Dendrite-Free Zinc Deposition Induced by an Artificial Layer of Strontium Titanate for Stable Zinc Metal Anode

Abstract

Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries, featuring as high specific capacity, low cost and high safety, are considered one of the most promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for the next-generation energy storage system. Nevertheless, the undesired dendrite formation and serious side reaction of Zn metal anode significantly hinder the usage of Zn-based metal batteries. Here, we propose a nanosized SrTiO3 film as a highly self-adapting protective coating to facilitate fast Zn2+ kinetics and guarantee even ion flux, leading to endow homogeneous Zn deposition under the SrTiO3 layer. Consequently, the symmetric batteries equipped with SrTiO3-coated Zn electrodes obtain a long-term cycling lifespan for 1000h with a fixed capacity of 1 mA h cm−2 without the formation of zinc dendrites. Furthermore, the Zn@SrTiO3||MnO2 full battery displays excellent cycling stability and rate performance. This study emphasizes the important role of SrTiO3 layer in designing the interfacial stability during zinc redox process for stable aqueous Zn metal batteries.