Stable zinc anode enabled by a novel micelle-like electrolyte

The stability of Zn metal anode has been suffering from intricate interfacial chemical and erratic coordination environment. Herein, a novel micelle-like electrolyte using sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) is introduced to enhance the thermodynamic stability of Zn anode|electrolyte interface and optimize Zn2+ reaction kinetics. The DBS- anions are preferentially adsorbed on Zn anode surface to form a hydrophobic interface layer, avoiding direct contact between H2O molecules and Zn anode. Moreover, the local hydrogen bonding network around the micelles is structured, thereby suppressing the water-splitting-derived side reactions. More importantly, sulfonic acid groups of micelles tend to bind with Zn2+ in a bidentate form inside the electrolyte, realizing the (002)-textured Zn plating. Consequently, the micelle-like electrolyte using 2 mM SDBS endows the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with an extended cycling lifespan of 550 h at 1.2 mA cm-2/1.2 mAh cm- 2 and a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.09% at 0.5 mA cm- 2/1 mAh cm- 2. The boosted cycling stability and inhibited self- discharge behavior of Zn||NH4V4O10 full cell are achieved. This proposed micelle-like electrolyte strategy provides a promising approach for developing stable aqueous Zn-ion batteries.