Solvation configuration and interfacial chemistry regulation via a bio-based Cyrene additive for highly reversible zinc anodes

Abstract

The unstable anode–electrolyte interface caused by water-induced parasitic reactions and rampant dendrite growth severely hampers the practical deployment of aqueous zinc batteries. Herein, a bio-based Cyrene solvent is used as...

Positively Charged Amino Acid-Modulated Interfacial Chemistry and Deposition Textures for Highly Reversible Zinc Anodes

“…The characteristic N–H peak was deconvoluted in the surface N 1s spectra of the Zn foils soaked in the aqueous solutions of Arg, His, or Lys (Figure d), reaffirming the effective adsorption of these amino acid cations on the Zn metal surface. The adsorption of amino acid cations on the Zn anode surface also leads to an increase in charge transfer resistance ( R ct , Figure S8), confirming the formation of an amino acid cation-involved interfacial EDL structure. , …”

“…The adsorption of amino acid cations on the Zn anode surface also leads to an increase in charge transfer resistance (R ct , Figure S8), confirming the formation of an amino acid cation-involved interfacial EDL structure. 17,22 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterizations were conducted to investigate the surface morphology and composition of the soaked Zn foils. As shown in Figure 1e, the Zn foils soaked in the aqueous solutions of Arg, His, or Lys exhibited flat and smooth surfaces, whereas those soaked in pure water exhibited numerous columnar byproducts.…”

“…Detailed information on the chemicals and materials used in this study is listed in the Supporting Information. The MnO 2 powder was synthesized using a conventional hydrothermal method, , and the detailed synthesis procedures are provided in the Supporting Information. The synthesized MnO 2 powder was then mixed with acetylene black and poly­(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) powder at a weight ratio of 7:2:1 in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solvent.…”

“…Several interfacial regulation strategies have been developed to mitigate detrimental parasitic reactions and dendrite formation at the anode–electrolyte interface. − Among these, electrolyte modulation by introducing functional additives stands out as a facile and scalable technical solution. , Various organic solids and polar solvents have been utilized as adsorption-type additives to reshape the interfacial EDL structure and suppress parasitic side reactions. For example, sulfonamide, saccharin, and glutamate additives with electronegative functional groups can reshape the interfacial EDL structure and regulate interfacial charge density distribution. − Polar solvents like dioxane, diethyl ether, and cyrene can preferentially adsorb onto Zn anode surfaces, weakening the tip effect and inducing uniform Zn deposition. − These electronegative groups or polar bonds exhibit competitive adsorption with Zn 2+ , thereby decreasing the electrochemical kinetics of Zn 2+ and sacrificing its coverage and protection function for the anode. − Therefore, desired adsorption-type additives should refrain from competing with Zn 2+ adsorption and modulate interfacial dynamic charge distribution.…”

Organic solid–electrolyte interface layers for Zn metal anodes

“…Remarkably, many biomaterials exhibit impressive electrochemical properties, leading to a significant increase in studies focusing on their application as SEI layers, especially over the past several years. They can be roughly categorized into two main types based on their source or primary components: plant materials 106–109 and animal products. 110–115…”