Abstract:

Zn-metal-based aqueous rechargeable batteries have been revisited as an attractive alternative energy storage system relative to Lithium-ion batteries owing to their intrinsic safety, low cost, and high volumetric capacity. However, their lifespan is limited by the water decomposition and Zn dendrite growth. Herein, many approaches to achieve safer metal anodes are discovered and a ‘‘corrosion-inhibitor-inspired’’ poly(benzotriazole) coating layer which elevates the nucleation barrier and restricts dendrite formation is constructed to effectively regulate the aqueous Zn deposition behavior. Besides, serving as the protective layer that isolates active Zn from bulk electrolytes, this interphase also suppresses free water induced corrosion and passivation. With this synergism, the polymer-modified Zn anode produces reversible, dendrite-free plating/stripping with a magnificent enhancement in running lifetime compared to the bare Zn. The strategy proposed here is straightforward and scalable, providing a general pathway to tackle the anode issues in advanced Zn batteries.