Carbon armor for zinc anodes: Mitigating dendrite formations and unwanted side reactions in zinc-ion batteries

Abstract

BackgroundOwing to their high safety and abundance, zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained significant attention as promising energy-storage technologies. However, these energy storage systems continue to suffer from the formation of Zn dendrites, corrosion, and parasitic side reactions during battery cycling; this severely reduces their performance and lifespan. To address these issues, researchers have investigated carbon-based protection layers to prevent such hindrances at Zn anodes. MethodsIn this mini-review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in the development of carbon-based protection layers for ZIBs to prevent dendrite formation, including conventional carbon materials, carbon nanotubes, MOF-derived carbon layers, graphdiyne layers, graphene, and fiber-like carbons. Moreover, we have summarized the recent progress in these approaches to suppress dendrite formation on Zn electrodes and the formation of unwanted by-products by creating carbon protection layers. Some of the limitations and challenges of current state-of-the-art methods, including their poor cycling retention and instability, are also discussed. Additionally, this study provides insights into the future direction of research in this area. Significant findingsIt was found that the use of carbon-based protection layers for Zn anodes is an effective strategy for preventing dendrite formation in ZIBs. We expect the findings of this review paper to provide a comprehensive understanding of the status and future prospects of carbon-based protection layers for Zn anodes, and hence, contribute to the development of next-generation ZIBs.