Dendrite-Free Zinc-Based Battery with High Areal Capacity via the Region-Induced Deposition Effect of Turing Membrane

Abstract

Zinc-based batteries are promising for use as energy storage devices owing to their low cost and high energy density. However, zinc chemistry commonly encounters serious dendrite issues, especially at high areal capacities and current densities, limiting their application. Herein, we propose a novel membrane featuring ordered undulating stripes called “Turing patterns”, which can effectively suppress zinc dendrites and improve ion conductivity. The crests and troughs in the Turing membrane can effectively adjust the Zn(OH) 4 2– distribution and provide more zinc deposition space. The coordinated Cu ions during membrane formation can interact with Zn(OH) 4 2–, further smoothing zinc deposition. Even at a high current density of 80 mA·cm –2, the Turing membrane enables an alkaline zinc–iron flow battery (AZIFB) to work stably with an ultrahigh areal capacity of 160 mA·h·cm –2 for approximately 110 cycles, showing an energy efficiency of 90.10%, which is by far the highest value ever reported among zinc-based batteries with such a high current density. This paper provides valid access to zinc-based batteries with high areal capacities based on membrane design and promotes their advancement.