Surface Modification Strategy Research Articles

Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Surface States During the Laser Sealing of 304 Steel/High-Alumina Glass

Laser welding (sealing) is a promising technology for joining metal to glass, but it shows poor joint strength in existing studies. This study conducted the laser sealing of a 304 stainless steel alloy to high-alumina glass using pre-oxidation and laser surface melting as an interlayer. The present investigation aimed to determine the influence of this surface modification strategy on the mechanical behavior of glass-to-metal sealing joints made via laser welding. An experimental campaign was conducted on 304 stainless steel and high-alumina glass. Pre-oxidation and laser surface melting treatment were performed on the 304 steel alloy surface before joining to improve the mechanical interlock and chemical bonding between the substrates. The microstructures of the 304 steel alloy/glass interface were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and the interface evolution mechanism and the correlation between the steel/glass joining strength and the interface morphology were discussed. Finite element analysis software simulated the temperature field and stress field in the welding process, and the reasons for the differences in the welding strengths of different surface treatment samples were analyzed in depth. The results showed that the laser surface melting strategy used significantly influenced the mechanical behavior of the joints and the failure mode. Adopting a higher number of scans improved the mechanical interlock and, consequently, the mechanical behavior of the joints.

Novel Anchored Branched Polymer Coating Layers for Enhanced Redox Kinetics in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries

The fundamental issues associated with Zn anodes prevent the commercialization of aqueous Zn ion batteries. To address this, a simple dip‐coating method was used to coordinate a thin layer of branched polyethyleneimine (b‐PEI) polymer onto the electrode surface. This process increases hydrophilicity and reduces interfacial resistance between the electrode and aqueous electrolyte. Consequently, electrolyte leaching from the hydrophilic polymer coating layer is prevented, charge distribution is uniform, and stable electrochemical performance is maintained over extended periods. In symmetric cell testing, the b‐PEI@Zn anode exhibits a lifespan of over 1400 h (3 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2). Furthermore, full‐cell tests, the b‐PEI@Zn anode demonstrates higher capacity (+26.05%) and improved stability (95.4%) compared to the bare Zn anode (0.5 A g−1). This study presents a practical surface modification strategy for Zn anodes and underscores the potential of innovative polymer‐based electrode coatings for aqueous battery applications.

Evaluation of osseointegration of plasma treated polyaryletherketone maxillofacial implants

Osseointegration is a crucial property of biomaterials used for bone defect repair. While titanium is the gold standard in craniofacial surgeries, various polymeric biomaterials are being explored as alternatives. However, polymeric materials can be bioinert, hindering integration with surrounding tissues. In this investigation, plasma ion immersion implantation (PIII)-treated polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyether ketone (PEK) implants were assessed in a sheep maxilla and mandible model. Defects were filled with PIII-treated PEEK and PEK implants, produced through fused filament fabrication (FFF) and selective laser sintering (SLS), respectively. Positive controls were grade 23 titanium implants via selective laser melting, while untreated PEEK implants served as negative controls. Surface analyses using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed favorable properties. Osseointegration was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed at 8-, 10-, and 12-weeks post-implantation, showing significantly improved outcomes for both PIII-treated PEEK and PEK implants compared to untreated controls. The study suggests PIII treatment enhances FFF-printed PEEK’s osseointegration, and PIII-treated SLS-printed PEK achieves comparable osseointegration to 3D printed titanium. These findings underscore surface modification strategies’ potential for polymeric biomaterials, offering insights into developing alternative implant materials for craniofacial surgeries, with enhanced biocompatibility and osseointegration capabilities for improved clinical outcomes.

Plasma Treatment of Metal Surfaces for Enhanced Bonding Strength of Metal–Polymer Hybrid Structures

The adhesion between metals and polymers plays a pivotal role in numerous industrial applications, especially within the automotive and aerospace sectors, where there is a growing demand for materials that are both lightweight and durable. This study introduces an innovative technique to improve the adhesion between a metal and a polymer in hybrid structures through the synergistic use of anodization and plasma treatment. By forming a nanoporous oxide layer on aluminum surfaces, anodization enhances the interface for polymer binding. Plasma treatment further augments the surface properties by increasing the concentration of functional groups, thus allowing better polymer infiltration during the 3D printing process. Comprehensive analyses, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements confirm the substantial enhancement in the bonding strength achieved through this method. Additionally, cross-sectional analysis via focused ion-beam etching provides a detailed view of polymer integration into the treated layers. The findings suggest significant potential for these surface modification strategies to advance the development of lightweight, robust composites suitable for use in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

Enhancing Carbon Monoxide Tolerance in Low-Temperature PEM Fuel Cells through Carbon Nitride Surface Modification.

