Boosting the Proton Intercalation via Crystal Plane Optimization of TiS₂ for Cycling‐Stable Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Abstract TiS 2 has received significant attention as a promising anode for “Rocking‐Chair”‐type aqueous Zn‐ion batteries due to the large interlayer spacing and low discharge plateau. However, the structural distortion caused by the embedding of divalent Zn 2+ as well as the undesirable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) severely affects their cycling stability. Herein, a facet‐dependent mechanism is first deeply investigated to understand charge storage behaviors of TiS 2 via differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, in situ electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance, and in situ X‐ray diffraction characterizations. By regulating the exposed crystal facets of TiS 2 from (001) (TS (001)) to (011) (TS(011)), HER can be effectively inhibited, and the charge storage mechanism is transformed from Zn 2+ insertion/extraction dominating to H + insertion/extraction dominating, resulting in faster charge transfer kinetics and strong structure stability during long‐term cycling. Hence, TS(011) delivers a higher reversible capacity of 212.9 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 and a strong cycling stability of 74% capacity retention over 1000 cycles, much better than that of TS (001) with a reversible capacity of 164.7 mAh g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 , a capacity retention of 17% after 1000 cycles. These new findings can provide deep insight into the rational design of high‐performance intercalation‐type electrode materials for energy storage applications.