Boosting Zinc Anode Life with Supersaturation

A key challenge in aqueous zinc batteries is the short lifespan of the zinc anode. Scientists have discovered that manipulating the environment around the anode can significantly enhance its durability. By using an organic compound called caprolactam, they created a local high-supersaturation environment. This, in turn, controls how zinc sulfate hydroxide (ZSH) forms and helps to create a dense, stable interface around the anode. This interface acts like a protective shell, boosting the anode's efficiency and lifespan.The initial and average efficiency of the zinc anode saw a remarkable jump from 59. 9% and 94. 0% to 84. 1% and 99. 2%, respectively. The lifespan also increased dramatically, from 50 hours to over 7000 hours. Even in zinc-vanadium batteries with a low energy ratio, the performance improved significantly. This discovery sheds light on how to better control the chemistry of the anode, paving the way for more efficient and long-lasting batteries.