A dendrite-free anode for stable aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries

Due to its low cost, high specific co, and environmental friendliness, zinc is considered a potential anode material for aqueous rechargeable Zn-ion batteries. However, practical applications remain a challenge due to uncontrolled dendrite formation. Herein, we have utilized a strategy where a microporous nanofiber layer of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is electrospun onto Cu foil and used as the current collector for the anode to inhibit dendrite generation. The polar nitrile groups on the nanofibers expedite the uniform transport of Zn2+ and allow homogenous Zn deposition, which ultimately inhibits dendrite growth. The symmetrical cell equipped with this new fabricated electrode shows over 270 stable cycles without a short circuit. The full cell formed with MnO2 as the cathode exhibits improved cycle stability up to 300 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1.