Low-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) reuqire highly pure hydrogen gas due to their extreme sensitivity to carbon monoxide (CO) contamination, which poses a challenge for using cost-effective reformed hydrogen sources. To address this issue, we have developed a surface modification strategy by applying a 0.5-0.91 nm amorphous carbon nitride layer onto PtRu/C substrates. The electrochemical measurements indicate that the modification selectively facilitates hydrogen gas transport to a surface while inhibiting carbon monoxide diffusion. The kinetic studies of CO adsorption reveal that the surface modification significantly reduces CO adsorption, effectively halving the rate compared to conventional catalysts. Additionally, rotating disk electrode experiments show that the catalyst modified with amorphous carbon nitride layer maintains stable operation for over 20 h with 1000 ppm of CO/H2. Furthermore, it supports stable discharge at 1 A cm-2 in PEMFCs with up to 10 ppm of CO, a concentration far exceeding the widely accepted standard of 0.2 ppm.

Surface modification unleashes light emitting applications of APbX3 perovskite nanocrystals.

Engineering the surface of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (MHPNCs) is crucial for optimizing their optical properties, repairing surface defects, enhancing quantum yield, and ensuring long-term stability. These enhancements make surface-engineered MHPNCs ideal for applications in light-emitting devices (LEDs), displays, lasers, and photodetectors, contributing to energy efficiency. This article delves into an introduction to MHPNCs, their structure and types, particularly the ABX3 type (where A represents monovalent organic/inorganic cations, B represents divalent metal ions mainly Pb metal, and X represents halide ions), synthesis methods, unique optical properties, surface modification techniques using various agents (particularly inorganic molecules/materials, organic molecules, polymers, and biomolecules) to tune optical properties and applications in the aforementioned light-emitting technologies, challenges and opportunities, including advantages and disadvantages of surface-modified APbX3 MHPNCs, and a summary and future outlook. This article explores surface modification strategies to improve the optical performance of MHPNCs and aims to inspire advancements in light emitting applications. Importantly, the challenges and opportunities section of this article will illuminate the path to overcoming obstacles, providing invaluable insights for researchers in this field. This in-depth review explores the surface engineering of MHPNCs for light-emitting applications, highlighting their notable advantages and addressing ongoing challenges. By delving deep into various surface modification strategies, this article aims to revolutionize MHPNC-based light-emitting applications, setting a new benchmark in the field. This paves the way for revolutionary advancements, maximizing the capabilities of surface-engineered MHPNCs and heralding a transformative era in precise light-emitting research.

Development and antibacterial evaluation of a dopamine-modified curcumin@zinc-based organic framework.

Antibiotics are crucial for treating and preventing bacterial infections. However, the widespread use of antibiotics has led to serious antibiotic resistance issues. To address the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, we designed and synthesized an antibacterial composite material, CCM@ZIF-8@PDA, through a one-pot method and surface modification strategy. This material combines the antibacterial properties of the natural product curcumin, the advantages of ZIF-8, and the photothermal conversion capability of PDA. It exhibits three antibacterial mechanisms against S. aureus: chemical antibacterial, ionic antibacterial, and photothermal antibacterial effects. At a low concentration of 100 ppm, CCM@ZIF-8@PDA achieves a 100% antibacterial rate. This multi-modal antibacterial strategy provides insights for developing new antibacterial materials to combat antibiotic resistance.

Bioinspired solid-state nanochannels for molecular analysis.

