Work

Zincophilic polymer nanofiber network as multifunctional interface layer to stabilize Zn metal anodes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Uncontrollable parasitic reactions and excessive dendrite growth on Zn anodes usually cause the rapid cycling deterioration of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). Herein, we constructed a three-dimensional (3D) crosslinked polyamic acid (PAA) nanofiber network serving as a multifunctional interface layer to stabilize the Zn metal anode. The zincophilic PAA interface layer can regulate Zn2+ flux and enhance zinc ions transport kinetics, ensuring the uniform Zn deposition with dendrite-free morphology. Furthermore, the PAA interface layer can effectively suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction and the formation of byproducts, thereby achieving highly reversible Zn plating/stripping. As a result, the Zn@PAA anode exhibits a higher Zn2+ transference number and a lower Zn nucleation overpotential compared with bare Zn. The Zn@PAA symmetrical cell obtains a cycling lifespan exceeding 2,000 h at 1 mA cm⁻², 1 mAh cm⁻² and maintains a stable operation for 1300 h (2 mA cm⁻², 2 mAh cm⁻²) and 700 h (10 mA cm⁻², 1 mAh cm⁻²). Besides, the full cell based on Zn@PAA anode delivers an average specific capacity of 303.2 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 A g⁻¹ and acquires an 87.1% capacity retention rate after 800 cycles, demonstrating a superior modification effect of zincophilic PAA as the protective layer.

Source: Journal of Power Sources

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.238461