Citation: Jiao Wang, Shuang-Yan Lang, Zhen-Zhen Shen, Gui-Xian Liu, Rui Wen. In situ nanoscale insights into the interfacial degradation of Zn metal anodes[J]. Chinese Chemical Letters, ;2025, 36(8): 110308. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110308 shu

In situ nanoscale insights into the interfacial degradation of Zn metal anodes

Jiao Wang ^{a, b} ,
Shuang-Yan Lang ^{a, b} ,
Zhen-Zhen Shen ^{a, b} ,
Gui-Xian Liu ^{a, b} ,
Rui Wen ^{a, b, *,}

a.
CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
b.
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

ruiwen@iccas.ac.cn

Received Date: 19 June 2024
Revised Date: 15 July 2024
Accepted Date: 30 July 2024
Available Online: 31 July 2024

Figures(5)

Zn metal batteries are highly attractive because of their high theoretical specific capacity, intrinsic safety and resource availability. However, further development is significantly hindered by low Coulomb efficiency, which is closely linked to reaction processes occurring at electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Herein, we have achieved a real-time visualization and comprehensive analysis of the interfacial evolution of Zn metal anode via in situ AFM in organic and aqueous electrolytes, respectively. The processes of uneven nucleation, dendrite growth, the ZnO formation and the dissolution of Zn substrate are directly probed in aqueous electrolyte, which induces interfacial deterioration and ultimately results in battery failure. In organic electrolyte, the in situ observations show that the homogeneous nuclei form on the Zn surface to induce the dendrite-free deposition, however, exhibiting poor Zn plating/stripping reversibility. This work delves into the dynamic evolution and electrochemical behaviors regulated by solvents, which provides in-depth understanding of structure-reactivity correlations and further interfacial engineering.
- In situ AFM,
- Interfacial processes,
- Degradation mechanism,
- Organic electrolyte,
- Zn metal batteries
1. [1]
  W. Zhang, J. Zhang, N. Wang, et al., Nat. Sustain. 7 (2024) 463–473. doi: 10.1038/s41893-024-01300-2
2. [2]
  W. Sun, F. Wang, B. Zhang, et al., Science 371 (2021) 46–51. doi: 10.1126/science.abb9554
3. [3]
  S. Chen, J. Chen, X. Liao, et al., ACS Energy Lett. 7 (2022) 4028–4035. doi: 10.1021/acsenergylett.2c02042
4. [4]
  M. Li, F. Zeng, S. Li, et al., Energy Mater. Devices 1 (2023) 9370007. doi: 10.26599/emd.2023.9370007
5. [5]
  C. Xu, B. Li, H. Du, F. Kang, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 51 (2012) 933–935. doi: 10.1002/anie.201106307
6. [6]
  Y. Li, Y. Wang, Y. Xu, et al., Small 18 (2022) 2202214.
7. [7]
  B. Raza, Y. Zhang, J. Chen, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 62 (2023) e202302174.
8. [8]
  X. Zhou, B. Wen, Y. Cai, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 63 (2024) e202402342.
9. [9]
  S. Xu, J. Huang, G. Wang, et al., Small Methods 8 (2024) 2300268.
10. [10]
  Y. Zhu, G. Liang, X. Cui, et al., Energy Environ. Sci. 17 (2024) 369–385. doi: 10.1039/d3ee03584k
11. [11]
  C. Nie, G. Wang, D. Wang, et al., Adv. Energy Mater. 13 (2023) 2300606.
12. [12]
  Y. Li, J. Wang, S. Wang, et al., Energy Stor. Mater. 66 (2024) 103245.
13. [13]
  J. Wang, Y. Yang, Y. Wang, et al., ACS Nano 16 (2022) 15770–15778. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04114
14. [14]
  Z. Zhao, J. Lai, D.T. Ho, et al., ACS Energy Lett. 8 (2023) 608–618.
15. [15]
  M. Zhao, J. Rong, F. Huo, et al., Adv. Mater. 34 (2022) 2203153.
16. [16]
  H. Qiu, X. Du, J. Zhao, et al., Nat. Commun. 10 (2019) 5374.
17. [17]
  Y.X. Song, J. Wang, X.B. Zhong, et al., Energy Stor. Mater. 58 (2023) 85–93.
18. [18]
  Y. Geng, L. Pan, Z. Peng, et al., Energy Stor. Mater. 51 (2022) 733–755.
19. [19]
  Q. Wu, J. Huang, J. Zhang, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 63 (2024) e202319051.
20. [20]
  Y. Zhang, M. Li, S. Liang, G. Fang, Energy Mater. Devices 1 (2023) 9370023. doi: 10.26599/emd.2023.9370023
21. [21]
  K. Zhou, G. Liu, X. Yu, Z. Li, Y. Wang, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 146 (2024) 9455–9464. doi: 10.1021/jacs.4c02150
22. [22]
  A. Naveed, H. Yang, J. Yang, Y. Nuli, J. Wang, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 58 (2019) 2760–2764. doi: 10.1002/anie.201813223
