In a significant stride towards enhancing the performance and longevity of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), researchers have introduced an innovative solution that could reshape the energy storage landscape. The study, led by Qiuxia Zhang from the State Key Laboratory of High Pressure and Superhard Materials at Jilin University in China, focuses on mitigating undesirable side reactions at the zinc anode interface, a critical challenge hindering the development of AZIBs.
The research, published in the journal SmartMat (translated to English as “Smart Materials”), introduces an artificial interlayer made of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the zinc anode surface. This interlayer is constructed using magnetron sputtering technology, resulting in an ultra-thin, uniform, and stable porous structure. “The TiO2 interlayer acts as a physical barrier and regulates ion flux, effectively suppressing and reducing side reactions such as zinc dendrites, hydrogen evolution, and corrosion,” explains Zhang.
The experimental results are promising. Zinc-zinc symmetric cells using the TiO2-coated zinc anode exhibited symmetric charge–discharge curves and an ultra-long cycle life of over 5100 hours at 5 mA/cm2, which is approximately 51 times longer than the bare zinc anode. When integrated into a full cell with manganese dioxide (MnO2), the cell retained a reversible capacity of approximately 108.4 mA∙h/g after 1000 cycles, demonstrating a relatively stable cycling performance compared to the bare zinc anode.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. AZIBs are considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, the side reactions at the zinc anode interface have been a significant hurdle. This research provides a facile process technology to construct an artificial interlayer, offering a potential solution to this longstanding problem.
“The construction of an artificial interlayer on the zinc anode surface is a significant step forward,” says Zhang. “It not only enhances the performance and longevity of AZIBs but also paves the way for their broader application in the energy sector.”
As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions, this research could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AZIBs. By addressing the critical issue of side reactions at the zinc anode interface, the study opens new avenues for the development of high-performance, long-lasting energy storage systems. The findings, published in SmartMat, underscore the importance of innovative materials and technologies in driving progress in the energy sector.