physical barrier on the Zn surface, but also inhibits dendrite growth via guiding the Zn plating/stripping underneath the artificial layer. Accordingly, a side reaction-free and dendrite-free Zn electrode is developed, the effectiveness of which is also convincing in a MnO2/ZnS@Zn full-cell with 87.6% capacity retention after 2500 cycles.