Dynamic Biomolecular Mask Stabilizes Zn Anode

Zn anode is confronted with serious Zn dendrite growth and water-induced parasitic reactions, which severely hinders the rapid development and practical application of aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs). Herein, inspired by sodium hyaluronate (SH) biomolecules in living organisms featured with the functions of water retention, ion-transport regulation, and film-formation, the SH working as a dynamic and self-adaptive mask is proposed to stabilize Zn anode. Benefiting from the abundant functional groups with high hydrophilicity and zincophilicity, SH molecule can constrain active water molecules on the Zn-electrolyte interface and participate in Zn2+ solvation structure to suppress parasitic reactions. Furthermore, the dynamical adsorption of SH with high-density negative charge on the Zn surface could serve as Zn2+ reservoirs to guide uniform Zn deposition. Consequently, stable Zn plating and an ultrahigh cumulative plating capacity (CPC) of 4.8 Ah cm(-2) are achieved even at 20 mA cm(-2) (20 mAh cm(-2)) in a Zn||Zn symmetric battery, reaching a record level in AZMBs. In addition, the Zn||beta-MnO2 full battery exhibits a substantially improved cycle stability. This work presents a route to realize a highly reversible and stable Zn metal anode by learning from nature.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a method to stabilize the zinc anode by utilizing the characteristics of sodium hyaluronate (SH) biomolecules, which can suppress parasitic reactions and promote uniform zinc deposition.