Long-term stable Zn metal anodes by electrodeposited manganese dioxide for aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries

Abstract

Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ARZIBs) are environmental-friendly and recyclable batteries, but they still have some problems restricting their practical application, such as poor cycle life-span and high possibility of internal short circuits due to the growth of dendrite. Herein, the electrode by electrodeposited manganese dioxide on the Zn metal has been designed, which can guide uniform deposition of zinc on the electrode, and then greatly extend the service life and improve the long cycling stability of ARZIBs. The modified electrode achieved favorable stability with a 10-fold enhancement in running lifetime (over 3950 h) compared to the pristine Zn electrode at the current density of 0.1 mA cm−2 with 0.1 mAh cm−2, and a 5-fold longer running life than that of bare Zn at 1 mA cm−2 with 1 mAh cm−2. As a result, the electrodeposition technique for Zn metal anode modification is expected to develop inherently safe energy storage systems.