The Stable 3D Zn Electrode for High-Power Density Zn Metal Batteries

A stable Zn metal electrode can develop rechargeable zinc metal batteries (RZMBs) which have the high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g−1), low redox potential, and intrinsic safety. However, the corrosion of Zn metal in aqueous electrolytes and Zn dendrite formation during the plating process lead to poor cycling and thus hinder the development of RZMBs. Here, we employed ionic liquid-based gel polymer (poly(vinylidene fluoride)-co-hexafluoropropylene, PVDF-HFP) and acetylene black (AB) to achieve a stable and flexible three-dimensional (3D) Zn/AB/PVDF-HFP film electrode with ionic and electronic conductive networks and high surface area, showing 26 times higher plating/stripping current than planar Zn plate. By developing a continuous structure between the ionic liquid-based gel polymer membrane and the flexible 3D Zn/AB/PVDF-HFP electrode, the low resistance, high rate capability and long cycle life (> 800 h) was obtained. Our work shows a flexible Zn film electrode and ionic liquid-based gel polymer electrolyte, could pave the path for rechargeable and high-cycle life thin-film RZMBs.