Fluoride-Rich, Organic–Inorganic Gradient Interphase Enabled by Sacrificial Solvation Shells for Reversible Zinc Metal Batteries

Zinc metal batteries are strongly hindered by water corrosion, as solvated zinc ions would bring the active water molecules to the electrode/electrolyte interface constantly. Herein, we report a sacrificial solvation shell to repel active water molecules from the electrode/electrolyte interface and assist in forming a fluoride-rich, organic–inorganic gradient solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer. The simultaneous sacrificial process of methanol and Zn(CF3SO3)2 results in the gradient SEI layer with an organic-rich surface (CH2OC– and C5 product) and an inorganic-rich (ZnF2) bottom, which combines the merits of fast ion diffusion and high flexibility. As a result, the methanol additive enables corrosion-free…

• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: AC02-06CH11357, DE-AC02, 06CH11357, DE-AC02-06CH11357, DE-AC02-
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: D20015, DE-AC02-06CH11357, 21905305, 21905169
• HE
  Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project

  Award: D20015
• OO
  Office of Science

  Awards: DE-AC02-06CH11357, DE-AC02, 06CH11357, AC02-06CH11357
• AN
  Argonne National Laboratory

  Awards: DE-AC02, 06CH11357, AC02-06CH11357