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Dendrite-Free Zinc Anodes Enabled by Exploring Polar-Face-Rich 2D ZnO Interfacial Layers for Rechargeable Zn-Ion Batteries

Hu, X; Borowiec, J; Zhu, Y; Liu, X; Wu, R; Ganose, AM; Parkin, IP; (2023) Dendrite-Free Zinc Anodes Enabled by Exploring Polar-Face-Rich 2D ZnO Interfacial Layers for Rechargeable Zn-Ion Batteries. Small , Article e2306827. 10.1002/smll.202306827. (In press). Green open access

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Abstract

Zinc metal is a promising candidate for anodes in zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs), but its widespread implementation is hindered by dendrite growth in aqueous electrolytes. Dendrites lead to undesirable side reactions, such as hydrogen evolution, passivation, and corrosion, causing reduced capacity during prolonged cycling. In this study, an approach is explored to address this challenge by directly growing 1D zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) and 2D ZnO nanoflakes (NFs) on Zn anodes, forming artificial layers to enhance ZIB performance. The incorporation of ZnO on the anode offers both chemical and thermal stability and leverages its n-type semiconductor nature to facilitate the formation of ohmic contacts. This results in efficient electron transport during Zn ion plating and stripping processes. Consequently, the ZnO NFs-coated Zn anodes demonstrate significantly improved charge storage performance, achieving 348 mAh g−1, as compared to ZnO NRs (250 mAh g−1) and pristine Zn (160 mAh g−1) anodes when evaluated in full cells with V2O5 cathodes. One significant advantage of ZnO NFs lies in their highly polar surfaces, promoting strong interactions with water molecules and rendering them exceptionally hydrophilic. This characteristic enhances the ability of ZnO NFs to desolvate Zn2+ ions, leading to improved charge storage performance.

Type: Article
Title: Dendrite-Free Zinc Anodes Enabled by Exploring Polar-Face-Rich 2D ZnO Interfacial Layers for Rechargeable Zn-Ion Batteries
Location: Germany
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306827
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202306827
Language: English
Additional information: Copyright © 2023 The Authors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Keywords: dendrite, hydrophilicity, zinc anodes, zinc oxide, zinc-ion batteries
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences
URI: https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10183990
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