Constructing PEDOT:PSS/Graphene sheet nanofluidic channels to achieve dendrite-free Zn anode

Abstract

Despite the great progress on the development of zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) in recent years, the issue of zinc corrosion in aqueous media and the associated dendrite growth of the electrode remains a major challenge for achieving high-performance anode materials with long-term stability. Herein, we report a facile, yet, effective interfacial optimization of zinc (Zn) anode using a nanofluidic channel (NC) layer made up of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) decorated graphene sheets (GSs) produced by electrochemical exfoliation. The NCs effectively modulated the Zn ion distribution density, inhibited dendrite growth, and restrained other side reactions due to its tunable channel size and the surface functional groups. Moreover, the extra conductive polymer (PEDOT:PSS) on the NC layer curbed the polarization problem by enhancing the electric field on the Zn anode. As a result, PEDOT:PSS/GS@Zn anode demonstrated prolonged cycling stability for 8000 cycles with substantial improvements in specific discharge capacity due to the enhanced electron transit efficiency. In summary, our work proposes a scalable technological approach to fabricate dendrite-free Zn anodes and provides a universal inspiration to restrain dendrite formation during the ion electroplating processes.