23. [23]
  M. Han, T.C. Li, X. Chen, H.Y. Yang, Small 20 (2024) 2304901.
24. [24]
  A. Naveed, H. Yang, Y. Shao, et al., Adv. Mater. 31 (2019) 1900668.
25. [25]
  D. Han, C. Cui, K. Zhang, et al., Nat. Sustain. 5 (2022) 205–213.
26. [26]
  C. Cui, D. Han, H. Lu, et al., Adv. Energy Mater. 13 (2023) 2301466.
27. [27]
  D. Kundu, S. Hosseini Vajargah, et al., Energy Environ. Sci. 11 (2018) 881–892. doi: 10.1039/c8ee00378e
28. [28]
  W. Xu, Y. Wang, Nano-Micro Lett. 11 (2019) 90.
29. [29]
  L. Ma, J. Vatamanu, N.T. Hahn, et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 119 (2022) e2121138119.
30. [30]
  L. Cao, D. Li, T. Pollard, et al., Nat. Nanotechnol. 16 (2021) 902–910. doi: 10.1038/s41565-021-00905-4
31. [31]
  W. Xu, J. Li, X. Liao, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 145 (2023) 22456–22465. doi: 10.1021/jacs.3c06523
32. [32]
  L. Cao, D. Li, E. Hu, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 142 (2020) 21404–21409. doi: 10.1021/jacs.0c09794
33. [33]
  X. Song, L. Bai, C. Wang, et al., ACS Nano 17 (2023) 15113–15124. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.3c04343
34. [34]
  Z. Zhao, R. Wang, C. Peng, et al., Nat. Commun. 12 (2021) 6606.
35. [35]
  J. Wang, J.X. Tian, G.X. Liu, Z.Z. Shen, R. Wen, Small Methods 7 (2023) 2300392.
36. [36]
  V.V. Volkov, D.J. Oliver, C.C. Perry, Nat. Commun. 11 (2020) 4908.
37. [37]
  B.E. Hawkins, D.E. Turney, R.J. Messinger, et al., Adv. Energy Mater. 12 (2022) 2103294.
1. [1]
  Jiao Wang , Shuang-Yan Lang , Zhen-Zhen Shen , Gui-Xian Liu , Jian-Xin Tian , Yuan Li , Rui-Zhi Liu , Rui Wen . In situ imaging of the interfacial processes manipulated by salt concentration on zinc anodes in zinc metal batteries. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(4): 109815-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109815
2. [2]
  Teng Wang , Jiachun Cao , Juan Li , Didi Li , Zhimin Ao . A novel photocatalytic mechanism of volatile organic compounds degradation on BaTiO₃ under visible light: Photo-electrons transfer from photocatalyst to pollutant. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(3): 110078-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110078
3. [3]
  Xinxiu Yan , Xizhe Huang , Yangyang Liu , Weishang Jia , Hualin Chen , Qi Yao , Tao Chen . Hyperbranched polyamidoamine protective layer with phosphate and carboxyl groups for dendrite-free Zn metal anodes. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(10): 109426-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.109426
4. [4]
  Haibo Ye , Qianyu Li , Juan Li , Didi Li , Zhimin Ao . Review on the abiotic degradation of biodegradable plastic poly(butylene adipate-terephthalate): Mechanisms and main factors of the degradation. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(1): 109861-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109861
5. [5]
  Jiawei Ge , Xian Wang , Heyuan Tian , Hao Wan , Wei Ma , Jiangying Qu , Junjie Ge . Iridium-based catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(5): 109906-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109906
6. [6]
  Tianjun Ni , Hui Zhang , Liping Zhou , Roujie Ma , Yanyu Wang , Zhijun Yang , Dan Luo , Nithima Khaorapapong , Xingtao Xu , Yusuke Yamauchi , Dong Liu . Atomic cobalt catalysts on 3D interconnected g-C₃N₄ support for activation of peroxymonosulfate: The importance of Co-N coordination effect. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(9): 110659-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.110659
7. [7]
  Fengchen Wang , Yujia Xiang , Yuqi Zhang , Xin Zhou , Jing Zhang , Chuanshu He , Heng Zhang , Zhaokun Xiong , Peng Zhou , Hongyu Zhou , Yang Liu , Bo Lai . A comprehensive review on oxygen vacancies modified catalysts: Synthesis, characterization, and crucial role in catalytic ozonation. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(2): 111315-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111315
8. [8]
  Haiying Lu , Weijie Li . The electrolyte solvation and interfacial chemistry for anode-free sodium metal batteries. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(11): 100334-100334. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100334
9. [9]
