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An electrochemically driven hybrid interphase enabling stable versatile zinc metal electrodes for aqueous zinc batteries

Author

Listed:
  • Dingtao Ma

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Fan Li

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Kefeng Ouyang

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Qiuting Chen

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Jinlai Zhao

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Minfeng Chen

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Ming Yang

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Yanyi Wang

    (Shenzhen University)

  • Jizhang Chen

    (Nanjing Forestry University)

  • Hongwei Mi

    (Shenzhen University
    Guangdong Flexible Wearable Energy and Tools Engineering Technology Research Center)

  • Chuanxin He

    (Shenzhen University
    Guangdong Flexible Wearable Energy and Tools Engineering Technology Research Center)

  • Peixin Zhang

    (Shenzhen University
    Guangdong Flexible Wearable Energy and Tools Engineering Technology Research Center)

Abstract

Aqueous Zn ion batteries are advantageous in terms of safety and cost, while their sustainable applications are usually impeded by dendrite growth and interfacial side reactions. Here, we present the development of an electrochemically driven artificial solid-state electrolyte interphase, utilizing a metal surface coupling agent phosphate ester as a protective layer for Zn negative electrodes. Upon cycling, the protective layer in situ transforms into a hybrid phase enriched with well dispersed Zn3(PO4)2 nanocrystals. This transformation ensures a uniform Zn2+ flux, effectively suppresses dendrite growth, and mitigates side reactions. In addition, such protective layer ensures Zn electrode stable plating/stripping performance for 1500 h at 10 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2, while pouch cells coupled with NaV3O8·1.5H2O deliver ampere-hour level capacity. Beyond that, its robust adhesion and flexibility enable the Zn electrode to maintain good performance under a variety of harsh conditions. This approach provides valuable insights into the advancement of Zn metal batteries.

Suggested Citation

  • Dingtao Ma & Fan Li & Kefeng Ouyang & Qiuting Chen & Jinlai Zhao & Minfeng Chen & Ming Yang & Yanyi Wang & Jizhang Chen & Hongwei Mi & Chuanxin He & Peixin Zhang, 2025. "An electrochemically driven hybrid interphase enabling stable versatile zinc metal electrodes for aqueous zinc batteries," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60190-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60190-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Wei Wang & Shan Chen & Xuelong Liao & Rong Huang & Fengmei Wang & Jialei Chen & Yaxin Wang & Fei Wang & Huan Wang, 2023. "Regulating interfacial reaction through electrolyte chemistry enables gradient interphase for low-temperature zinc metal batteries," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
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