Achieving superior stability and cycle life in zinc anodes with Aramid surface modification

Abstract

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion battery systems for large-scale energy storage, offering safety, material abundance, and environmental advantages. However, Zn metal anodes face significant challenges, including dendritic growth and side reactions, limiting their cycling stability. In this investigation, we present an aramid-based polymer coating engineered to address these issues by promoting uniform Zn deposition, suppressing side reactions, and enhancing resistance to thermal stress. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrate a notable reduction in charge transfer resistance (Rct) in the Aramid@Zn configuration, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses reveal minimal formation of corrosion-related by-products. Symmetric cell cycling results confirm Aramid@Zn superior durability, showing stable cycling beyond 1000 hours at 1 mA cm–2. When applied in Zn||α-MnO2 full cells, the Aramid@Zn anode exhibited a capacity retention of 91.8% after 2000 cycles at 1 A g–1, outperforming Bare Zn counterparts. These results underscore the aramid layer's role in promoting a stable interfacial structure and inhibiting dendritic growth, offering a robust strategy for enhancing AZIB stability.