Current‐Dependent Coupling Behaviors Inspired Wide‐Current Cyclable Zn Metal Anode
Yanpeng Guo, Lutong Shan, Yongqiang Yang, Junhua Zhou, Zijian Zheng
Abstract
ABSTRACT Aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) provide a safe and cost‐effective solution to meet the future demand for large‐scale energy storage applications. Stable cycling of the Zn metal anode (ZMA) within a wide current range from 0.2 to 10 mA cm −2 is considered one of the most critical requirements to enable AZMBs. However, current studies show that ZMAs may cycle at either high‐ or low‐current densities, but it is difficult to simultaneously achieve stable cycling at this wide current range. Herein, we study the current‐dependent coupling interactions among plating, stripping, and corrosion of ZMAs. We reveal that low‐current plating/stripping of Zn leads to unfavorable morphological and crystallographic evolution, which results in serious surface corrosion and rapid failure. In contrast, high‐current plating/stripping of Zn can enrich its highly stable (002) facets and form localized high‐concentration electrolyte layers with solvated aggregates, which consequently suppresses hydrogen evolution reaction, dendrite formation, and surface corrosion. By understanding these current‐dependent coupling behaviors, we develop a high‐current‐engineered Zn anode that enables long‐term cycling across a wide current range, including a record‐breaking cycling of 4500 h at 0.2 mA cm −2 . This work offers new fundamental insights and a feasible engineering strategy to significantly boost the stability of ZMAs.