  Ying Li , Yanjun Xu , Xingqi Han , Di Han , Xuesong Wu , Xinlong Wang , Zhongmin Su . A new metal–organic rotaxane framework for enhanced ion conductivity of solid-state electrolyte in lithium-metal batteries. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(9): 109189-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2023.109189
10. [10]
  Ming-Zhen Li , Yang Zhang , Kun Li , Ya-Nan Shang , Yi-Zhen Zhang , Yu-Jiao Kan , Zhi-Yang Jiao , Yu-Yuan Han , Xiao-Qiang Cao . In situ regeneration of catalyst for Fenton-like degradation by photogenerated electron transportation: Characterization, performance and mechanism comparison. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(1): 109885-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109885
11. [11]
  Yuhao Ma , Yufei Zhou , Hongli Li , Cheng Fang , Mingchuan Yu , Shaoxia Yang , Junfeng Niu . Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of refractory organic pollutants in water: Mechanism of active species generation by modulating the photoanode micro-interface. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(1): 111249-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111249
12. [12]
  Lu Zhang , Baohua Wang , Wei Yang , Lunan Ju , Zihan Fu , Lei Zhao , Yunqi Jiang , Hongyan Wang , Xiansheng Wang , Cong Lyu . CoOOH@COFs S−scheme heterojunction for efficient triclosan degradation in photocatalytic-peroxymonosulfate activation system: Enhanced interfacial electron transfer mechanism. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2026, 37(1): 111142-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2025.111142
13. [13]
  Yadan Luo , Hao Zheng , Xin Li , Fengmin Li , Hua Tang , Xilin She . Modulating reactive oxygen species in O, S co-doped C₃N₄ to enhance photocatalytic degradation of microplastics. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2025, 41(6): 100052-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100052
14. [14]
  Mingxuan Qi , Lanyu Jin , Honghe Yao , Zipeng Xu , Teng Cheng , Qi Chen , Cheng Zhu , Yang Bai . Recent progress on electrical failure and stability of perovskite solar cells under reverse bias. Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica, 2025, 41(8): 100088-0. doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100088
15. [15]
  Wenbiao Zhang , Bolong Yang , Zhonghua Xiang . Atomically dispersed Cu-based metal-organic framework directly for alkaline polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(2): 109630-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109630
16. [16]
  Tianyi Hou , Yunhui Huang , Henghui Xu . Interfacial engineering for advanced solid-state Li-metal batteries. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(7): 100313-100313. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2024.100313
17. [17]
  Mengwen Wang , Qintao Sun , Yue Liu , Zhengan Yan , Qiyu Xu , Yuchen Wu , Tao Cheng . Impact of lithium nitrate additives on the solid electrolyte interphase in lithium metal batteries. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2024, 43(2): 100203-100203. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2023.100203
18. [18]
  Yunlong Sun , Wei Ding , Yanhao Wang , Zhening Zhang , Ruyun Wang , Yinghui Guo , Zhiyuan Gao , Haiyan Du , Dong Ma . New insight into manganese-enhanced abiotic degradation of microplastics: Processes and mechanisms. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2025, 36(3): 109941-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109941
19. [19]
  Ze Liu , Xiaochen Zhang , Jinlong Luo , Yingjian Yu . Application of metal-organic frameworks to the anode interface in metal batteries. Chinese Chemical Letters, 2024, 35(11): 109500-. doi: 10.1016/j.cclet.2024.109500
20. [20]
  Zerui Deng , Xincheng Liang , Xingfa Chen , Yuquan Gou , Anning Wang , Peixin Xie , Qian Liu , Huan Wen , Shibin Yin . The role of ammonium formate electrolyte additive for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: Inducing Zn(002) deposition and suppressing hydrogen evolution. Chinese Journal of Structural Chemistry, 2025, 44(11): 100706-100706. doi: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2025.100706

Get Citation

PDF

XML

Metrics

PDF Downloads(0)
Abstract views(741)
HTML views(19)

通讯作者: 陈斌, bchen63@163.com

1.
沈阳化工大学材料科学与工程学院沈阳 110142