Stable zinc metal electrodeposition based on uniformly porous yttria-stabilized zirconia ceramic separator for aqueous zinc ion battery

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have garnered significant attention and research interest due to their excellent intrinsic safety and suitable electrochemical properties. However, the development of these systems has been hindered by the tendency of dendritic metal deposits to form on the electrode surface and the unavoidable side reactions in the aqueous environment. In this paper, we focus on separator materials and present porous yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic separators with a main pore size of around 5 μm and uniform pore distribution, based on the preparation process of functional ceramics. The stabilized pore structure of the ceramic material, combined with the Lewis acid nature exhibited by ZrO₂ in aqueous environments, effectively regulates zinc dendrite growth behavior, thereby improving the long-term stability of the symmetric cell (stable over 1,200 hours at 1 mA cm^-2). Additionally, the excellent water-locking property of the porous YSZ significantly aids ionic conduction and ensures a uniform electric field at the interface. Compared to traditional glass fiber (GF) separators with poor structural stability, porous ceramic materials with suitable structural morphology offer greater advantages in aqueous solution environments, significantly enhancing the reliability of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.