Zn-modified zeolites host for dendrite-free zinc metal anodes

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology Vol. 103; no. 2; pp. 386 - 395
• Main Authors: Lin, Xian-Sen, Sun, Jun-Ru, Ge, Lin-Heng, Xu, Jun-Wei, Liu, Wei-Liang, Ren, Man-Man, Kong, Fan-Gong, Wang, Shou-Juan, Zhang, Chang-Bin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.08.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acetylene; Anodes; Aqueous solutions; Batteries; Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Dendritic structure; Electrochemical potential; Electrode materials; Energy storage; Glass; Hysteresis; Inorganic Chemistry; Ion exchange; Kinetics; Low voltage; Manganese dioxide; Materials Science; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper: Functional coatings; thin films and membranes (including deposition techniques); Zeolites; Zinc; Zinc plating; Dendrites; Energy storage mechanism; Zeolites; Anode materials; Aqueous zinc-ion battery
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-022-05838-5

Zinc metal, featuring high theoretical capacity, low electrochemical potential and natural abundance, is an exciting anode material for aqueous energy storage devices. Unfortunately, dendrite growth of the zinc anode hinders its application. Herein, we demonstrate that the zinc-modified zeolites prepared by ion exchange in aqueous solution can be used as host with acetylene black for dendrite-free zinc plating and stripping. After introduction of well-defined zinc species, the zeolites can not only provide enlarged electroactive area to serve the fast kinetics of Zn 2+ , but also withstand the inside strain and stress to suppress the growth of dendrite during zinc plating and stripping process. The full batteries based on the Zn@zeolites anode and MnO 2 exhibit an improved capacity and excellent self-discharge behavior. In addition, a low voltage hysteresis and improved cycling stability can be obtained in Zn/Zn symmetric cells with Zn@zeolites anode. The novel design inspires a deep comprehension of anode structure of zinc-based aqueous battery. Graphical abstract Highlights Zn-modified ZSM-5 zeolites is first employed as host for dendrite-free Zn metal anode. Zn@Zn-ZSM-5 composite framework anode can serve the fast kinetics of Zn 2+ . The results show a new and low-cost avenue for improving the battery capacity at high current density in the Zn-MnO2 full batteries. The results exhibit a low voltage hysteresis can be obtained in Zn/Zn symmetric cells with Zn@Zn-ZSM-5 anode.