Anion Induced Electric Double Layer Compression and Desolvation Optimization Enable Long Life Zinc Anodes under High‐Rate
Xiangyu Ren, Sibo Zhao, Fang Song, Shenghong Ju, Fuming Wang, Xiaowei Yang, Yunwen Wu
Abstract
Abstract Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) represent a promising next‐generation energy storage solution. However, AZIBs suffer from severe dendrite growth caused by rampant Zn 2 ⁺ 2D diffusion and sluggish desolvation kinetics, thus exhibiting extremely short cycle life under high‐rate conditions. Here in, a novel additive DL‐O‐Methylserine (MeSer) is reported, which effectively optimizes Zn 2 ⁺ diffusion behavior and facilitates the desolvation process. Experimental and computational results reveal that MeSer − adsorption on the electrode surface compresses the electric double layer (EDL), thereby reducing repulsive forces within it. The decrease in repulsion further enhances Zn 2 ⁺ 3D diffusion leading to uniform deposition. Furthermore, MeSer − interacts with Zn 2 ⁺ located in solvation sheath, reducing desolvation energy barriers and improving rate capability. Consequently, Zn||Zn symmetric cells with MeSer exhibits superior cycling stability of 2320 h under 5 mA cm −2 and 5 mA h cm −2 and can endure extreme high‐current conditions (20 mA cm −2 , 20 mA h cm −2 ) for up to 600 h, such performance exceeds most of the previously documented results. The Zn||V 2 O 5 full cells maintained 86% capacity retention after 3500 cycles at 5 A g −1 . This work demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of a simple EDL regulation strategy in enhancing AZIB performance.