A Corrosion‐Resistant and Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Anode in Aqueous Systems

TLDR

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‑ion energy storage systems are attractive for their low cost and safety, yet they suffer from corrosion and dendrite growth on Zn anodes that cause gas generation and early failure. The study demonstrates that coating Zn anodes with a dual‑functional indium layer can simultaneously inhibit corrosion and suppress dendrite formation. The indium coating serves as both a corrosion inhibitor and a nucleating agent, providing a simple yet effective surface modification. Symmetric cells with treated Zn electrodes sustain 1500 h of plating/stripping with 54 mV hysteresis, and a prototype full cell reaches 5000 cycles, indicating a promising path for aqueous metal‑based energy storage.

Abstract

Abstract Rechargeable aqueous zinc (Zn) ion‐based energy storage systems have been reviving recently because of their low cost and high safety merits; however, they still suffer from the problems of corrosion and dendrite growth on Zn metal anodes that cause gas generation and early battery failure. Unfortunately, the corrosion problem has not received sufficient attention until now. Here, it is pioneeringly demonstrated that decorating the Zn surface with a dual‐functional metallic indium (In) layer, acting as both a corrosion inhibitor and a nucleating agent, is a facile but effective strategy to suppress both drastic corrosion and dendrite growth. Symmetric cells assembled with the treated Zn electrodes can sustain up to 1500 h of plating/stripping cycles with an ultralow voltage hysteresis (54 mV), and a 5000 cycle‐life is achieved for a prototype full cell. This work will instigate the further development of aqueous metal‐based energy storage systems.