An integrated dendrite-free zinc metal electrode for corrosion inhibition in aqueous system

Zinc ion batteries have gotten increasing attention as a potential candidate for lithium-ion batteries, due to their high specific capacity (820 mAh center dot g(-1)), energy density, and safety. Inevitably, dendrite and corrosion create some trouble for this system. Herein, an integrated Zn electrode coated by Zn-Al metal oxides prepared by a simple spin-coating method was utilized to increase the rechargeability for aqueous zinc ion batteries. By coating the Zn anode with an artificial electrolyte interface, the wettability of Zn anodes was improved and impedance was reduced. The coating suppressed not only the appearance of dendrite but also the formation of corrosion products. The symmetrical cells with coating have a low overpotential (43 mV) and an excellent life span. Meanwhile, the applied full batteries exhibit an improved capacity retention rate (86.67% after 120 cycles), great rate performance and low apparent activation energy (24.6 KJ center dot mol(-1)). The simple production methods and superior corrosion suppression effects provide new ideas for the anode protection of aqueous system batteries.