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Engineering hydrophobic protective layers on zinc anodes for enhanced performance in aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Citation
Li, T., Yan, S., Dong, H., Zheng, Y., Ming, K., Chen, Y., Li, H., Li, G., He, Z., Li, W., Wang, Q., Song, X., Liu, J., Ang, E. H., & Wang, Y. (2024). Engineering hydrophobic protective layers on zinc anodes for enhanced performance in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Journal of Energy Chemistry, 97, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2024.05.035
Author
Li, Taofeng
•
Yan, Suxia
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Dong, Hongyu
•
Zheng, Yang
•
Ming, Kun
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Chen, Ying
•
Li, Haitao
•
Li, Guochun
•
He, Zhixia
•
Li, Weimin
•
Wang, Quan
•
Song, Xiaohui
•
Liu, Junfeng
•
•
Wang, Yong
Abstract
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries possess substantial potential for energy storage applications; however, they are hampered by challenges such as dendrite formation and uncontrolled side reactions occurring at the zinc anode. In our investigation, we sought to mitigate these issues through the utilization of in situ zinc complex formation reactions to engineer hydrophobic protective layers on the zinc anode surface. These robust interfacial layers serve as effective barriers, isolating the zinc anode from the electrolyte and active water molecules and thereby preventing hydrogen evolution and the generation of undesirable byproducts. Additionally, the presence of numerous zincophilic sites within these protective layers facilitates uniform zinc deposition while concurrently inhibiting dendrite growth. Through comprehensive evaluation of functional anodes featuring diverse functional groups and alkyl chain lengths, we meticulously scrutinized the underlying mechanisms influencing performance variations. This analysis involved precise modulation of interfacial hydrophobicity, rapid Zn2+ ion transport, and ordered deposition of Zn2+ ions. Notably, the optimized anode, fabricated with octadecylphosphate (OPA), demonstrated exceptional performance characteristics. The Zn//Zn symmetric cell exhibited remarkable longevity, exceeding 4000 h under a current density of 2 mA cm−2 and a capacity density of 2 mA h cm−2. Furthermore, when integrated with a VOH cathode, the complete cell exhibited superior capacity retention compared to anodes modified with alternative organic molecules.
Date Issued
2024
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Journal of Energy Chemistry
Project
RI 1/21 EAH
Grant ID
1711510024
4111510015
19JDG044
22008091
CX (21)1007
2023A1515010894
HYJH-2302-A
Funding Agency
Jiangsu Distinguished Professors Project
Jiangsu University
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Jiangsu Agriculture Science and Technology Innovation Fund
Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
Open Project of Luzhou Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical Application Technology
National Institute of Education, Singapore