The acute sensory behaviour in living organisms relies on the highly efficient transport behaviour of ions in biological nanochannels, which has inspired the design and applications of artificial solid-state nanochannels in the field of sensitive analysis. The application of nanochannels for analysis is now widely investigated, and a variety of sensors have been developed. By coupling reliable nanochannel fabrication techniques with a multitude of surface modification strategies, novel sensors with customized sensing capabilities are generated by the integration of recognition elements and nanochannels. The altered physicochemical properties of these solid-state nanochannel sensors will be manifested by steady-state currents when they are affected by the target analyte. In this mini-review, we focus on emerging solid-state nanochannels based on different fabrication processes such as electron-beam etching, anodic oxidation, ion track etching, and self-assembly. Also, modifications of recognition elements are discussed, including nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules, and responsive materials. The key factors of ion transport behaviour during detection are also reviewed, including surface charge, channel size, and wettability. The applications of these bioinspired nanochannels in the exploration of analysis of small molecules (gas molecules, drug molecules and biological molecules) are concisely presented. Furthermore, we discuss the future developments and challenges.

A Review on the Applications of Quantum Dots in Sample Preparation.

In recent years, despite significant advances in preconcentration and preparation techniques that have led to efficient recovery and accurate measurement of target compounds. There is still a need to develop adsorbents with unique and efficient features such as high pore volume and surface area, reactivity, easy synthesis, low toxicity, and compatibility with the environment, which increase the adsorption capacity and increase extraction efficiency. Semiconductor nanocrystals called quantum dots (QDs) with a size of less than 10nm are three-dimensional nanoparticles with a spherical, rod, or disc structure that have significant potential in extraction as adsorbents due to their excellent properties such as low toxicity, reactivity, environmental friendliness, and hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. One of the most basic issues in the development of adsorbents is to increase the effective surface and, as a result, their extraction efficiency. QDs, having an effective surface much higher than conventional nanomaterials, are a suitable option for extracting target compounds in different environments. This work comprehensively reviews QD-based extraction methods and surface modification strategies of QDs based on functional groups, ligands, and materials from 2013 to 2024. In addition, the applications of QD-based composites for the extraction of organic and inorganic analytes (residues of drugs in human blood and plasma, toxins, pesticides, pollutants from chemical industries, heavy metals, etc.) in different matrices are investigated.

A Novel Bifunctional Surface Coating Method to Effectively Eliminate Residual Li on NCM811 by Using Uniformly Dispersed Metal Oxide Solution

A uniformly coating transition metal oxide solution (TS-M) was developed to simultaneously remove residual Li compounds (RLCs) and stabilize the surface of NCM811 material. XRD analysis revealed that the synthesized cathode samples (TS-M, where M = Ti, Ge, Sn) exhibited hexagonal α-NaFeO2 structures without impurity phases. FE-SEM and EDX results confirmed the formation of a uniform metal oxide coating (TS-Ti, TS-Ge: and TS-Sn) on the surface of NCM811, demonstrating its potential as a high-performance cathode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Among the treated samples, the TS-Sn sample delivered an excellent discharge capacity of 172.4 mAh g−1 with a retention of 90.4% after 50 cycles at a 1.0 C rate, outperforming the TS-Ge and TS-Ti samples. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further validated the improved impedance of NCM samples after Ti, Ge, and Sn coatings. Based on these findings, the application of Ti, Ge, and Sn metal oxide coatings to NCM811 is considered a reliable surface modification strategy for enhancing electrochemical performance by eliminating RLCs and stabilizing the surface.

Combining functionalities-nanoarchitectonics for combatting bacterial infection.

New antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapeutics are needed because of antibiotic resistance development and resulting complications such as inflammation, ultimately leading to septic shock. The antimicrobial effects of various nanoparticles (NPs) are currently attracting intensive research interest. Although various NPs display potent antimicrobial effects against strains resistant to conventional antibiotics, the therapeutic use of such materials is restricted by poor selectivity between bacteria and human cells, leading to adverse side effects. As a result, increasing research efforts during the last few years have focused on targeting NPs against bacteria and other components in the infection micro-environment. Examples of approaches explored include peptide-, protein- and nucleic acid-based NP coatings for bacterial membrane recognition, as well as NP conjugation with enzyme substrates or other moieties that respond to bacterial or other enzymes present in the infection micro-environment. In general, this study aims to add to the literature on the antimicrobial effects of nanomaterials by discussing surface modification strategies for targeting bacterial membranes and membrane components, as well as how such surface modifications can improve the antimicrobial effects of nanomaterials and simultaneously decrease toxicity towards human cells and tissues. In doing so, the biological effects observed are related throughout to the physico-chemical modes of action underlying such effects.

