A high-temperature resistant quasi-solid Sn–air battery with a Ni3(HITP)2-modified Sn anode

Tin–air batteries (TABs) exhibit high safety and low cost, and are expected to be used in electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. However, challenges such as the irregular deposition of tin (Sn) particles on Sn anodes, surface passivation, and significant hydrogen evolution have hindered the development of high-performance TABs. To address these challenges, this study introduces quasi-solid TABs (QSTABs) with satisfactory high-temperature resistance. A conductive metal–organic framework (c-MOF), particularly Ni3(HITP)2, was synthesized and deposited onto the Sn anode surface. The porous structure of c-MOF increased the specific surface area of the Sn anode, improved electronic conductivity and facilitated the absorption and release of ions during charge and discharge cycling. Theoretical calculations revealed that Ni3(HITP)2 provided more electron donor sites to coordinate with Sn2+ and inhibited hydrogen release. Additionally, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was incorporated into the organic gel polymer electrolytes (OGPEs) to significantly enhance their water retention, ensuring stable operation of QSTABs between 25 and 50 °C. Notably, QSTABs assembled with CMC-OGPE/Sn@Ni3(HITP)2 exhibited a fine cycle life of over 200 cycles at 50 °C. The electronic c-MOF material effectively inhibited metal shedding and side reactions on the Sn anode. These findings provide valuable guidance for developing QSTABs with high-temperature resistance.