Gradient Structured Separator Enables Stable Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries
Zehua Zhao, Yan Zhang, Huandi Zhang, Xiaowei Shi, Haitao Zhao, Junpeng Liu, Jiamei Liu, Lei Li
Abstract
Developing a functional separator is an important strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of the Zn anode by suppressing the Zn dendrite growth and parasitic side reactions, thus advancing the aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Herein, we experimentally realize functional separator with gradient-structure based on CeF 3 nanoparticles functionalized glass fibers. The experimental and theoretical results confirmed that the functional separator can tailor the Zn 2+ flux and restrain SO 4 2– transport, promoting dense Zn deposition. The strong interaction between CeF 3 nanoparticles and H 2 O separates Zn 2+ and H 2 O at the electrolyte/Zn anode interface, suppressing side reactions. Consequently, the Zn||Zn with this separator achieves excellent cycling stability of 2500 h at 1 mA cm –2 and 1 mAh cm –2 and 1000 h at 5 mA cm –2 and 5 mAh cm –2 . This design of a functionalized separator provides a distinctive solution for the development of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.