Controlled Deposition of Zinc-Metal Anodes via Selectively Polarized Ferroelectric Polymers

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are regarded as ideal candidates for stationary energy-storage systems due to their low cost and high safety. However, zinc can readily grow into dendrites, leading to limited cycling performance and quick failure of the batteries. Herein, a novel strategy is proposed to mitigate this dendrite problem, in which a selectively polarized ferroelectric polymer material (poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE))) is employed as a surface protective layer on zinc anodes. Such a polarized ferroelectric polymer layer can enable a locally concentrated zinc-ion distribution along the coated surface and thus enable the horizontal growth of zinc plates. As a result, symmetrical zinc batteries using such anodes exhibit long cycling lifespan at 0.2 mA cm(-2), 0.2 mAh cm(-2) for 2000 h, and a high rate performance up to 15 mA cm(-2). Also, the full cell (including a Zn-MnO2 battery and a zinc-ion capacitor) based on this anode is demonstrated. This work provides a novel strategy to protect the zinc anode and even other metal anodes exploiting polymer ferroelectricity.

Automated summary

A novel strategy is proposed in this study to prevent zinc dendrite growth in aqueous zinc-ion batteries by using a selectively polarized ferroelectric polymer material as a protective layer on the zinc anodes. This approach enables long cycling lifespan and high rate performance of the batteries. The work provides insight into protecting zinc anodes and potentially other metal anodes using polymer ferroelectricity.