Construction of oriented Zn (002) facets via 3D conductive frameworks for enhanced performance in fiber-based zinc-ion batteries

Abstract

Zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are poised to play a pivotal role in the future energy storage market. However, the undesired growth of zinc dendrites and the prevalence of side reactions pose significant challenges that limit the practical application of ZIBs. The sophisticated structural design and crystal orientation of the Zn anode can effectively suppress the occurrence of zinc dendrites and side reactions. Herein, a highly oriented Zn (002) lattice plane on 3D conductive frameworks [Zn/TiN nanotubes (NTs)] is designed to address uncontrolled dendrite growth, water-induced side reactions, and suboptimal Zn metal utilization in ZIBs. By leveraging an abundance of active sites for Zn2+ adsorption, minimal charge transfer resistance, and the controlled growth of Zn crystal facets, the reversibility and stability of ZIBs can be significantly enhanced during the Zn plating/stripping process. Remarkably, fiber-ZIBs based on Zn/TiN NTs exhibit a large specific capacity, long-term cycling durability, and excellent mechanical properties. This work proposes an approach to achieve highly reversible zinc anodes from the perspective of nanostructure and crystal orientation.