Restraining Planar Gliding in Single‐Crystalline LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 Cathodes by Combining Bulk and Surface Modification Strategies

AbstractThe delamination cracking from planar gliding along the (003) facets and anisotropic lattice strain perpendicular to the (003) facets inevitable lead to degradation of Ni‐rich single‐crystal cathode materials, adversely affecting their cyclability. Herein, we rationally design a single‐crystal LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 (SC90) cathode with robust chemo‐mechanical properties, in which coherently grown MgO6 octahedra and BO4 tetrahedra are incorporated into the lattice, and a stabilizing Mg3(BO3)2 layer is concurrently formed on the particle surface. Multiscale in/ex situ characterizations and theoretical calculations indicate that introducing the MgO6 and BO4 units leads to a “pinning effect” within the layered structure. This in turn strongly mitigates mechanical degradation by reducing planar gliding and delamination cracking over extended cycling. Moreover, the Mg3(BO3)2 coating maintains fast lithium diffusion by suppressing parasitic reactions at the cathode|electrolyte interface. The tailored SC90 cathode exhibits a capacity retention of ~88 % after 300 cycles at 5 C rate, significantly outperforming the pristine counterpart (~60 %). Additionally, a pouch‐type full cell with a graphite anode sustains a specific discharge capacity of 177 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles, with 90 % capacity retention. This work highlights the “pining effect” in preventing unfavorable slab sliding and structural deterioration, offering new insights for designing advanced ultrahigh Ni single‐crystal cathodes.

Restraining Planar Gliding in Single-Crystalline LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 Cathodes by Combining Bulk and Surface Modification Strategies.

The delamination cracking from planar gliding along the (003) facets and anisotropic lattice strain perpendicular to the (003) facets inevitable lead to degradation of Ni-rich single-crystal cathode materials, adversely affecting their cyclability. Herein, we rationally design a single-crystal LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 (SC90) cathode with robust chemo-mechanical properties, in which coherently grown MgO6 octahedra and BO4 tetrahedra are incorporated into the lattice, and a stabilizing Mg3(BO3)2 layer is concurrently formed on the particle surface. Multiscale in/ex situ characterizations and theoretical calculations indicate that introducing the MgO6 and BO4 units leads to a "pinning effect" within the layered structure. This in turn strongly mitigates mechanical degradation by reducing planar gliding and delamination cracking over extended cycling. Moreover, the Mg3(BO3)2 coating maintains fast lithium diffusion by suppressing parasitic reactions at the cathode|electrolyte interface. The tailored SC90 cathode exhibits a capacity retention of ~88 % after 300 cycles at 5 C rate, significantly outperforming the pristine counterpart (~60 %). Additionally, a pouch-type full cell with a graphite anode sustains a specific discharge capacity of 177 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles, with 90 % capacity retention. This work highlights the "pining effect" in preventing unfavorable slab sliding and structural deterioration, offering new insights for designing advanced ultrahigh Ni single-crystal cathodes.

Tailoring the Properties of 2D Nanomaterial‐Polymer Composites for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Energy Storage by 3D Printing—A Review

3D‐printed 2D nanomaterials‐based polymer composites, with their exceptional electrical conductivity and structural functionalities, have become leading‐edge engineering materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, sensors, and energy storage applications. This review begins with a brief introduction to various types of 2D nanomaterials and their fabrication techniques, specifically different types of 3D printing. The subsequent sections highlight key factors such as rheological properties, surface tension, additives, and binders that influence the printability of 2D nanomaterials‐based polymer composites. The advancements in 2D nanomaterials‐based polymers, including MXene, graphene, and graphene derivatives, are then presented. The interaction, dispersion, and/or network formation of 2D nanomaterials in the polymer matrix is a crucial factor in determining the electrical performance of the composites. This review also discusses surface modification strategies for 2D nanomaterials to enhance their sensing, EMI shielding, and energy storage capabilities. Finally, the impact of various 3D‐printed polymer composite geometries, such as rectangular, cylinder, and circular, on shielding performance is thoroughly examined, engaging the reader in the exploration of these materials.

Cation Enrichment Promotes High-rate CO Electroreduction to C2+ Liquid Products.

