Fast Ionic Conducting Hydroxyapatite Solid Electrolyte Interphase Enables Ultra-Stable Zinc Metal Anodes

Abstract

Zn metal has been extensively utilized as an anode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries attributed to its affordable cost and superior theoretical capacity. Nevertheless, the presence of dendrites and undesirable side reactions poses challenges to its widespread commercialization. To address these issues, herein, a surface coating composed of hydroxyapatite (HAP) was developed on the Zn anode to create an artificial solid electrolyte interphase. After the application of a hydroxyapatite layer, dendrites and corrosion of the Zn anode are sufficiently inhibited. Furthermore, the hydroxyapatite interphase with a low ionic diffusion barrier enables fast anodic redox kinetics. Consequently, the Zn@HAP symmetric cell possesses a durable lifespan over 2000 h at 1 mA cm-2, while maintaining minimal polarization. Moreover, the practical feasibilities of the Zn@HAP anode are also manifested in full batteries combined with MnO2 cathodes, exhibiting exceptional cycling performance up to 500 cycles at 1 A g-1 and excellent rate capability with a retention of 109 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1.