Tuning dual zincophilic/zincophobic properties of BaTiO3 dimorphic ceramic coatings through Sr2+ substitution for stabilizing Zn anodes

The proliferation of Zn dendrites and the emergence of parasitic side-reactions on Zn anodes present substantial obstacles to the commercialization of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. This study introduces an economical and straightforward strategy to address these issues by modulating the Zn affinity of BaTiO3 (BTO) ceramic coatings through Sr2+ substitution, with the goal of enhancing the stability and reversibility of Zn anodes. The Sr2+substituted BTO ceramic coating, consisting of 33.8 % P4mm phase and 66.2 % P4/mmm phase, generates a surface with dual zincophilic/zincophobic properties and robust hydrophobicity. These features lower the desolvation energy barrier and enable rapid establishment of stable 3D diffusion, promoting uniform Zn deposition. Consequently, the coated Zn anode demonstrates a prolonged lifespan of 1670 h at 1 mA cm- 2, followed by a soft-short behavior lasting over 300 h. It retains 67.8 % of its initial capacity after 1000 cycles and sustains a stable Coulombic efficiency above 99 %, highlighting exceptional reversibility. This work opens avenues for simple and cost-effective solutions to tackle the challenges inherent in aqueous metal-ion batteries.