Enhanced Zinc-Ion Batteries through the Coating of
Surface-Functionalized Graphene on the Anode: A Promising Solution for
Uniform Zinc plating
Abstract
Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted attention as
large-scale energy storage systems because of their excellent safety,
high capacity, eco-friendliness, and low cost. However, the utilization
of acid electrolytes in ZIBs causes non-uniform dendrite growth at the
anode, which limits their capacity and cycle life. To solve this issue,
an advanced anode with high electrical conductivity and good interfacial
stability is required. In this study, for the first time,
surface-functionalized graphene was used as a protective layer on the
anode surface. The resulting ZIB exhibited superior energy storage
performance and reversibility, with an improved specific capacity of
260.0 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.3 A g–1, and an excellent
long-term stability and a specific capacity of 139.0 mA h g-1 during 150
cycles at current density of 2.0 A g-1. The proposed method is an easy
and feasible method for addressing the anode issues of ZIBs, thus
providing new opportunities for stable and high-performance ZIBs.