Physicochemical Synergistic Separator Coating Induces Uniform and Rapid Deposition of Li and Zn Ions

Li and Zn metal batteries are the most promising candidates to replace conventional Li-ion batteries. However, a series of issues, especially dendrites caused by uneven deposition of cations during charge-discharge cycles, hinder their practical application. Here, we proposed a facile separator modification method which combines physical and chemical forces to regulate uniform and rapid deposition of both Li+ and Zn2+. Physically, the electronegativity of modified separators drives rapid transport of metal ions via a surface diffusion mode. Chemically, the polar surface functional groups on coated separators induce uniform deposition of metal ions so that the dendrite growth is effectively inhibited. As a result, the Li and Zn metal anodes employing modified separators can cycle stably for over 1000 h under a large current density of 10 mA cm(-2).

Automated summary

Li and Zn metal batteries show great potential to replace Li-ion batteries, but issues such as dendrite growth caused by uneven cation deposition during charge-discharge cycles hinder their practical application. In this study, we propose a simple method of separator modification that combines physical and chemical forces to regulate uniform and rapid deposition of Li+ and Zn2+. This modified separator allows for stable cycling of Li and Zn metal anodes for over 1000 h under a large current density of 10 mA cm(-2).