Constructing robust heterostructured interface for anode-free zinc batteries with ultrahigh capacities

Abstract

The development of Zn-free anodes to inhibit Zn dendrite formation and modulate high-capacity Zn batteries is highly applauded yet very challenging. Here, we design a robust two-dimensional antimony/antimony-zinc alloy heterostructured interface to regulate Zn plating. Benefiting from the stronger adsorption and homogeneous electric field distribution of the Sb/Sb₂Zn₃-heterostructured interface in Zn plating, the Zn anode enables an ultrahigh areal capacity of 200 mAh cm^-2 with an overpotential of 112 mV and a Coulombic efficiency of 98.5%. An anode-free Zn-Br₂ battery using the Sb/Sb₂Zn₃-heterostructured interface@Cu anode shows an attractive energy density of 274 Wh kg^-1 with a practical pouch cell energy density of 62 Wh kg^-1. The scaled-up Zn-Br₂ battery in a capacity of 500 mAh exhibits over 400 stable cycles. Further, the Zn-Br₂ battery module in an energy of 9 Wh (6 V, 1.5 Ah) is integrated with a photovoltaic panel to demonstrate the practical renewable energy storage capabilities. Our superior anode-free Zn batteries enabled by the heterostructured interface enlighten an arena towards large-scale energy storage applications.