“Intelligent” electrophoretic additives : construction of a double-electrode interface protective layer for aqueous zinc ion batteries

Abstract

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) have garnered significant attention in the field of energy storage. However, harmful side reactions induced by interfacial water impede their cycling stability and commercial feasibility. Herein, α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose (ACB) is introduced into the electrolyte as an additive due to its highly polar hydroxyl groups, which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules in the electrolyte, thereby “anchoring” free water molecules and reducing their reactivity and activity. More importantly, under the influence of a periodic electric field switching, ACB molecules provide protection to both cathode and anode electrode interfaces by reciprocating between cathode and anode. Specifically, it inhibits dendritic growth and side reactions at the anode while stabilizes structure and preventing dissolution at the cathode. Owing to the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding reconstruction and interface protection of acarbose additives, Zn Zn symmetric cell exhibits ultra-long-term cycling stability exceeding 810 h at a current density of 10 mA cm⁻² and a capacity of 10 mAh cm⁻², along with an improved average Coulombic efficiency of 99.66% in the Zn//Cu half-cell. Additionally, the full cell incorporating a VO₂ cathode demonstrates an exceptional capacity retention of 93.72% following 1000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g⁻¹.