Towards advanced zinc anodes by interfacial modification strategies for efficient aqueous zinc metal batteries

Developing sustainable and clean energy sources(e.g.,solar,wind,and tide energy)is essential to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.Due to the discontinuous and inco nsistent nature of common clean energy sources,high-performance energy storage technologies are a critical part of achieving this target.Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)with inherent safety,low cost,and competitive performance are regarded as one of the promising candidates for grid-scale energy storage.However,zinc metal anodes(ZMAs)with irreversible problems of dendrite growth,hydrogen evolution reaction,self-corrosio n,and other side reactions have seriously hindered the development and commercialization of AZMBs.An increasing number of researchers are focusing on the stability of ZMAs,so assessing the effectiveness of existing research strategies is critical to the development of AZMBs.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and challenges of AZMBs.Resea rch strategies for interfacial modification of ZMAs are systematically presented.The features of artificial interfacial coating and in-situ interfacial coating of ZMAs are compared and discussed in detail,as well as the effect of modified interfacial ZMA on the full-battery performance.Finally,perspectives are provided on the problems and challenges of ZMAs.This review is expected to offer a constructive reference for the further development and commercialization of AZMBs.

Design Strategies for Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries with High Zinc Utilization: From Metal Anodes to Anode-Free Structures

Aqueous zinc metal batteries(AZMBs)are promising candidates for next-generation energy storage due to the excellent safety, environmental friendliness, natural abundance, high theoretical specific capacity, and low redox potential of zinc(Zn) metal. However,several issues such as dendrite formation, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation of Zn metal anodes cause irreversible loss of the active materials. To solve these issues, researchers often use large amounts of excess Zn to ensure a continuous supply of active materials for Zn anodes. This leads to the ultralow utilization of Zn anodes and squanders the high energy density of AZMBs. Herein, the design strategies for AZMBs with high Zn utilization are discussed in depth, from utilizing thinner Zn foils to constructing anode-free structures with theoretical Zn utilization of 100%, which provides comprehensive guidelines for further research. Representative methods for calculating the depth of discharge of Zn anodes with different structures are first summarized. The reasonable modification strategies of Zn foil anodes, current collectors with pre-deposited Zn, and anode-free aqueous Zn metal batteries(AF-AZMBs) to improve Zn utilization are then detailed. In particular, the working mechanism of AF-AZMBs is systematically introduced. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for constructing high-utilization Zn anodes are presented.

Stable and reversible zinc metal anode with fluorinated graphite nanosheets surface coating

A highly stable zinc metal anode modified with a fluorinated graphite nanosheets(FGNSs)coating was designed.The porous structure of the coating layer effectively hinders lateral mass transfer of Zn ions and suppresses dendrite growth.Moreover,the high electronegativity exhibited by fluorine atoms creates an almost superhydrophobic solid-liquid interface,thereby reducing the interaction between solvent water and the zinc substrate.Consequently,this leads to a significant inhibition of hydrogen evolution corrosion and other side reactions.The modified anode demonstrates exceptional cycling stability,as symmetric cells exhibit sustained cycling for over 1400 h at a current density of 5 mA/cm^(2).Moreover,the full cells with NH_(4)V_(4)O_(10)cathode exhibit an impressive capacity retention rate of 92.2%after undergoing 1000 cycles.

Achieving an ion-homogenizing and corrosion-resisting interface through nitro-coordination chemistry for stable zinc metal anodes

Suppression of uncontrollable dendrite growth and water-induced side reactions of Zn metal anodes is crucial for achieving long-lasting cycling stability and facilitating the practical implementations of aqueous Zn-metal batteries.To address these challenges,we report in this study a functional nitro-cellulose interfacial layer(NCIL)on the surface of Zn anodes enlightened by a nitro-coordination chemistry strategy.The NCIL exhibits strong zincophilicity and superior coordination capability with Zn^(2+)due to the highly electronegative and highly nucleophilic nature of the nitro functional group.This characteristic facilitates a rapid Zn-ion desolvation process and homogeneous Zn plating,effectively preventing H_(2) evolution and dendrite formation.Additionally,the negatively charged surface of NCIL acts as a shield,repelling SO_(4)^(2-)anions and inhibiting corrosive reactions on the Zn surface.Remarkably,reversible and stable Zn plating/stripping is achieved for over 5100 h at a current density of 1 mA cm^(-2),which is nearly 30 times longer than that of bare Zn anodes.Furthermore,the Zn/V_(2)O_(5) full cells with the functional interface layer deliver a high-capacity retention of 80.3%for over 10,000 cycles at 5 A g^(-1).This research offers valuable insights for the rational development of advanced protective interface layers in order to achieve ultra-long-lifeZnmetal batteries.

