Guiding Principles for the Design of Artificial Interface Layer for Zinc Metal Anode

Abstract

Zinc-ion battery has become a research hotspot in the energy storage field due to its low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. However, zinc as an anode has some problems such as dendrites and hydrogen evolution on the surface, which hinder the practical application of zinc. These problems are closely related to the platting and stripping behavior of zinc at the electrode interface. The construction of an artificial interface layer is one of the most direct and effective methods to protect the zinc anode, which is helpful to improve the cycle life and utilization of the zinc anode. Here, we systematically review the progress and practical significance of artificial interfacial layers in terms of uniform ion transport, inhibition of side reactions and mechanical stability. Three design principles of the artificial interface layer are summarized to guide the further research, and to bring enlightenment for the construction of practical and efficient metal zinc anode.

Understanding the Electrical Mechanisms in Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries: From Electrostatic Interactions to Electric Field Regulation

“…In addition, due to the direct contact between the conductive layer and the electrolyte during cycling, electron transfer occurs along with the side reactions, which significantly reduces the interface stability of the Zn anodes. [ 116 ] Therefore, alternative strategies for designing 3D porous conductive skeletons have been developed.…”

Construction of Cation‐Sieving Function Layers Enabling Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Anodes for Durable Aqueous Systems

“…[18] In addition, other efficient strategies have also been developed to improve the reversibility of Zn, such as Zn texture regulation, [19] fast Zn 2+conductive inorganic interphase design, [20] self-adapting interface and SO 4 2− -immobilized interface coating. [21][22][23] These strategies indeed can mitigate those anode-concerned issues in some degree. Yet, shortcomings still exist in these strategies and the issues cannot be solved thoroughly: Convoluted structural design with high cost would increase surface areas exposed and hence HER; Zn alloying cannot avoid dendrites and passivation layer effectively, and their synthesis processes are usually unsuitable for large-scale manufacturing; Though electrolyte engineering can inhibit HER and Zn dendrite in some degree, the introduction of non-aqueous solvents would raise safety concern, and the in situ formation of interface layers are always uncontrollable.…”