Stabilizing a zinc anode via a tunable covalent organic framework-based solid electrolyte interphase

• Published in: Nanoscale Vol. 15; no. 20; pp. 9003 - 9013
• Main Authors: Aupama, Vipada, Kao-ian, Wathanyu, Sangsawang, Jinnawat, Mohan, Gopalakrishnan, Wannapaiboon, Suttipong, Mohamad, Ahmad Azmin, Pattananuwat, Prasit, Sriprachuabwong, Chakrit, Liu, Wei-Ren, Kheawhom, Soorathep
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 25.05.2023
• Subjects: Aldehydes; Anodic protection; Aqueous solutions; Electrolytes; Hydrogen evolution reactions; Imines; Ion flux; Rechargeable batteries; Solid electrolytes; Stability; Zinc
• ISSN: 2040-3364; 2040-3372; 2040-3372
• DOI: 10.1039/D3NR00898C

Zinc (Zn) is an excellent material for use as an anode for rechargeable batteries in water-based electrolytes. Nevertheless, the high activity of water leads to Zn corrosion and hydrogen evolution, along with the formation of dendrites on the Zn surface during repeated charge–discharge (CD) cycles. To protect the Zn anode and limit parasitic side reactions, an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (ASEI) protective layer is an effective strategy. Herein, an ASEI made of a covalent organic framework (COFs: HqTp and BpTp) was fabricated on the surface of a Zn anode via Schiff base reactions of aldehyde and amine linkers. It is seen that COFs can regulate the Zn-ion flux, resulting in dendritic-free Zn. COFs can also mitigate the formation of an irreversible passive layer and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Zn plating/stripping tests using a symmetrical cell suggest that HqTpCOF@Zn shows superior stability and greater coulombic efficiency (CE) compared to bare Zn. The full cell having COFs@Zn also displays much improved cyclability. As a result, the COF proves to be a promising ASEI material to enhance the stability of the Zn anode in aqueous media.