Chelate-Capped Nano-AgZn3 Dual Interphase Remodeling the Local Environment for Reversible Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode

Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are among the most promising candidates for next-generation energy-storage devices. However, the large voltage polarisation and infamous dendrite growth hinder the practical application of AZIBs owing to their complex interfacial electrochemical environment. In this study, a hydrophobic zinc chelate-capped nano-silver (HZC-Ag) dual interphase is fabricated on the zinc anode surface using an emulsion-replacement strategy. The multifunctional HZC-Ag layer remodels the local electrochemical environment by facilitating the pre-enrichment and de-solvation of zinc ions and inducing homogeneous zinc nucleation, thus resulting in reversible dendrite-free zinc anodes. The zinc deposition mechanism on the HZC-Ag interphase is elucidated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, dual-field simulations, and in situ synchrotron X-ray radiation imaging. The HZC-Ag@Zn anode exhibited superior dendrite-free zinc stripping/plating performance and an excellent lifespan of >2000 h with ultra-low polarisation of approximate to 17 mV at 0.5 mA cm(-2). Full cells coupled with a MnO2 cathode showed significant self-discharge inhibition, excellent rate performance, and improved cycling stability for >1000 cycles. Therefore, this multifunctional dual interphase may contribute to the design and development of dendrite-free anodes for high-performance aqueous metal-based batteries.

Automated summary

In this study, a hydrophobic zinc chelate-capped nano-silver (HZC-Ag) dual interphase is fabricated on the zinc anode surface using an emulsion-replacement strategy. The HZC-Ag layer remodels the local electrochemical environment and enables reversible dendrite-free zinc anodes. This dual interphase shows superior performance and long lifespan for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.