In Situ Polymerization of Ionic Liquid with Tunable Phase Separation for Highly Reversible and Ultralong Cycle Life Zn-Ion Battery

Abstract

Severe Zn dendrite growth and side reactions greatly limit the application of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Herein, we design a layer of polyionic liquid (PCAVImBr) film with a tunable pore size and charge density on the Zn anode to endow homogenized distribution of an electronic field, acerated Zn2+ permeation, and inhabitation of water entry. Such an optimal combination is achieved via a polymerization induced phase separation strategy, where the enhanced cross-linking density arrests the phase separation in a shallow depth and vice versa. Furthermore, the Zn@PCAVImBr electrode has good plating/stripping reversibility, which retains a 99.6% CE efficiency after 3000 cycles. The symmetric cells can achieve a cycle life of more than 2400 h at different current densities. It is worth mentioning that the NVO//Zn@PCAVImBr full cell can still reach a 91.2% capacity retention after nearly 4000 cycles at a high current of 10 A g–1, and provides new insights for the future research of zinc-ion battery anodes.

Metallic Particles‐Induced Surface Reconstruction Enabling Highly Durable Zinc Metal Anode

“…The activation energy is further calculated by Arrhenius equation to evaluate the de‐solvation energy barrier of Zn ions on the surface of Zn anode. [ 38,39 ] As shown in Figure 5d, the InSnRZn electrode represents a lower activation energy of 34.06 kJ mol −1 than bare Zn (47.37 kJ mol −1 ). The lower activation energy implies a much faster rate of Zn ions de‐solvation and less energy consumption of Zn deposition endowed by the indium–tin alloy layer.…”

Tailoring the hydrophobicity and zincophilicity of poly(ionic liquid) solid–electrolyte interphases for ultra-stable aqueous zinc batteries

“…Then, the activation energies ( E a ) are calculated according to the Arrhenius equation (eqn (1)) to evaluate desolvation activation energies. 43,50,51 where R ct is the interfacial resistance, A is the Arrhenius constant, R is the gas constant, and T is the absolute temperature. Activation energies are determined from Nyquist plots obtained at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 55 °C (Fig.…”

“…Similarly, Li et al designed a layer of PIL (PCAVImBr) on the zinc anode to achieve a homogenized distribution of an electronic field, accelerated Zn 2+ permeation, and inhibition of water entry. 43…”

“…Similarly, Li et al designed a layer of PIL (PCAVImBr) on the zinc anode to achieve a homogenized distribution of an electronic field, accelerated Zn 2+ permeation, and inhibition of water entry. 43 In addition, to achieve an optimal SEI layer, it is necessary to design polymeric films that facilitate efficient mass transfer of Zn 2+ for rapid charge/discharge cycles while simultaneously preventing water ingress to suppress hydrogen evolution. Balancing these opposing metrics presents a significant challenge since enhancing one aspect often compromises the other.…”

In situ Cu doping of ultralarge CoSe nanosheets with accelerated electronic migration for superior sodium-ion storage

“…This lower energy density can result in lower overall performance and longer charging times compared to LIBs. 13–16 Thus, SIBs are still in the early stages of development, and there are challenges that need to be addressed in order to make them commercially viable. The most important challenge is to develop materials that are stable and durable enough for practical use.…”