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Highlights: The amphipathic phenylalanine-adsorbed layer contributes to form a nucleophilic–hydrophobic interface that homogenizes Zn2+ flux while repelling H2O molecules from contacting Zn anode. The preferential reduction of phenylalanine (Phe) prior to H2O facilitates in situ formation of an organic–inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase, enhancing the interfacial stability. Benefiting from the triple protection of Phe, the Zn||Zn and Zn||LMO cells display significantly improved electrochemical performances, even at extreme diluted electrolytes. Aqueous Zn2+-ion batteries (AZIBs), recognized for their high security, reliability, and cost efficiency, have garnered considerable attention. However, the prevalent issues of dendrite growth and parasitic reactions at the Zn electrode interface significantly impede their practical application. In this study, we introduced a ubiquitous biomolecule of phenylalanine (Phe) into the electrolyte as a multifunctional additive to improve the reversibility of the Zn anode. Leveraging its exceptional nucleophilic characteristics, Phe molecules tend to coordinate with Zn2+ ions for optimizing the solvation environment. Simultaneously, the distinctive lipophilicity of aromatic amino acids empowers Phe with a higher adsorption energy, enabling the construction of a multifunctional protective interphase. The hydrophobic benzene ring ligands act as cleaners for repelling H2O molecules, while the hydrophilic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups attract Zn2+ ions for homogenizing Zn2+ flux. Moreover, the preferential reduction of Phe molecules prior to H2O facilitates the in situ formation of an organic–inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interphase, enhancing the interfacial stability of the Zn anode. Consequently, Zn||Zn cells display improved reversibility, achieving an extended cycle life of 5250 h. Additionally, Zn||LMO full cells exhibit enhanced cyclability of retaining 77.3% capacity after 300 cycles, demonstrating substantial potential in advancing the commercialization of AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrolyte erosion on the surface of active electrode material is recognized as a critical factor affecting the electrochemical performance of LiNixCoyMn1 − x − yO2 cathode materials. In this study, a LiF-modified LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (LNMC811) cathode material was successfully constructed via wet chemical method by heating treatment. Electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy studies prove that a LiF coating layer (approximately 10 nm) is tightly wrapped on the LNMC811 surface. Consequently, the LiF-modified LNMC811 shows amazing rate capability and wonderful cycling retention, presenting 90% and 75% of the initial discharge capacity at 1 C and 2 C after 100 cycles, respectively, in contrast with 52% capacity retention for bare LNMC811. The wonderful electrochemical property of LNMC811@LiF is caused by the incorporation of the LiF layer which helps to inhibit the deleterious side reactions between the electrolyte and active materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, single-phase pyrite with different particle sizes is prepared by hydrothermal method with the reactants of NaS, S, and FeSO. Compared with natural pyrite powder, synthesized pyrite nanocubes with small particle sizes and fine distribution have lower resistance, higher specific capacity and power density during the discharging process. The enlarging contacting surface area of pyrite with electrolytes will reduce the concentration polarization caused by the discharging current and improve the utilization efficiency of the pyrite materials. When pulse currents are loaded, compared with natural pyrite single-cell thermal battery, synthetic ones have smaller voltage drops and higher power density during the pulse discharging process. Influences of particle sizes on the thermal stability of the pyrite powders have also been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]