Natural high-entropy interfaces with kinetics-boosted and water-desolventized effects for high-performance aqueous zinc ion batteries†

Abstract

The degraded performance due to uncontrolled dendrite growth and unfavorable side reactions of the zinc metal anode seriously affects the further application of aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs). In this work, the inexpensive and readily available natural material diatomite with unique structural and compositional advantages was employed for zinc metal anode modification. In terms of composition, under the modulating effect of the unique built-in electric field of the high-entropy composition, the transport kinetics of zinc ions at the electrode interface is effectively regulated, achieving a beneficial deposition process beneath the modified layer. In terms of structure, the porous structure abundant with hydroxyl groups allows the solventized structure of Zn(H₂O)₆²⁺ to be reconstituted, enabling an efficient desolventization process of zinc ions. As a result, a stable cycling performance of 3200 h at 1 mA cm⁻² is achieved. Long cycling stability is also realized in the assembled full cell. This work provides an effective regulating mechanism for the research of Zn–metal interfacial modification. The development of natural high-entropy materials is expected to provide a new reference for the synthetic high-entropy materials and further broaden the path to high-performance aqueous ZIBs.