Rational screening of metal coating on Zn anode for ultrahigh-cumulative-capacity aqueous zinc metal batteries

Aqueous zinc metal batteries feature intrinsic safety,but suffer from severe dendrite growth and water-derived side reactions.Many metal coatings have been explored for stabilizing Zn metal anode via a trialand-error approach.Here,we propose an exercisable way to screen the potential metal coating on Zn anodes in view of de-polarization effect and dendrite-suppressing ability theoretically.As an output of this screening,cadmium(Cd) metal is checked experimentally.Therefore,symmetric ZnllZn cells using Cd coated Zn(Zn@Cd) exhibit an ultra-long cycle life of 3500 h(nearly 5 months) at a high current density of 10 mA cm^(-2),achieving a record-high cumulative capacity(35 A h cm^(-2)) compared to the previous reports.The full cells of Zn@Cd‖MnO_(2) display a markedly improved cycling performance under harsh conditions including a limited Zn supply(N/P ratio=1.7) and a high areal capacity(3.5 mA h cm^(-2)).The significance of this work lies in not only the first report of Cd coating for stabilizing Zn metal anode,but also a feasible way to screen the promising metal materials for other metal anodes.

Manipulating the ion-transference and deposition kinetics by regulating the surface chemistry of zinc metal anodes for rechargeable zinc-air batteries

Aqueous zinc-air battery(ZAB)has attractive features as the potential energy storage system such as high safety,low cost and good environmental compatibility.However,the issue of dendrite growth on zinc metal anodes has seriously hindered the development of ZAB.Herein,the N-doped carbon cloth(NC)prepared via magnetron sputtering is explored as the substrate to induce the uniform nucleation of zinc metal and suppress dendrite growth.Results show that the introduction of heteroatoms accelerates the migration and deposition kinetics of Zn^(2+)by boosting the desolvation process of Zn^(2+),eventually reducing the nucleation overpotential.Besides,theoretical calculation results confirm the zincophilicity of N-containing functional group(such as pyridine N and pyrrole N),which can guide the nucleation and growth of zinc uniformly on the electrode surface by both promoting the redistribution of Zn^(2+) in the vicinity of the surface and enhancing its interaction with zinc atoms.As a result,the half-cell assembled with magnetron sputtered carbon cloth achieves a high zinc stripping/plating coulombic efficiency of 98.8%and long-term stability of over 500 cycles at 0.2 mA cm^(-2).And the Coulombic efficiency reached about 99.5%at the 10th cycle and maintained for more than 210 cycles at a high current density of 5.0 mA cm^(-2).The assembled symmetrical battery can deliver 220 plating/stripping cycles with ultra-low voltage hysteresis of only 11 mV.In addition,the assembled zinc-air full battery with NC-Zn anode delivers a high special capacity of about 429 mAh g_(Zn)^(-1) and a long life of over 430 cycles.The effectiveness of surface functionalization in promoting the transfer and deposition kinetics of Zn^(2+) presented in this work shows enlightening significance in the development of metal anodes in aqueous electrolytes.

Recent Progress and Prospects on Dendrite-free Engineerings for Aqueous Zinc Metal Anodes

Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries with mild aqueous electrolytes are one of the most promising systems for large-scale energy storage as a result of their inherent safety,low cost,environmental-friendliness,and acceptable energy density.However,zinc metal anodes always suffer from unwanted dendrite growth,leading to low Coulombic efficiency and poor cycle stability and during the repeated plating/stripping processes,which substantially restrict their further development and application.To solve these critical issues,a lot of research works have been dedicated to overcoming the drawbacks associated with zinc metal anodes.In this overview,the working mechanisms and existing issues of the zinc metal anodes are first briefly outlined.Moreover,we look into the ongoing processes of the different strategies for achieving highly stable and dendrite-free zinc metal anodes,including crystal engineering,structural engineering,coating engineering,electrolyte engineering,and separator engineering.Finally,some challenges being faced and prospects in this field are provided,together with guiding significant research directions in the future.

