Electrophoresis-deposited polyacrylic acid/Ti3C2Tx MXene hybrid artificial layers for dendrite-free zinc anodes

Hybrid layers composed of polyacrylic acid and Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene are coated on the surface of Zn foils via electrophoresis deposition processes , realizing the construction of an artificial protective coating with the pre-introduction of excess Zn 2+ towards suppressing Zn 2+ 2D diffusion of Zn deposition behavior . In this case, the abundant carboxyl groups of polyacrylic acid benefit to the fast transport of Zn 2+ in addition to the shield of anions and oxidants, restraining the corrosion and passivation of Zn metal anodes. Moreover, the appearance of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene with two-dimensional arrangements strengthens the structure stability and improves the hydrophilicity of hybrid layers so as to restrict the dendrite growth of Zn metal anodes. Accordingly, polyacrylic acid/Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene hybrid layer coated Zn electrodes in symmetric cells achieve a lifespan of over 1000 h at a current density of 3 mA cm −2 and an areal capacity of 3 mAh cm −2 , superior to pristine Zn electrodes (107 h) and polyacrylic acid layer coated Zn electrodes (401 h). The full cell based on polyacrylic acid/Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene hybrid layer coated Zn anodes and Na 0.33 V 2 O 5 cathodes also exhibits a high capacity retention of 98.6 % after 1000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g −1 .