Construct wave-like structure on the anode surface for achieving controllable zinc deposition in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

The aqueous zinc ion batteries have attracted wide attention due to their advantages of high safety, high energy density and low cost. However, the dendrite problem on the anode has restricted its development due to the existence of potential safety hazards. Constructing micro-gully morphology on anode is regarded as an effective method to suppress dendrite growth because it can induce the uniform deposition of zinc ions. Therefore, the wave-like structure was in situ etched on zinc anode (Bi-Zn) by a mixture of bismuth nitrate and acetic acid based on atomization method. The unique wave-like structure provides more active sites for the deposition of zinc ions, enabling them to deposit uniformly on the anode surface. Meanwhile, due to its relatively high standard electrode potential, Bi hardly reacts with other substances and exhibits good corrosion resistance. As a result, the BiZn symmetric battery exhibits excellent cycling performance and can cycle stably for 1000 h at 4 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2. In short, commencing with the optimization of the anode structure, this study successfully inhibited the formation of dendrites and the occurrence of corrosion reactions, and improved the performance and cycling stability of the battery. It is of positive significance for its development in the field of energy storage.