Different surface modification methods and coating materials of zinc metal anode

Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries(AZIBs)are one of the most promising energy storage devices for large-scale energy storage owing to their high specific capacity,eco-friendliness,low cost and high safety.Nevertheless,zinc metal anodes suffer from severe dendrite growth and side reactions,resulting in the inferior electrochemical performance of AZIBs.To address these problems,surface modification of zinc metal anodes is a facile and effective method to regulate the interaction between the zinc anode and an electrolyte.In this review,the current challenges and strategies for zinc metal anodes are presented.Furthermore,recent advances in surface modification strategies to improve their electrochemical performance are concluded and discussed.Finally,challenges and prospects for future development of zinc metal anodes are proposed.We hope this review will be useful for designing and fabricating highperformance AZIBs and boosting their practical applications.

Issues and Future Perspective on Zinc Metal Anode for Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc-ion Batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs) featuring the merits of low cost,eco-friendliness,and enhanced safety have attracted extensive interests and considered as the most promising energy storage system.However,much efforts are devoted to the exploration of cathode materials and their storage mechanisms in this system,and inadequate attentions are received in regard to anode side especially in neutral or mild acidic electrolyte.Therefore,in this review,the fundamental understanding of existing issues including dendrite formation,corrosion,and hydrogen evolution are mainly revealed,as well as their interaction in neutral or mild acidic medium.In addition,the currently existing solution strategies on the anode are summarized and the mechanisms that contained are simultaneously investigated.Finally,perspectives on future anode modification and innovation direction are provided for the further development and research of Zn-based ZIBs.

Critical factors to inhibit water-splitting side reaction in carbon-based electrode materials for zinc metal anodes

Zinc metal anodes(ZMA)have high theoretical capacities(820 mAh g−1 and 5855 mAh cm−3)and redox potential(−0.76 V vs.standard hydrogen electrode),similar to the electrochemical voltage window of the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)in a mild acidic electrolyte system,facilitating aqueous zinc batteries competitive in next-generation energy storage devices.However,the HER and byproduct formation effectuated by water-splitting deteriorate the electrochemical performance of ZMA,limiting their application.In this study,a key factor in promoting the HER in carbon-based electrode materials(CEMs),which can provide a larger active surface area and guide uniform zinc metal deposition,was investigated using a series of threedimensional structured templating carbon electrodes(3D-TCEs)with different local graphitic orderings,pore structures,and surface properties.The ultramicropores of CEMs are the determining critical factors in initiating HER and clogging active surfaces by Zn(OH)2 byproduct formation,through a systematic comparative study based on the 3D-TCE series samples.When the 3D-TCEs had a proper graphitic structure with few ultramicropores,they showed highly stable cycling performances over 2000 cycles with average Coulombic efficiencies of≥99%.These results suggest that a well-designed CEM can lead to high-performance ZMA in aqueous zinc batteries.

Kinetic Study of Cementation of Copper on Zinc Metal in Ethanol-Water Mixtures

The cementation reaction of copper on zinc metal in solutions of different concentrations ofcopper sulphate, at 25℃, has been studied and it is found to be a first order reaction. Moreover,the rates of this reaction at 0.15 mol'L-1 copper sulphate solution have been measured in a varietyof ethanol-water media at temperatures from 20℃ to 40℃. The correlation between the masstransfer coefficient and the dielectric constant has been investigated. Also, the thermodynamicparameters of activation have been calculated. The isokinetic relationship reveals the existenceof compensation effect, where the solute-solvent interactions play an important role.

Insight into the development of electrolytes for aqueous zinc metal batteries from alkaline to neutral

Aqueous zinc metal batteries are considered as promising candidates for next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices,especially for large-scale energy storage,due to the advantages of high-safety,high energy density and low cost.As the bridge connecting cathode and anode,electrolyte provides a realistic operating environment.In alkaline and neutral aqueous zinc metal batteries,issues associated with electrolyte and anode are still intractable.In this review,we reveal the development and evolution of electrolytes for aqueous zinc metal batteries from alkaline to neutral via the description of fundamentals and challenges in terms of comparison and connection.We also elaborate the strategies in electrolytes regulation and highlight the basic roles and progresses in additives engineering.

