Multidimensional Synergistic Strategy: “Anchoring-Coordination-Conductivity” to Assist High-Performance Zinc-Ion Batteries

Abstract

To address challenges such as dendrite growth and side reactions, this study introduces Xylenol Orange Tetrasodium Salt (IND) as a multifunctional additive to traditional electrolytes. The carboxyl, hydroxyl, and sulfonic groups in its molecule work synergistically: the carboxyl groups not only anchor to the surface of the zinc anode, forming a stable multi-carboxyl protective layer, which effectively prevents interfacial corrosion and dendrite growth, but also coordinates with Zn²⁺ to restructure its solvation shell. The hydroxyl groups bind free water through a hydrogen bond network, reducing direct contact between water molecules and the anode, thereby suppressing hydrogen evolution and corrosion at the anode. The sulfonic group enhances the electrolyte's conductivity through its ionization properties, optimizing the migration and deposition behavior of zinc ions. This combination of mechanisms significantly improves the deposition kinetics and uniformity of Zn²⁺, while effectively suppressing dendrite formation and growth. Zn||Zn cells with IND electrolyte last over 5500 h at 1 mA cm⁻² and 1000 h at 5 mA cm⁻². The Zn||ZVO full cell with ZnV₆O₉ retains 81.94% capacity after 2000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹. This study provides new ideas for the comprehensive performance breakthrough of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs).