Enhancing Zinc Anode Stability with Gallium Ion‐Induced Electrostatic Shielding and Oriented Plating

Incorporating gallium ions (Ga³⁺) into the ZnSO₄ electrolyte facilitates the uniform deposition of zinc through the electrostatic screening function and selective deposition on the (100) crystal plane. This approach aims to achieve an extended cycle life for the zinc anode.

Abstract

The cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted considerable attention. However, practical applications are hindered by side processes including dendritic growth and hydrogen evolution corrosion. Herein, gallium ions (Ga³⁺) have been chosen as a multifunctional electrolyte additive to improve the reversibility of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Remarkably, Ga³⁺ ions adhere to the anode surface, establishing a dynamic electrostatic shielding layer that modulates Zn²⁺ deposition and prevents side reactions. Typically, Ga³⁺ ions preferentially adsorb onto the (002) and (110) planes of Zn, facilitating preferential deposition on the (100) plane, resulting in a dendrites-free zinc anode. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetrical cell with Ga³⁺-modified electrolyte demonstrates a prolonged lifespan of 4000 h, while the Zn||Ti asymmetric cell exhibits an impressive coulombic efficiency of 99.12% for zinc stripping and plating at 2 mA cm⁻². Additionally, the Zn||VO₂ cell maintains high capacity retention after 1500 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹. This work presents Ga³⁺ ions as an electrolyte additive, facilitating the development of a durable dynamic electrostatic shielding effect and preferential (100) plane electroplating, ensuring zinc deposition free from dendrite formation. Such discoveries form a basis for future investigations into novel materials to propel advancements in metal battery technology.