Imide-pillared covalent organic framework protective films as stable zinc ion-conducting interphases for dendrite-free Zn metal anodes

The notorious growth of zinc dendrite and the water-induced corrosion of zinc metal anodes(ZMAs)restrict the practical development of aqueous zinc ion batteries(AZIBs).In this work,a zinc metallized,imide-pillared covalent organic framework(ZPC)protective film has been engineered as a stable Zn^(2+)ion-conducting interphase to modulate interfacial kinetics and suppress side reactions for ZMAs.Compared to bare Zn,ZPC@Zn exhibits a higher Zn^(2+)ionic conductivity,a larger Zn^(2+)transference number,a lower electronic conductivity,a smaller desolvation activation energy and correspondingly a significant suppression of corrosion,hydrogen evolution and Zn dendrites.Impressively,the ZPC@Zn||ZPC@Zn symmetric cell obtains a cycling lifespan over 3000 h under 5 mA cm^(-2)for 1 mA h cm^(-2).The ZPC@Zn||NH_(4)V_(4)O_(10)coin-type full battery delivers a specific capacity of 195.8 mA h g^(-1)with a retention rate of78.5%at 2 A g^(-1)after 1100 cycles,and the ZPC@Zn||NH_(4)V_(4)O_(10) pouch full cell shows a retention of70.1%in reversible capacity at 3 A g^(-1)after 1100 cycles.The present incorporation of imide-linked covalent organic frameworks in the surface modification of ZMAs will offer fresh perspectives in the search for ideal protective films for the practicality of AZIBs.

A promising solution for highly reversible zinc metal anode chemistry:Functional gradient interphase

Rechargeable zinc(Zn)metal batteries have long been plagued by dendrite growth and parasitic reactions due to the absence of a stable Zn-ion conductive solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI).Although the current strategies assist in suppressing dendritic Zn growth,it is still a challenge to obtain the operation-stability of Zn anode with high Coulombic efficiency(CE)required to implement a sustainable and long-cycling life of Zn metal batteries.In this perspective,we summarize the advantages of the functional gradient interphase(FGI)and try to fundamentally understand the transport behaviors of Zn ions,based on recently an article understanding Zn chemistry.The correlation between the function-orientated design of gradient interphase and key challenges of Zn metal anodes in accelerating Zn2+transport kinetics,improving electrode reversibility,and inhibiting Zn dendrite growth and side reactions was particularly emphasized.Finally,the rational design and innovative directions are provided for the development and application of functional gradient interphase in rechargeable Zn metal battery systems.

Copper-based materials in anode electrode of aqueous zinc metal batteries

Aqueous zinc metal batteries have attracted much attention in the field of large-scale energy storage due to their abundant resources,high safety,low cost,and high theoretical energy density.However,Zn anodes suffer from serious problems such as dendrite growth,hydrogen evolution reaction,corrosion,and passivation.Cu-based materials have a wide range of applications in Zn anodes due to their excellent zincophilicity.Unfortunately,relevant review on Cu-based materials in anode electrode is still lacking.This review focuses on the progress,issues,and optimization strategies of Cu-based materials in Zn anodes.The application of Cu collectors in Zn anodes and the corresponding modifications are also highlighted.Finally,insights and future directions related to Cu-based materials for modified Zn anode and Cu collectors are presented to provide scientific guidance for future research.

Suppressing interfacial side reactions of zinc metal anode via isolation effect toward high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc(Zn)-ion batteries(AZIBs)are one of the most promising large-scale energy storage devices because of the excellent features of zinc metal anodes,including high theoretical capacity(5,855 mAh·cm^(–3)and 820 mAh·g^(−1)),high safety,and natural abundance.Nevertheless,the large-scale applications of AZIBs are mainly limited by the severe interfacial side reactions of zinc metal anodes,which results in low plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency and poor cycling stability.To address this issue,we report an artificial Ta_(2)O_(5)protective layer on zinc foil(Ta_(2)O_(5)@Zn)for suppressing side reactions during Zn deposition/stripping.The results of density functional theory calculation and experiments indicate that Ta_(2)O_(5)@Zn anode can inhibit the side reactions between the electrolyte and zinc anode through the isolation effect.Benefiting from this advantage,the symmetric cells with Ta_(2)O_(5)@Zn anode delivered an ultralong lifespan of 3,000 h with a low overpotential at 0.25 mA·cm^(−2)for 0.05 mAh·cm^(−2).Furthermore,the full cells consisting of Ta_(2)O_(5)@Zn anode and MnO_(2)or NH_(4)V_(4)O_(10)cathode all present outstanding electrochemical performance,indicating its high reliability in practical applications.This strategy brings new opportunities for the future development of rechargeable AZIBs.

