An artificial interfacial layer with biomimetic ionic channels towards highly stable Li metal anodes

Rechargeable aqueous zinc–ion batteries are regarded as promising energy storage devices due to their attractive economic benefits and extraordinary electrochemical performance. However, the sluggish Zn2+ mass transfer behavior and water‐induced parasitic reactions that occurred on the anode–electrode interface inevitably restrain their applications. Herein, inspired by the selective permeability and superior stability of plasma membrane, a thin UiO‐66 metal‐organic framework layer with smart aperture size is ex‐situ decorated onto the Zn anode. Experimental characterizations in conjunction with theoretical calculations demonstrate that this bio‐inspired layer promotes the de‐solvation process of hydrated Zn2+ and reduces the effective contact between the anode and H2O molecules, thereby boosting Zn2+ deposition kinetics and restraining interfacial parasitic reactions. Hence, the Zn||Zn cells could sustain a long lifespan of 1680 h and the Zn||Cu cells yielded a stable coulombic efficiency of over 99.3% throughout 600 cycles under the assistance of the bio‐inspired layer. Moreover, pairing with δ‐MnO2 cathode, the full cells also demonstrate prominent cycling stability and rate performance. From the bio‐inspired design philosophy, this work provides a novel insight into the development of aqueous batteries.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Synergistic Modulation of Mass Transfer and Parasitic Reactions of Zn Metal Anode via Bioinspired Artificial Protection Layer

Gou,

Chen,

Luo

et al. 2023

Stable Zinc Anode Facilitated by Regenerated Silk Fibroin‐modified Hydrogel Protective Layer

Huo,

Ming,

Wang

et al. 2024

Inherent dendrite growth and side reactions of zinc anode caused by its unstable interface in aqueous electrolytes severely limit the practical applications of zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs). To overcome these challenges, a protective layer for Zn anode inspired by cytomembrane structure is developed with PVA as framework and silk fibroin gel suspension (SFs) as modifier. This PVA/SFs gel‐like layer exerts similar to the solid electrolyte interphase, optimizing the anode‐electrolyte interface and Zn2+ solvation structure. Through interface improvement, controlled Zn2+ migration/diffusion, and desolvation, this buffer layer effectively inhibits dendrite growth and side reactions. The additional SFs provide functional improvement and better interaction with PVA by abundant functional groups, achieving a robust and durable Zn anode with high reversibility. Thus, the PVA/SFs@Zn symmetric cell exhibits an ultra‐long lifespan of 3150 h compared to bare Zn (182 h) at 1.0 mAh cm−2–1.0 mAh cm−2, and excellent reversibility with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.04% under a large plating capacity for 800 cycles. Moreover, the PVA/SFs@Zn||PANI/CC full cells maintain over 20 000 cycles with over 80% capacity retention under harsh conditions at 5 and 10 A g−1. This SF‐modified protective layer for Zn anode suggests a promising strategy for reliable and high‐performance ZIBs.

Development and Optimization of Thin‐Lithium‐Metal Anodes with a Lithium Lanthanum Titanate Stabilization Coating for Enhancement of Lithium–Sulfur Battery Performance

Wang,

Chung

2024

Lithium‐ion batteries are dominating high‐energy‐density energy storage for 30 years. However, their development approaches theoretical limits, spurring the development of lithium–sulfur cells that achieve high energy densities through reversible electrochemical conversion reactions. Nevertheless, the commercialization of lithium–sulfur cells is hindered by practical challenges associated primarily with the use of thick‐lithium anodes, low‐loading sulfur cathodes, and high electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratios, which prevent realization of the cells’ full potential in terms of electrochemical and material performance. To solve these extrinsic and intrinsic problems, the effect of lithium‐metal thickness on the electrochemical behavior of lithium–sulfur cells with high‐loading sulfur cathodes in lean‐electrolyte configurations is investigated. Specifically, lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO), a solid electrolyte, is utilized to form an ionically/electronically conductive coating to stabilize lithium‐metal anodes, thereby enhancing their lithium‐ion pathways and interfacial charge transfer. Electrochemical analyses reveal that an LLTO coating significantly reduces excessive reactions between lithium metal and an electrolyte, thereby minimizing lithium consumption and electrolyte depletion. Further, LLTO‐stabilized lithium anodes improve lithium–sulfur cell performance, and most importantly, allow the fabrication of thin‐lithium, high‐loading‐sulfur cells that open a pathway toward high‐energy‐density batteries.