Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• A porous 3D structure on Zn surface via electrostripping activation suppresses non-uniform Zn2+ deposition and dendrite growth. • A functional CeO4H4/Ce(OH)3 passivation layer prevents electrochemical corrosion and enhances electrolyte infiltration. • The symmetric cell achieves over 1500 h lifespan at 5 mA/cm2 and over 300 h at 20 mA/cm2. • The R-Zn@CeǁMnO2 full cell delivers a capacity of 205.3 mA·h/g after 300 cycles at 0.3 A/g.
Abstract
A porous three-dimensional (3D) structure was created on the Zn surface by an electrostripping activation process under high current density, which could suppress the non-uniform Zn2+ deposition induced by the “tip effect.” Moreover, a functional CeO4H4/Ce(OH)3 passivation layer was introduced to prevent electrochemical corrosion and facilitate electrolyte infiltration. Benefiting from the ingenious 3D structure and passivation layer, the assembled symmetric cell delivers a long lifespan of over 1500 h at 5 mA/cm2. Even at 20 mA/cm2, the electrode can still operate for over 300 h. The R-Zn@CeǁMnO2 full cell exhibits a capacity of 205.3 mA·h/g after 300 cycles at a current density of 0.3 A/g.
1. Introduction
Zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) are recognized as promising candidates for large-scale energy storage systems because of their safety and low cost. Moreover, zinc metal exhibits a high theoretical volumetric energy density (5855 mA·h/cm3), a high gravimetric energy density (820 mA·h/g), and a suitable redox potential (−0.76 V vs SHE) [1−3]. However, Zn foil suffers from serious drawbacks such as uncontrollable dendrite growth, irreversible side reactions, and electrochemical corrosion [4−7]. Additionally, initial surface defects on Zn foil typically lead to a nonuniform local electric field distribution, thereby aggravating dendrite formation and corrosion. The increasing concentration of OH− around the electrode during the cycling process tends to combine with Zn2+, SO4^2−, and H2O forming (Zn(OH)2)3(ZnSO4)(H2O)5, which hinders the Zn2+ transport [8−10].
Various strategies, such as 3D structures [11−13] and surface coatings [14−16], have been devised to mitigate the growth of Zn dendrites and surface electrochemical corrosion. The three-dimensional (3D) structure with abundant zincophilic sites facilitated the reduction of the local current density and improved Zn nucleation kinetics. ZOU et al [17] utilized only high-valence metal ions to etch uniform pores on the surface of Zn foil, effectively reducing the Zn2+ nucleation barrier and inhibiting Zn dendrite growth. However, the increased electrochemical surface corrosion cannot be completely avoided because of the presence of abundant zincophilic sites. Thus, designing a passivation layer could be an effective strategy for inhibiting the electrochemical corrosion of ZMBs. PARK et al [18] constructed a thin and hydrophilic artificial solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on the surface of a zinc foil using dip-coating. The artificial SEI layer effectively inhibited corrosion. Therefore, combining a 3D structural design with a passivation coating could be the most promising approach for eliminating the growth of Zn dendrites and the electrochemical corrosion at the interface between the Zn foil and the electrolyte.
In this study, a porous 3D structure and a functional CeO4H4/Ce(OH)3 passivation layer were created by combining electrostripping activation at a high current density with a chemical deposition strategy. This study might provide insights into the development of advanced Zn anodes for ZMBs.
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Shi LI, Xin-wei DAI, Rui-bo JIANG, Yan-ting CAI, Lan-yan LI, Zhong-min WAN, Xi CHEN, Xiang-zhong KONG, Guo-zhao FANG (2025). Realizing stable zinc anodes via three-dimensional passivation layer. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1003-6326(25)67030-0
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main innovation of this study?
The study combines a porous 3D structure with a functional CeO4H4/Ce(OH)3 passivation layer on zinc anodes, effectively suppressing dendrite growth and corrosion, leading to enhanced cycling stability.
How was the 3D structure created?
The 3D structure was created via an electrostripping activation process under high current density, which forms a porous surface on the zinc foil.
What is the role of the passivation layer?
The CeO4H4/Ce(OH)3 passivation layer prevents electrochemical corrosion and facilitates electrolyte infiltration, improving the interface stability.
What performance improvements were achieved?
The symmetric cell achieved over 1500 h lifespan at 5 mA/cm2 and over 300 h at 20 mA/cm2. The full cell with MnO2 cathode delivered a capacity of 205.3 mA·h/g after 300 cycles at 0.3 A/g.
What are the potential applications of this technology?
This technology can be applied in zinc metal batteries for large-scale energy storage, offering improved safety, low cost, and high performance.
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