Nitrate Radical Induced “Two in One” Interface Engineering toward High Reversibility of Zn Metal Anode

Abstract

AbstractAdvanced interfacial engineering performs a forceful modulation effect on Zn2+ plating/stripping with simultaneous inhibition of hydrogen evolution reaction, chemical corrosion, and dendrite growth, which is responsible for high reversibility of Zn anode. Herein, a “two in one” interface engineering is developed to improve the reversibility of Zn anode, in which multi‐functional Zn5(NO3)2(OH)8·2H2O layer and preferential Zn (002) texture are constructed simultaneously. Due to nucleophilicity to Zn2+ arising from electronegativity, the layer can accelerate the desolvation process of [Zn (H2O)6]2+ and transfer kinetics of Zn2+ ions, leading to uniform nucleation and effective inhibition of water‐induced side reactions. Meanwhile, the latter is beneficial to guiding   Zn (002)‐preferred orientation deposition with compact structure. Consequently, the Zn electrodes with such complementary interface modulation exhibit prominent reversibility. With an area capacity of 1 mAh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2, the symmetric cell operates steadily for 4000 h. Highly reversible Zn anode is maintained even at 50 mA cm−2. For full cells coupled with MnO2 cathode, impressive rate capability and cycling stability with a high capacity beyond 100 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 2000 cycles are achieved. The results provide new insights into Zn anodes with high reversibility for next‐generation aqueous zinc ion batteries.