Trace-Additive-Mediated Hydrophobic Structure Editing of Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries for Enabling All-Climate Long-Term Operation
Kefeng Ouyang, Fan Li, Dingtao Ma, Yanyi Wang, Sicheng Shen, Ming Yang, Jimin Qiu, Wentao Wen, Ning Zhao, Hongwei Mi, Peixin Zhang
Abstract
Sluggish transport kinetics and erratic electrode interface thermodynamics are the main culprits in the deterioration of aqueous zinc metal batteries. Here, a concept of trace-additive-mediated hydrophobic structure editing is presented, by adding trifunctional amphoteric poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) to reconstruct the Zn 2+ solvated structure and in situ self-assemble the chemical adsorption layer on the electrode surface. As confirmed, the Zn 2+ transport kinetics can be enhanced by coordinating with the ionized PAA molecular chains. Moreover, such a hydrophobic interface can avoid direct contact between H 2 O and the electrodes to inhibit the side reaction and dissolution. Thus, an impressive cumulative capacity of 8232 mAh cm –2 at 5 mA cm –2 was achieved and extended lifespans of 60 and 35 times at −25 and 60 °C, respectively. As a proof of concept, the construction of wide-temperature, durable full batteries demonstrates the great promise of such integrated hydrophobic structure editing in developing all-climate aqueous energy storage devices.