Physicochemical Synergistic Separator Coating Induces Uniform and Rapid Deposition of Li and Zn Ions.

Yang, Di; Wu, Xiaoyu; He, Li; Sun, Zhihui; Zhao, Hainan; Wang, Meiling; Wang, Yizhan; Wei, Yingjin · Nano Lett · 2023

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Li and Zn metal batteries are the most promising candidates to replace conventional Li-ion batteries. However, a series of issues, especially dendrites caused by uneven deposition of cations during charge-discharge cycles, hinder their practical application. Here, we proposed a facile separator modification method which combines physical and chemical forces to regulate uniform and rapid deposition of both Li<sup>+</sup> and Zn<sup>2+</sup>. Physically, the electronegativity of modified separators drives rapid transport of metal ions via a surface diffusion mode. Chemically, the polar surface functional groups on coated separators induce uniform deposition of metal ions so that the dendrite growth is effectively inhibited. As a result, the Li and Zn metal anodes employing modified separators can cycle stably for over 1000 h under a large current density of 10 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>.