Self-mixing anti-corrosive Zn-In powder composite anode with ultra-long lifespan for aqueous zinc-ion battery.

Appropriate design of electrode structure and chemistry for Zn metal anode is important to the kinetics and electrochemical stability of Zn in aqueous batteries. Herein, In modified Zn powder electrode with carbon nanofibers as the stable electric conductive matrix provides an effective approach to simultaneously enhance reaction kinetics and inhibit H 2 generation reactions. The designed Zn–In powder electrode presents self-mixing In distribution within the electrode during cycling thus enabling superior anti-corrasion and stable conductive network that significantly alters the Zn deposition behavior. Instant 3D Zn deposition with super-fast interfacial kinetics is achieved due to favorable Zn nucleation and growth as well as suppressed side reactions. Stable cycling of over 6300 h is achieved, which is 30-fold longer lifespan than Zn foil anode. Even at 5 mA cm−2, 5 mAh cm−2 (depth of discharge: 31.1%), Zn–In powder anode still presents stable cycling of over 500 h and low polarization voltage. Ultra-long cycle life of over 20,000 cycles can be achieved for full cells using Zn–In powder electrode paired with V 2 O 5 cathode. Modified composite Zn powder electrode provides an effective and practical approach to address the electrochemical stability of Zn-based anodes in rechargeable cells. In modified Zn powder electrode with carbon nanofibers as the stable electric conductive matrix (Zn–In@CNFs) provides an effective approach to simultaneously enhance reaction kinetics and inhibit H 2 generation reactions. Zn–In@CNFs powder composite electrode enables self-mixing of In and Zn within the electrode during repeated Zn plating/stripping reactions and induces instant 3D Zn diffusion mode. Modified composite Zn powder electrode provides an effective approach to address the electrochemical stability of Zn-based anodes in rechargeable cells. [Display omitted] • In and carbon nanofiber modified Zn powder electrode regulates the nucleation and growth modes of Zn for enhanced stability. • The modified Zn powder electrode achieves a cooperative suppression of the HER and enhanced reaction kinetics. • Ultra-long life for aqueous Zn–V 2 O 5 full cell is achived with modified Zn powder electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]