Electric-Responded 2D Black Phosphorus Nanosheets Induce Uniform Zn2+ Deposition for Efficient Aqueous Zinc-Metal Batteries

Aqueous zinc-metal batteries (AZMBs) have demonstrated inspiring potential for large-scale energy storage applications. However, their further utilization is impeded by issues such as severe side reactions and the uncontrolled penetrating dendrites growth. In this study, an innovative approach to modify the aqueous electrolyte with 2D black phosphorus nanosheets (denoted as 2D BP nanosheets) is proposed. The 2D BP nanosheets under the electric field acted as a unique electron directional migration character, can dynamically homogenize the electric field, facilitate homogeneous Zn2+ conduction. The nanosheets covering on the protuberances can also induce stable and homogeneous Zn2+ deposition, thereby effectively inhibit the formation of penetrating dendrites. More importantly, this special protective interlayer can further prevent the direct contact between reactive Zn-metal and activated water molecules, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of undesirable side-reactions. The incorporation of BP nanosheets induced significant improvement in electrochemical stability and reversibility for AZMBs. As a result, Zn//Zn symmetric batteries based on 2D BP nanosheets added electrolyte exhibited steady cycling for over 2800 h at 1 mA cm(-2) 1 mAh cm(-2). Zn//NVO full-cell preserved 78.85% capacity even after ultra-long 1000 cycles. The successful application of 2D BP nanosheets introduce a novel method to accelerate the practical application of AZMBS.