Preparation of metal zinc from hemimorphite by vacuum carbothermic reduction with CaF_2 as catalyst

Zn reduction was investigated by the vacuum carbothermic reduction of hemimorphite with or without CaF2 as catalyst.Results indicate that CaF2 can catalyze the carbothermic reduction of zinc silicate,decrease the reaction temperature and time.The lower the reaction temperature and the more the amount of CaF2,the better the catalytic effect.The optimal process condition is obtained as follows：the addition of about 10% CaF2,the reaction temperature of 1373 K,the molar ratio of C to ZnTotal of 2.5,the pressure of system lower than 20 kPa,the reaction time of about 40 min.Under the optimal process condition,the zinc reduction rate is about 93% from hemimorphite.

Cooling rate dependence of polymorph selection during rapid solidification of liquid metal zinc

The polymorph selection during rapid solidification of zinc melt was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. Several methods including g（r）, energy, CNS, basic cluster and visualization were used to analyze the results. The results reveal that the cooling rate has no observable effect on the microstructure as TTc（Tc is the onset temperature of crystallization）; and at the first stage of crystallization, although microstructures are different, the morphologies of nucleus are similar, which are composed of HCP and FCC layers; the polymorph selection of cooling rate finally takes place at the second stage of crystallization： at a high cooling rate, the rapid increase of FCC atoms leads to a FCC crystal mixed with less HCP structures; while at a low cooling rate, HCP atoms grow at the expense of FCC atoms, resulting in an almost perfect HCP phase. The results reveal that the cooling rate is one of the important factors for polymorph selection.

Intrinsically zincophobic protective layer for dendrite-free zinc metal anode

Aqueous zinc anodes have attracted the attention of many researchers owing to their high safety,low cost,and high theoretical specific capacity.However,its practical application is severely limited by the dendrite growth on zinc anode.Herein,we develop an intrinsically zincophobic barium-titanate protective layer with a porous structure to suppress the zinc dendrite formation by homogenizing the ion distribution on the anode surface,increasing the nucleation sites,and limiting the irregular zinc growth.Based on these synergistic effects,the coated zinc anode can exhibit long cycle life(840 h at 0.5 mA/cm^(2) for 0.5 mAh/cm^(2))and low voltage hysteresis(36 mV).This work can provide a feasible direction for the design of intrinsically zincophobic coating materials to uniformize the zinc stripping and plating.

Quasi‑Solid Electrolyte Interphase Boosting Charge and Mass Transfer for Dendrite‑Free Zinc Battery

The practical applications of zinc metal batteries are plagued by the dendritic propagation of its metal anodes due to the limited transfer rate of charge and mass at the electrode/electrolyte interphase.To enhance the reversibility of Zn metal,a quasi-solid interphase composed by defective metal-organic framework(MOF)nanoparticles(D-UiO-66)and two kinds of zinc salts electrolytes is fabricated on the Zn surface served as a zinc ions reservoir.Particularly,anions in the aqueous electrolytes could be spontaneously anchored onto the Lewis acidic sites in defective MOF channels.With the synergistic effect between the MOF channels and the anchored anions,Zn^(2+)transport is prompted significantly.Simultaneously,such quasi-solid interphase boost charge and mass transfer of Zn^(2+),leading to a high zinc transference number,good ionic conductivity,and high Zn^(2+)concentration near the anode,which mitigates Zn dendrite growth obviously.Encouragingly,unprecedented average coulombic efficiency of 99.8%is achieved in the Zn||Cu cell with the proposed quasi-solid interphase.The cycling performance of D-UiO-66@Zn||MnO_(2)(~92.9%capacity retention after 2000 cycles)and D-UiO-66@Zn||NH_(4)V_(4)O_(10)(~84.0%capacity retention after 800 cycles)prove the feasibility of the quasi-solid interphase.