Trace Amount of Nitrilotriacetate Induced Electrolyte Evolution and Textured Surface for Stable Zn Anode

Abstract

AbstractThe growth of dendrites and the hydrogen evolution reaction pose significant challenges to the development of Zn metal aqueous batteries as a promising solution for energy storage. Herein, trisodium nitrilotriacetate (Na3NTA) as an electrolyte additive is shown to improve the reversibility of the zinc plating–stripping process. NTA3− anions possess the potential not only to substitute water molecules in the solvation sheath of Zn2+ ions but also to construct a zincophilic electrolyte/Zn anode interface and suppress the activity of water molecules for stabilizing the Zn anode. The introduction of Na3NTA can effectively suppress side reactions arising from active water decomposition and simultaneously lead to the formation of a well‐defined (002) texture structure. As a result, a Zn||Zn symmetric cell with a modified electrolyte demonstrates a lifespan of up to 3000 h at a cutoff capacity of 1 mA h cm−2. Furthermore, a Zn||V2O5 full cell exhibits an enhanced capacity retention of 83.2% even after undergoing 8000 cycles. No noticeable dendrites are observed even after long cycles in both symmetric and full cells. Due to the cost‐effective material and ease of fabrication of the Na3NTA additive, this electrolyte strategy may promote the industrial application of aqueous zinc ion batteries.