Accelerating Desolvation Process and Achieving Dendrite-Free Zn Anode Via Dielectric Filler-assisted Artificial Hybrid Interphase

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have garnered significant interest for their potential in large-scale energy storage, attributed to their high safety and low cost. Nonetheless, issues such as limited cycling lifespan and low coulombic efficiency (CE) associated with dendrite formation and uncontrollable side reactions on the Zn metal anode pose challenges that restrict their practical applications. Herein, a dielectric filler-assisted artificial hybrid interphase is constructed on the Zn anode surface to address the challenges faced by the Zn anode in aqueous electrolytes. TiO₂ nanoparticles with special dielectric properties promote the solvation process and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) acts as a physical barrier for suppressing the adverse reactions and blocking the dendrite. Consequently, a symmetric cell using a modified zinc anode achieves a prolonged cycle life of over 2500 h at 1 and 1 mAh cm⁻². Furthermore, the full cell with a vanadium-based cathode delivers excellent electrochemical performance (over 600 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹). This research offers an efficient and scalable approach to enhance the performance of Zn metal anodes.