In situ converting the native passivation layer into a fast ion transport interphase to boost the stability of zinc anodes
Zi-Long Xie, Yunhai Zhu, Jia‐Yi Du, Dong‐Yue Yang, Hao Chen, Zhi Wang, Gang Huang, Xinbo Zhang
Abstract
Aqueous zinc batteries offer significant potential for large-scale energy storage, wearable devices, and medium- to low-speed transportation due to their safety, affordability, and environmental friendliness. However, the uneven zinc deposition at the anode side caused by localized reaction activity from the passivation layer presents challenges that significantly impact the battery's stability and lifespan. In this study, we have proposed an expandable and maneuverable gel sustained-release (GSR) treatment to polish the Zn metal, which in situ converts its native passivation layer into a composite interphase layer with nanocrystal zinc phosphate and flexible polyvinyl alcohol. Such a thin and uniform interface contributes to fast and homogeneous Zn ion transport and improved anti-corrosion ability, enabling uniform zinc deposition without dendrite growth and thereby improving the battery performance with high-rate ability and long cycle life. This GSR treatment method, characterized by its simplicity, low cost, and universality, facilitates the widespread application of aqueous zinc batteries. A gel sustained-release strategy that could in situ convert the zinc native passivation layer into a composite interphase layer has been developed. This interphase layer with homogeneous Zn 2+ transport and anti-corrosion ability protects the zinc anodes with significantly improved stability. • Conceptually new gel sustained-release (GSR) strategy to well remove the native passivation layer on the zinc anodes • In situ construction of zinc phosphate-dominated interphase layer with high ionic conductivity and anti-corrosion ability • Comprehensive improvement of the zinc anode stability and full-cell performance