3D-Printed Multi-Channel Metal Lattices Enabling Localized Electric-Field Redistribution for Dendrite-Free Aqueous Zn Ion Batteries

Rechargeable Zn ion batteries are regarded as a preferable candidate for next-generation energy storage systems owing to their merits of environmental benignity, low cost, and high safety. Nevertheless, unsatisfactory cycling stability stemming from dendrite growth and undesired side reactions of Zn anodes prevent their widespread commercial adoption. Here, a novel 3D Zn metal anode with multi-channel lattice structures employing the combined 3D printing and electroless plating/electroplating techniques is reported. The constructed 3D Ni-Zn anode with multi-channel lattice structure and super-hydrophilic surface can effectively ameliorate the electric-field distribution and induce the uniform deposition of Zn without Zn dendrite growth, as confirmed by simulation of current density distribution of the electrode in electrolyte and in situ microscopic observation of Zn plating/stripping. As expected, the 3D Ni-Zn cell shows highly reversible Zn plating/stripping with satisfactory Coulombic efficiency due to the low Zn nucleation overpotential and homogeneous distribution of localized electric field. Consequently, a full cell built with a 3D printed Zn anode and polyaniline-intercalated vanadium oxide cathode exhibits remarkable performance. The simple and cost-effective fabrication of conductive metal lattices with tunable 3D multi-channel architecture opens up new opportunities to develop other high-performance metal (such as Li, Na, K, Mg, Al) batteries.

Automated summary

A novel 3D zinc metal anode is reported in this study to address the issue of unsatisfactory cycling stability in rechargeable zinc ion batteries. The constructed 3D nickel-zinc anode effectively improves electric field distribution and induces uniform zinc deposition, leading to enhanced cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency. The research provides new opportunities for developing high-performance metal batteries with tunable 3D multi-channel architecture.