β''-Al2O3 protecting layer for stable zinc metal anodes

• Published in: Materials today communications Vol. 39; p. 108606
• Main Authors: Zhang, Fawen, Tao, Huachao, Li, Yahao, Yang, Xuelin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Artificial layer; High ion conductivity; Zinc-ion batteries; Zn metal anode; β''-Al2O3; Zn metal anode; β''-Al2O3; High ion conductivity; Zinc-ion batteries; Artificial layer
• ISSN: 2352-4928; 2352-4928
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2024.108606

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIB) has attracted considerable attention on account of its low cost, high security and environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, the growing dendrites and corrosion reactions on the surface of zinc anode limit the development of AZIB. Herein, β''-Al2O3 with high ion conductivity was firstly employed as an efficient artificial layer for stabilizing the zinc anode. The optimized β''-Al2O3 layer enables homogeneous ion flux and uniform zinc deposition, significantly suppressing dendrite growth and parasitic reactions. Symmetric cells based on this unique protective layer can stably operate for 1600 h under 1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2. Benefiting from the high-performance zinc metal anode, the full cell paired with the NH4V4O10 cathode delivers a high discharge initial capacity of 400 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 and good cycling stability. This simple protecting layer provides a new strategy for the modification of zinc metal anode and accelerates the practical application of AZIB. [Display omitted] •Dendrite-free and stable Zn metal anodes were obtained.•β''-Al2O3 layer was firstly employed to protect the Zn metal anode.•β''-Al2O3 layer inhibits the corrosion reaction and Zn dendrite growth.•The symmetrical and full cells display excellent cycling stability.