Work

Regulating the space charge at interface by negative polar biomolecule enabling ultrastable Zn anode chemistry

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The irreversibility of Zn metal anode arising from uncontrollable dendrite growth and hydrogen evolution reaction, especially at high current densities, has challenged the commercialization application of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Here we report biomolecule additive, named xanthan gum, to solve these issues through making use of dissociated -COO- groups to reduce space charge near the anode-electrolyte interface and form H2O-poor electrical double layer to regulate the Zn deposition behaviors. Meanwhile, the dissolved xanthan gum with multiple polar groups can break the association between H2O and Zn2+ to reconstruct solvated structures of Zn ions to suppress HER. Therefore, the Zn//Zn symmetric cells in ZnSO4 electrolyte with xanthan gum deliver an ultra-long cycle life (>4700 h), and also present excellent cycling performances in other electrolyte (Zn(OAc)2 and Zn(OTf)2). More importantly, a high coulombic efficiency of 99.7% is achieved using Zn//Cu half cells tested and excellent cycling life for KVO//Zn full cells. This work provides the guidance to design the electrolyte additive for highly reversible Zn metal batteries.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2024.157079

Authors: Qianzheng Jin, Shaopeng Zheng, Zhenxiong Huang, Kai Jiang

Language: English

Topic: Advanced battery technologies research

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,490

Funders: China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Zhengzhou University