Three-dimensional synergistic ionic-electronic conductor host assisted high-performance Zn metal battery

• Published in: Ionics 2023-08, Vol.29 (8), p.3097-3107
• Main Authors: Wang, Jian-Hua, Dong, Wei-Xu, Chen, Jingwei, Chen, Li-Feng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cellulose fibers; Charge transfer; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Conductors; Electrochemical analysis; Electrochemistry; Electron transport; Energy Storage; Optical and Electronic Materials; Renewable and Green Energy; Storage systems
• ISSN: 0947-7047; 1862-0760
• DOI: 10.1007/s11581-023-05054-3

The current booming request of sustainable and renewable energy storage systems is promoting the recent renaissance of zinc (Zn) metal batteries. However, the irregular dendrite growth on the Zn anode prevents the further application of Zn metal batteries. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) synergistic ionic-electronic conductor (CT-B) host was prepared from carbonized tea leaf (CT) mixed with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized bacterial cellulose nanofibers (O-BCNFs) adsorbed with Zn 2+ ions, to regulate Zn plating behavior on the anode of aqueous Zn metal batteries. The as-prepared 3D CT-B contains uniformly distributed N, F co-doped carbon that is beneficial to charge transfer, and O-BCNFs contributing to facilitated ionic transport. The 3D skeleton not only provide pathways for ionic and electronic transport but also renders favorable mechanical flexibility, significantly elevating the electrochemical performance of the as-prepared Zn metal battery. The 3D porous CT-B host allows smooth and dense Zn deposition even at a high capacity of 6 mAh cm −2 , while delivering a stable operation over 500 cycles with average Coulombic efficiency (CE) as high as 99.3%. When coupled with NaV 3 O 8 ·1.5H 2 O (NVO) cathode, the as-fabricated CT-B@Zn//NVO battery delivers a long lifespan of 250 cycles at 2 A g −1 . This work opens a new avenue to recycle biowaste to assemble 3D ionic/electronic conductor host, allowing further construction of durable and sustainable Zn metal batteries.