In Situ Construction of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Interfacial Films via Electrolyte Additive for Advanced Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Aqueous zinc ion batteries have garnered widespread attention due to their high safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. However, hydrogen precipitation, byproduct aggregation, and dendrite growth at zinc anode as well as material degradation of the cathode severely impede further practical development. Here, we construct organic–inorganic hybrid interfacial films on electrodes by employing trifluoroacetamide (CNF) as an additive. The interfacial films homogenize zinc deposition, inhibit the byproducts’ aggregation as well as hydrogen evolution on the anode, and enhance cathode morphological integrity upon cycling. The cycle life of Zn||Zn cells is significantly extended at a high current density. Meanwhile, a Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% is achieved at 10 mA cm^–2 after 4000 cycles for Zn||Cu cell. The Zn||Na₂V₆O₁₆·3H₂O full cells after 12000 cycles present 145 and 99 mAh g^–1 at 5 and 20 A g^–1, respectively. Therefore, the efficient and convenient strategy of introducing an electrolyte additive provides a reliable solution to issues at the interfaces for other secondary battery systems.