Enhanced zinc-ion batteries through the coating of surface-functionalized graphene on the anode: A promising solution for uniform zinc plating

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted attention as large-scale energy storage systems because of their excellent safety, high capacity, eco-friendliness, and low cost. However, the utilization of acid electrolytes in ZIBs causes non-uniform dendrite growth at the anode, which limits their capacity and cycle life. To solve this issue, an advanced anode with high electrical conductivity and good interfacial stability is required. In this study, surface-functionalized graphene was used as a protective layer on the anode surface. Specifically, the surface engineering using plasma treatment is employed to enhance the oxygen-functional groups of graphene layer. The resulting ZIB exhibited superior energy storage performance and reversibility, with an improved specific capacity of 260.0 mA h g−1 at 0.3 A g−1, and an excellent long-term stability and a specific capacity of 139.0 mA h g−1 during 150 cycles at 2.0 A g−1. The proposed method is an easy and feasible method for addressing the anode issues of ZIBs, thus providing new opportunities for stable and high-performance ZIBs.