Stable zinc metal anode with an ultrathin carbon coating for zinc-ion batteries

Owing to the good safety, low cost, environmentally friendliness, and relatively high energy density, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. However, the zinc metal anode in aqueous ZIBs is prone to dendrite growth and side reactions. Herein, an ultrathin carbon coating is fabricated on the Zn metal anode to suppress dendrite growth and alleviate side reactions. The symmetrical cell contain-ing the modified Zn electrode shows a long cycling life of 3500 hat 0.5, 1 and 2 mA cm-2 with areal capacities of 0.5, 1 and 2 mAh cm-2, respectively. The cycling life is superior to those of previously reported Zn metal anodes with carbon-based coatings. Meanwhile, the full ZIB using Zn anode with ultrathin carbon coating deli-ver enhanced rate performance and cycling stability compared to that of using bare Zn anode.

Automated summary

Due to their good safety, low cost, environmentally friendliness, and relatively high energy density, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are considered as promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. However, the zinc metal anode in aqueous ZIBs is prone to dendrite growth and side reactions. In this study, an ultrathin carbon coating is applied on the zinc metal anode to suppress dendrite growth and alleviate side reactions. The modified zinc electrode shows a long cycling life and improved rate performance and cycling stability compared to bare zinc electrode.