Electrolyte Optimization Strategy: Enabling Stable and Eco-Friendly Zinc Adaptive Interfacial Layer in Zinc Ion Batteries

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Abstract
Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have emerged as a promising battery technology due to their excellent safety, high capacity, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, the cycle life of AZIBs is limited by severe side reactions and zinc dendrite growth on the zinc electrode surface, hindering large-scale application. Here, an electrolyte optimization strategy utilizing the simplest dipeptide glycylglycine (Gly-Gly) additive is first proposed. Theoretical calculations and spectral analysis revealed that, due to the strong interaction between the amino group and Zn atoms, Gly-Gly preferentially adsorbs on zinc’s surface, constructing a stable and adaptive interfacial layer that inhibits zinc side reactions and dendrite growth. Furthermore, Gly-Gly can regulate zinc ion solvation, leading to a deposition mode shift from dendritic to lamellar and limiting two-dimensional dendrite diffusion. The symmetric cell with the addition of a 20 g/L Gly-Gly additive exhibits a cycle life of up to 1100 h. Under a high current density of 10 mA cm−2, a cycle life of 750 cycles further demonstrates the reliable adaptability of the interfacial layer. This work highlights the potential of Gly-Gly as a promising solution for improving the performance of AZIBs.
Funding Information
  • Research of Dongguan Science and Technology of Social Development Program (No.20211800905482, No.20231800935832, No.2021KTSCX148, JJKH20240227KJ, No.202313719008, No.S202313719001)
  • Characteristic Innovation of Guangdong Province (No.20211800905482, No.20231800935832, No.2021KTSCX148, JJKH20240227KJ, No.202313719008, No.S202313719001)
  • the Science and technology research project of Education Department of Jilin Province (No.20211800905482, No.20231800935832, No.2021KTSCX148, JJKH20240227KJ, No.202313719008, No.S202313719001)
  • Guangdong University of Science and Technology College students innovation and entrepreneurship training Program project (No.20211800905482, No.20231800935832, No.2021KTSCX148, JJKH20240227KJ, No.202313719008, No.S202313719001)

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