Liquid Alloy Interlayer for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery

Ameliorating the interfacial issues of the zinc anode, particularly dendrite growth and electrode corrosion, is imperative for rechargeable zinc metal batteries. Herein, an electrochemical-inert liquid gallium-indium alloy coating is designed toward the zinc anode, inspired by the gallium-indium-zinc phase diagram. This unique liquid coating prefers an inward-deposition of Zn underneath the liquid coating assisted by ultrafast mass/charge transport when charging. Moreover, the corrosion of the modified zinc anode is improved as well, depiciting a hydrogen-evolution reaction overpotential higher than that of the reference zinc anode. Consequently, it enables a polarization of 24 mV, the lowest to the best of our knowledge, at 0.25 mA cm(-2) with a prolonged lifespan (2100 h), which further enables the corresponding MnO2 full cells with improved capacity retention and stage of charge above 96% after 48 h. This effective approach provides a universal idea for the future development of rechargeable metal batteries beyond zinc-storage systems.

Automated summary

The study introduces an electrochemical-inert liquid gallium-indium alloy coating for zinc anodes in rechargeable metal batteries, addressing interfacial issues such as dendrite growth and electrode corrosion. The unique coating promotes inward deposition of zinc during charging, improving corrosion resistance and enabling a lower polarization. This effective approach shows promising results in terms of extended lifespan and improved capacity retention in full cells, indicating potential for future development of rechargeable metal batteries beyond zinc-storage systems.