Multi-functional additive to enhance cycling performance of Zn anode in aqueous battery

The growth of dendritic dendrites and side reactions at the zinc anode result in poor cycling stability of the aqueous zinc-ion battery (AZIBs). Here, we report on a multifunctional additive, Sodium lactobionate (SL), that achieves more stable cycling performance. SL molecule can loosen the solvation structure of water and Zn2+, inhibit corrosion and hydrogen evolution reactions, and regulate ion deposition in AZIBs. Under the action of SL, the Zn//Zn symmetric battery achieves an ultra-long stable cycle of up to 2150 h at a current density of 2 mA·cm−2 and an area capacity of 1 mAh cm−2 and Zn//NVO can still perform 1110 cycles at the current density of 2 A g−1 and maintain the reversible specific discharge capacity of 179 mAh g−1. In addition, at 2 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mAh cm−2, the Zn//Cu asymmetric battery achieved up to 350 cycles with a coulomb efficiency of 99.5 %. •Sodium lactobionate can change the solvation structure of water and Zn2+.•Inhibit corrosion and regulate ion deposition.•Zn.||Zn symmetric cell exhibits a cycling of 2150 h at 2 mA cm−2, 1 mAh cm−2.•4.Zn.||NVO full cell shows 76.4 % retention after 1100 cycles at 2 A g−1.