Electrochemical reduction of CO into valuable multicarbon (C2+) liquids is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions and advancing clean energy, yet mastering efficiency and selectivity in this process remains a tough challenge. Herein, we employ a surface-modification strategy using electrochemically active polymeric 1,4,5,8-naphthalenete-tracarboxylic dianhydride (PNTCDA)-modified copper nanosheets (PM-Cu) to rearrange reactive species in the electric double layer, where the PNTCDA triggers a distinctive enolization that anchor potassium ions (K+) onto the cathode surface under reduction condition. Electrochemical analysis and computational simulations revealed that this approach fine-tunes K+ distribution in the double layer, making the dehydration of hydrated K+ more efficient and reducing active water molecules at the interface, thus inhibiting the hydrogen evolution reaction while concurrently promoting CO reduction via enhanced C-C coupling. For the first time, the PM-Cu catalyst demonstrates ampere-scale current densities with the exclusive selectivity of a C2+ liquid product yield exceeding 90 %. Thus, by tailoring the local microenvironment with electrochemically active organics, it is possible to modulate CO reduction, improve sustainable energy storage, and increase industrial carbon utilization.

Interfacial charge trap engineering of organic semiconductors using reactive oxygen plasma for enhanced performance in phototransistor memory

Significant advancements have been observed in organic photonic field-effect transistors, primarily attributed to the swift evolution of conjugated materials. In this study, plasma oxidation is utilized as a surface modification strategy on a series of quinacridones (QA) based molecules to further exploit the performance of conjugated materials. Accordingly, alkylated QA is incorporated as a memory layer into the photonic field-effect transistor memory devices, with pentacene serving as the transport layer. The study aims to elucidate the correlation between functionalized interfaces and charge storage capacity. The findings indicate that plasma oxidation can elicit charge storage effects due to the formation of tertiary amine species and morphological modifications. The alkylated QA with an optimal chain length, subjected to a 10-s plasma oxidation process, demonstrates remarkable memory ratios reaching as high as 104. Additionally, the retention capabilities of these devices remain approximately 104 after a duration of 10,000 s, signifying substantial durability. These findings underscore the efficacy of plasma oxidation as a significant method for enhancing the operational performance of photonic field-effect transistor memory devices.

Bimetallic MIL-88/Polyaniline Hybrid Hollow Structure: In-situ Synthesis and Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction at High Current Densities.

Developing oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts in an efficient strategy, while maintaining high catalytic activity and stability under high current densities, remains a crucial problem. In this study, a bimetallic iron-cobalt phytic acid complex loaded with polyaniline hollow structure (FCP@PAn) was successfully constructed, via a progress of selective etching and surface modification in one step without high-temperature phosphating or carbonization. The as-obtained FCP@PAn required only 329 and 385 mV overpotentials at high current densities of 500 and 1000 mA cm-2, respectively, due to phytic acid and polyaniline incorporation and the coordinated effect of each component. Additionally, the FCP@PAn exhibited the lowest Tafel slope values of 44.6 mV dec-1 and was able to continuously operate for 120 h at 500 mA cm-2, displaying high catalytic activity and stability. Hence, the hollow structure of the conductive polymer and MOFs composites provided a new surface modification strategy for transition metal-based catalysts that are prone to dissolution or corrosion during the OER process, as well as for high current density applications.

Advances in constructing Carbon Fiber‐MXene multilevel structures to reinforce interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites

AbstractCarbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) have received widespread attention due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the poor interfacial properties between CF and resin matrix urgently need feasible and efficient surface modification strategies of CF to regulate the interface. Due to its unique layered structure and abundant surface groups, MXene has been increasingly used in the field of CFRP interfacial modification in recent years. It possesses the advantages of good stability, large specific surface area, abundant adsorption sites and rich functional groups, which could effectively improve surface polarity, roughness and wettability of carbon fibers, thus enhancing effective interfacial bonding and enabling hierarchical regulation of interface in CFRPs. This paper reviews feasible strategies for constructing CF‐MXene multilevel structures, including electrophoretic deposition, chemical grafting, electrostatic self‐assembly, and sizing coating. Then, the strengthening mechanism involving surface morphology, mechanical properties, and interfacial strength of CFRPs are systematically evaluated centered on interfacial activity, interfacial adhesion, surface roughness and surface energy. Meanwhile, the problems in introducing MXene to CF surfaces and future research directions are systematically prospected. This paper could provide valuable guidance to construct CF‐MXene multilevel structures to reinforce interfacial properties of CFRPs composites, thus realizing hierarchical modulation of CFRPs interfaces.Highlights A feasible strategy for constructing CF‐MXene multilevel structures is built. The main methods for constructing CF‐MXene multilevel structures are provided. Treatment processes and reinforcing mechanisms of CFRPs are evaluated.

