Nano-Micro Letters, Volume. 16, Issue 1, 164(2024)

Amphipathic Phenylalanine-Induced Nucleophilic–Hydrophobic Interface Toward Highly Reversible Zn Anode

Anbin Zhou1、†, Huirong Wang1、†, Fengling Zhang1, Xin Hu1, Zhihang Song1, Yi Chen1, Yongxin Huang1,2、*, Yanhua Cui4, Yixiu Cui4, Li Li1,2,3, Feng Wu1,2,3, and Renjie Chen1,2,3、**
Author Affiliations
  • 1Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, People’s Republic of China
  • 2Advanced Technology Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Technology, Jinan 250300, People’s Republic of China
  • 3Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, Beijing, 100081, People’s Republic of China
  • 4Institute of Electronic Engineering, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900, People’s Republic of China
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    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.

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    Anbin Zhou, Huirong Wang, Fengling Zhang, Xin Hu, Zhihang Song, Yi Chen, Yongxin Huang, Yanhua Cui, Yixiu Cui, Li Li, Feng Wu, Renjie Chen. Amphipathic Phenylalanine-Induced Nucleophilic–Hydrophobic Interface Toward Highly Reversible Zn Anode[J]. Nano-Micro Letters, 2024, 16(1): 164

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    Paper Information

    Category: Research Articles

    Received: Dec. 31, 2023

    Accepted: Feb. 17, 2024

    Published Online: Apr. 29, 2024

    The Author Email: Huang Yongxin (huangyx@bit.edu.cn), Chen Renjie (chenrj@bit.edu.cn)

    DOI:10.1007/s40820-024-01380-x

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