Dendrite‐Free Zinc Deposition Induced by Multifunctional CNT Frameworks for Stable Flexible Zn‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

The current boom of safe and renewable energy storage systems is driving the recent renaissance of Zn‐ion batteries. However, the notorious tip‐induced dendrite growth on the Zn anode restricts their further application. Herein, the first demonstration of constructing a flexible 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) framework as a Zn plating/stripping scaffold is constituted to achieve a dendrite‐free robust Zn anode. Compared with the pristine deposited Zn electrode, the as‐fabricated Zn/CNT anode affords lower Zn nucleation overpotential and more homogeneously distributed electric field, thus being more favorable for highly reversible Zn plating/stripping with satisfactory Coulombic efficiency rather than the formation of Zn dendrites or other byproducts. As a consequence, a highly flexible symmetric cell based on the Zn/CNT anode presents appreciably low voltage hysteresis (27 mV) and superior cycling stability (200 h) with dendrite‐free morphology at 2 mA cm−2, accompanied by a high depth of discharge (DOD) of 28%. Such distinct performance overmatches most of recently reported Zn‐based anodes. Additionally, this efficient rechargeability of the Zn/CNT anode also enables a substantially stable Zn//MnO2 battery with 88.7% capacity retention after 1000 cycles and remarkable mechanical flexibility.

Hydrogen‐Free and Dendrite‐Free All‐Solid‐State Zn‐Ion Batteries

“…It should be noted that the low coulombic efficiency in first cycle is ascribed to the existence of nucleation process on the surface of SS in the first deposition process. [ 30–32 ] Furthermore, the Zn plating/stripping behaviors are investigated with a fixed deposition capacity of 0.5 mAh cm −2 at different current densities from 0.2 to 10 mA cm −2 (Figure 2f). The result shows that all of coulombic efficiencies can maintain at above 98.5%, demonstrating that the ILZE is promising to be used for high‐rate Zn batteries.…”

Two‐Dimensional Transition Metal Carbides and Nitrides (MXenes): Synthesis, Properties, and Electrochemical Energy Storage Applications

“…Nowadays, energy storage devices (ESDs) are playing a crucial role in smart electronics and wearable textiles. Rechargeable batteries (including Li, Na, K, Zn‐ions) as well as supercapacitors are being considered as promising energy storage devices for sustainable development of smart electronics . While batteries are known for their high energy density, the cycle life and charging/discharging rate are unfavorable in most cases .…”

Electrode Design for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Problems and Solutions

“…[ 14,24 ] Therefore, exploring new advanced battery systems with large energy density, are highly desirable to alleviate this technological challenge and enable the development of new energy‐intensive devices. [ 10,25,26 ]…”