Rational Design of an <i>In‐Situ</i> Polymer‐Inorganic Hybrid Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Realising Stable Zn Metal Anode under Harsh Conditions

Abstract

The in-depth understanding of the composition-property-performance relationship of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is the basis of developing a reliable SEI to stablize the Zn anode-electrolyte interface, but it remains unclear in rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries. Herein, a well-designed electrolyte based on 2 M Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂-0.2 M acrylamide-0.2 M ZnSO₄ is proposed. A robust polymer (polyacrylamide)-inorganic (Zn₄SO₄(OH)₆.xH₂O) hybrid SEI is in situ constructed on Zn anodes through controllable polymerization of acrylamide and coprecipitation of SO₄ ^2- with Zn²⁺ and OH^-. For the first time, the underlying SEI composition-property-performance relationship is systematically investigated and correlated. The results showed that the polymer-inorganic hybrid SEI, which integrates the high modulus of the inorganic component with the high toughness of the polymer ingredient, can realize high reversibility and long-term interfacial stability, even under ultrahigh areal current density and capacity (30 mA cm^-2~30 mAh cm^-2). The resultant Zn||NH₄V₄O₁₀ cell also exhibits excellent cycling stability. This work will provide a guidance for the rational design of SEI layers in rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries.