Selective Shielding of the (002) Plane Enabling Vertically Oriented Zinc Plating for Dendrite-Free Zinc Anode

Uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites hinders the future development of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Despite that the (100) plane possesses better zincophilic ability and fast kinetics, dendrites are generally suppressed via (002) plane-oriented Zn deposition in previous reports; the ordered (100) plane-dominant Zn deposition, especially under high current density has not yet been realized. Herein, vertically-oriented Zn plating with preferential growth of (100) plane is reported using disodium lauryl phosphate (DLP) as an electrolyte additive. DLP is preferentially anchored on the Zn (002) crystal plane via the polar phosphate group, then the deposition of Zn atoms on the (002) plane is retarded by the long alkyl chain, finally promoting the preferred growth of the (100) plane. This unique growth pattern results in ultrastable Zn plating/stripping at a super-high current density of 50 mA cm-2 , with a cumulative capacity of 8500 mAh cm-2 . The Zn//Zn symmetric cell also cycles steadily for 700 h with a large areal capacity of 10 mAh cm-2 at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 . This study provides new insights into the realization of dendrite-free Zn anodes by crystal plane modulation.

 

Comments:

This is an impressive study! They've tackled a critical challenge in the development of aqueous Zn-ion batteries: the uncontrolled growth of Zn dendrites. By introducing disodium lauryl phosphate (DLP) as an electrolyte additive, they've achieved a vertically-oriented Zn plating that predominantly favors the (100) crystal plane. This controlled growth pattern significantly enhances stability and performance.

The mechanism behind this achievement is fascinating. DLP's preferential anchoring on the Zn (002) crystal plane through its polar phosphate group plays a pivotal role. It retards the deposition of Zn atoms on the (002) plane due to the obstructive nature of the long alkyl chain, ultimately promoting the preferred growth of the (100) plane.

The outcomes are remarkable: stable Zn plating and stripping at an impressive current density of 50 mA cm-2 with a cumulative capacity of 8500 mAh cm-2. Furthermore, the extended cycling stability of the Zn//Zn symmetric cell for 700 hours at a large areal capacity of 10 mAh cm-2 and a current density of 10 mA cm-2 is quite promising.

This research opens up new avenues for dendrite-free Zn anodes by leveraging crystal plane modulation, which could significantly impact the advancement of aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

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