Scalable and Controllable Synthesis of Interface-Engineered Nanoporous Host for Dendrite-Free and High Rate Zinc Metal Batteries

Rechargeable zinc (Zn)-ion batteries are regarded as highly prospective candidates for next-generation renewable and safe energy storage systems. However, the uncontrolled dendrite growth of the Zn anode impedes their practical application. Here, a scalable and controllable approach is developed for converting commercial titanium (Ti) foil to 3D porous Ti, which retains good resistance to corrosion, high electrical conductivity, and excellent mechanical properties. Benefiting from a spontaneous ultrathin zincophilic titanium dioxide (TiO2) interfacial layer and continuous 3D structure, the 3D porous Ti can act as an effective host to achieve a 3D Ti/Zn metal anode. By ensuring homogeneous nucleation, uniform current distribution, and volume change accommodation, the dendritic growth of 3D Ti/Zn metal anode is effectively inhibited with stable Zn plating/stripping up to 2000 h with low polarization. When conjugated with a 3D sulfur-doped Ti3C2Tx MXene@MnO2 nanotube cathode, a high rate and stable Zn cell is achieved with 95.46% capacity retention after 500 cycles at a high rate of 5 A g(-1). This work may also be interesting for researches in porous metals and other battery systems.

Automated summary

Rechargeable zinc-ion batteries are promising candidates for renewable and safe energy storage systems, but uncontrolled dendrite growth of the zinc anode has been a hindrance. This study developed a scalable and controllable approach to convert commercial titanium foil into 3D porous titanium, which effectively inhibits dendritic growth and ensures stable zinc plating/stripping. The 3D porous titanium also demonstrates good resistance to corrosion, high electrical conductivity, and excellent mechanical properties.