Unraveling the Influence of Hetero Atom Doped Carbon Coating and Morphology Control on Electrochemical Behaviour of Na3V2(PO4)2F3 Cathode Material

The rapid growth of the global battery demand has accelerated the search for efficient low-cost and sustainable batteries. Among them, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) represent one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage systems for stationary and light vehicle applications. The growing interest in SIBs has been catalyzed by the adoption of this battery technology by several companies worldwide.Despite the great achievements recently announced, several challenges persist. Among them, is the limited energy density of SIBs especially when compared to lithium-ion batteries. To tackle the challenges, research has been focused on the rational design of more powerful sodium-ion battery materials. While hard carbon seems to be the anode of choice, several cathode chemistries have been proposed so far. Out of all, polyanionic compounds have garnered widespread attention as promising reversible cathode materials given their rich chemistry, ability to tolerate volumetric stress upon cycling, and high operating potential. Lattice doping with three fluoride ions onto NASICON-type Na3V2(PO4)3 material yields the formation of a fluorophosphate Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) with enhanced theoretical capacity and operating potential of 128 mAh g-1 and 3.95V vs. Na+/Na respectively. Nevertheless, performance-limiting traits such as inferior electronic conductivity and the restricted reversible capacity obstruct the overall practical application for high energy density SIB.To address the listed challenges, we have examined the synergistic role of structural modulation and surface modification strategies through the synthesis of boron-doped carbon-coated hollow microsphere Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) materials deploying solvothermal, chemical vapor deposition with a subsequent solution-mixing technique. The prepared materials were analyzed via physical-chemical characterizations to elucidate the phase identification, crystal structure, surface morphology, optimal coating thickness, and prevailing oxidation states. Further, the electrochemical activity of the as-prepared materials was demonstrated in half-cell configuration using rate capability and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) cycling within a potential window of 2.5V- 4.3V.In this work, we discuss the comparison between a pristine version of the NVPF (S1) material with two carbon-coated materials, namely a 10 wt% boron-doped carbon-coated NVPF (S2) and 20 wt% boron-doped carbon-coated NVPF (S3). It is found that the optimal conditions for improved rate performance and cyclability are identified for the composite NVPF (S2) material with capacity retention of 97% after 300 cycles when compared to NVPF (S1) and coated NVPF (S3) which displayed capacity holding of 64% and 94%. Further, an in-depth analysis through impedance spectroscopy and post-mortem characterization has been carried out to shed light on the effect of the boron-doped carbon coating on interfacial and structural stability upon cycling.

Surface Modification Strategies for Improved Electrochemical Performance and Long-Term Cyclability in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries

Although aqueous zinc ion batteries are promising for grid-scale energy storage because of their low cost, safety, and high capacity, they are still limited by poor reversibility and a short cycle lifetime. The main causes of these problems are the spontaneous side reactions and the inhomogeneous deposition/dissolution behavior of the zinc electrode. In this study, we address these limitations by mitigating the inhomogeneous surface reactions of the zinc electrode, a key factor in achieving long-term cycling stability. By employing appropriate surface modification techniques to eliminate the intrinsic passivation layer and reduce surface roughness, we enable uniform electrochemical reactions on the electrode surface, resulting in homogeneous zinc deposition, accelerated electrochemical kinetics, and enhanced cycling performance. Two distinct surface modification strategies were utilized: chemical treatment and mechanical polishing. The chemical treatment entailed the application of acidic, neutral, or alkaline solutions to the zinc electrode, effectively removing the organic passivation layer, improving electrolyte wettability, rate capability, and enabling uniform zinc deposition. Mechanical polishing not only removed the passivation layer but also smoothed the rough surface of the zinc electrode, reducing local charge concentrations and further promoting uniform deposition, which enhanced long-term stability. Our research indicates that simple surface modification methods can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of zinc electrodes. These strategies may be applicable to other types of energy storage systems using metal foil-based electrode, including lithium, magnesium, and aluminum batteries, as well as zinc-ion batteries.