Authors: Ying Zhang, Shanchen Yang, Jie Deng, Ningxin Chen, Sida Xie, Jiajun Zhou, Zhaohui Wang
Published: 2023-08-22
Source: Full article
AbstractDesigning artificial interface is a promising strategy to protect Zn metal anode but achieving long Zn plating/stripping lifespans and efficient nucleation/deposition kinetics, particularly at high current densities, remains a challenge. In this study, a permselective zincophilic heterogeneous interface consisting of metallic Ag layer and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is designed via a simple chemical displacement and drop casting process. The artificial interface plays a multifunctional role in inhibiting dendrite growth/side reactions by reducing the nucleation barrier through a large number of Zn nucleation sites offered by the bottom Ag layer, homogenizing electrical field/Zn2+ flux and shielding SO42− migration via the compact, conducting, and Zn2+‐permselective PEDOT:PSS supporting layer. Moreover, the heterogeneous interface demonstrates enhanced structural integrity owing to the binder effect of PEDOT:PSS. As a result, the modified Zn anode demonstrates a cyclic lifespan of 200 h and a reduced voltage hysteresis of ≈150 mV at 20 mA cm−2/5 mAh cm−2, far surpassing its counterparts. Moreover, the protected Zn anode allows the LiMn2O4‐based full cells with remarkable rate and cycling performance. These findings provide new insight into the design of an efficient artificial interface for highly reversible and high‐rate Zn electrodeposition.